Kietryn Zychal is a grad student in the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University.

Posts By This Author

Arizona Republicans Refuse To Vote On Amendment Addressing Sex-Based Discrimination

by Kietryn Zychal 03-14-2019

Image via Rebecca McHood

Arizona is the birthplace and home of retired Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor. She became the first woman appointed to the high court in 1981 and sponsored ERA legislation in her home state in the 1970s when she was a Republican state senator.

A Religious Symbol at a Constitutional Crossroads

by Kietryn Zychal 02-28-2019

Image via Kietryn Zychal 

Inside the court, the arguments were more complicated and hinged on previous decisions about the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment which states “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion.” Justices questioned what constitutes an endorsement of religion? Which precedents from which cases should apply?

Beyond the First Step Act. Bipartisan Hope for Criminal Justice Reform?

by Kietryn Zychal 02-25-2019

Image via Rebecca Drobis

CNN commentator Van Jones, co-founder of #cut50, an initiative to reduce the prison population, moderated a Saturday morning panel at the annual winter meeting of governors. Jones worked with the Trump administration to rally support for the First Step Act, which the president signed into law in December. Jones called Republican Gov. Phil Bryant “our secret weapon” in convincing Donald Trump to support the criminal justice reform bill.

Despite Setbacks, Activists Not Giving Up On Equal Rights Amendment in Virginia

by Kietryn Zychal 01-28-2019

Shutterstock 

While much of the nation’s attention was focused on the government shutdown, a milestone for women’s equality, The Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) — first proposed in 1923 — came to the brink of being realized in Virginia only to be reported dead on Friday. Despite the apparent loss, ERA activists are not giving up on their goal of getting an ERA vote on the floor of the House of Delegates this session.