Oppressive Narrative:

"Tough on crime" policies are necessary to maintain public safety, and mass incarceration is an inevitable response to criminal behavior.

Counter-Narrative:

Mass incarceration perpetuates cycles of poverty and oppression, disproportionately affecting communities of color. True safety comes from addressing root causes—poverty, lack of opportunity, systemic inequality—not punitive measures.

Key Events:

• Model UN: Resolution on prison reform and restorative justice
• Mock Trial: Defense arguments challenging mandatory minimums
• Debate: Motion on abolishing cash bail systems

Oppressive Narrative:

Refugees and migrants are economic burdens and security threats that nations must restrict and control.

Counter-Narrative:

Forced migration is a human rights crisis driven by war, persecution, and climate change. Solidarity and protection—not borders and detention—are the moral responses. My work with North Korean refugees exemplifies this commitment.

Key Events:

• Model UN: Advocate for refugee protection protocols
• Debate: Support for comprehensive immigration reform
• NAUH: Direct action and community support for refugees

Oppressive Narrative:

Economic inequality is a natural result of merit and market forces. Those who work hard succeed; poverty is a personal failure.

Counter-Narrative:

Systemic inequality is built into economic structures that privilege wealth over labor. Addressing inequality requires redistributive policies, workers' rights, and dismantling systems that extract value from marginalized communities.

Key Events:

• Debate: Universal basic income and wealth redistribution
• Model UN: Resolutions on global economic justice
• Community Organizing: Economic empowerment initiatives

Oppressive Narrative:

Educational achievement gaps reflect individual merit and cultural values, not systemic barriers.

Counter-Narrative:

Educational inequity is a direct result of resource disparities, discriminatory policies, and cultural bias in curricula. True equity requires anti-racist pedagogy and equitable funding.

Key Events:

• Cultural Awareness Club: Anti-racism policy implementation
• Debate: Educational funding reform
• Advocacy: Culturally responsive curriculum development