1. Black Silent Majority: The Rockefeller Drug Laws and the Politics of Punishment
By Michael Javen Fortner
Examines the social and political support provided by the African-American "silent majority" of New York City during the buildup to the Rockefeller Drug laws of 1973, which were among the first to establish lengthy mandatory minimum sentencing for narcotics offenses. Details the motivations of the working and middle class residents, activists, and civic leaders who helped to push "tough on crime" policies following the perceived failure of treatment-based anti-narcotics strategy of the 1960's. Concludes by considering the effects of the 1970's drug laws, and in particular how they impacted the African-American community through high incarceration rates and associated societal impacts
Harvard University Press, 2015, 350 pages
364.1 F778B 2015

2. Fifty State Systems of Community Colleges: Mission, Governance, Funding, and Accountability
By Janice Nahra Friedel, et al.
Details the unique and varied models of community colleges systems in the U.S. where no common model is available. Highlights the system of each state in terms of its history, purpose, governance, structure, funding, accountability, and challenges & opportunities. Allows for the comparison of key factors driving community colleges today including the political and financial aspects of the various administrative systems and how each system answers to taxpayers and policymakers.
Overmountain Press, 2014, 384 pages
378.1543 F912F 2014

3. Fracking the Neighborhood: Reluctant Activists and Natural Gas Drilling
By Jessica Smartt Gullion
Examines what happens when natural gas extraction by means of hydraulic fracturing or “fracking,” takes place, not on open rural land, but in densely populated areas. Offers an analysis of the environmental health activism, often by people who have never been activists, that has sprung up in otherwise politically conservative Texas urban communities. Chronicles the intrusive effects of fracking on these communities and highlights the frustration of residents who feel they are not provided with enough advance warning or information about the process. Describes the health effects from the environmental pollution that is created where fracking is taking place.
MIT Press, 2015, 191 pages
622.3381 G946F 2015

4. Mexicans in the Making of America
By Neil Foley
Analyzes the impact that Mexicans have had and are having on the evolving American landscape. Reviews many of the racially motivated legal and legislative hurdles aimed at Mexicans and Mexican-Americans. Chronicles both the struggles and milestones for Latinos from the Mexican-American War in 1848 through the present-day immigration debates. Suggests that the fast evolving demographics of the United States will not only help to shape the cultural diversity of this country but also its politics, and its economics.
Belknap Press of Harvard University, 2014, 344 pages
973.046872 F699M 2014

5. Pulled Over: How Police Stops Define Race and Citizenship
By Charles R. Epp, Steven Maynard-Moody, and Donald Haider-Markel
Traces the development of "investigatory stops" in police practice. Presents results of an extensive survey and statistical modeling of traffic stops in the Kansas City metropolitan area, including the factors in a police officer's decision to make a stop and the experiences of drivers. Addresses racial disparities in investigative stops, particularly for African Americans. Recommends changes to law enforcement policy and practice to move toward racial justice in police stops.
University of Chicago Press, 2014, 253 pages
363.2 EP61P 2014

6. Federalism on Trial: State Attorneys General and National Policymaking in Contemporary America
By Paul Neolette
Focuses on the activist role of state attorneys general in the use of coordinated policy-oriented lawsuits to influence national policymaking. Explores their role through case studies involving drug pricing, environmental policy, and health care reform. Highlights the fact that this activism at the state level has led to expanded governmental power at all levels and has had both positive and negative impacts.
University Press of Kansas, 2015, 286 pages
320.6 N716 2015

7. Texas Women First: Leading Ladies of Lone Star History
By Sherrie S. McLeRoy
Celebrates the contributions and achievements of a mix of unconventional, trailblazing women in the Lone Star state. Profiles famous and not so famous women who broke barriers in areas as diverse as aeronautics, government, arts & entertainment, business, education, medicine, law, military, and social justice. Highlights memorable "firsts" accomplished by Texas women who have helped shape American history and continue to influence and inspire generations of people.
History Press, 2015, 188 pages
979 M154T 2015