ABOUT
Join us for "Ballot Battle: The 2024 Presidential Election," hosted by the Tulane Journal of Policy & Political Economy. This engaging panel will feature speakers from the Trump administration, human rights and immigration attorneys, and political science experts. Explore the implications of the 2024 election on key issues like immigration, economic policy, and Supreme Court reform. Gain insights from diverse perspectives and engage in a respectful, moderated debate.
Don't miss this opportunity for enlightening discussion and civic engagement that highlights the importance of informed participation in our democracy. Be part of the conversation shaping our nation's future!
PROGRAM
** This event is open to the public. If you are a Tulane student, please bring your student ID to scan in **
4:30 pm CST | Doors open to the public
5:00 - 5:10 pm CST | WELCOME AND INTRODUCTION | The event will commence with a formal welcome from our Executive Programming Director, who will provide an overview of the evening’s agenda. During this time, our seven distinguished panelists will be introduced, offering attendees insight into their expertise and the topics they will discuss.
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5:10 - 5:30 pm CST | ECONOMICS PANEL | Our first panel will focus on key issues and policies in economics, featuring insights from Dr. Brandon Davis and Dr. Vance Ginn. These experts will explore current economic trends and proposed policy agendas under top-ticket presidential candidates.
5:30 - 5:50 pm CST | SUPREME COURT REFORM PANEL | Next, our Supreme Court Reform panel will bring together Dr. Scott Nolan, James Baehr, and Dr. Morris Lipson. The discussion will cover the role of judicial appointments, the balance of the Court, and how the next administration could influence key legal precedents, including those related to constitutional interpretation and civil rights.
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5:50 - 6:10 pm CST | IMMIGRATION PANEL | Following the Supreme Court discussion, Kathleen Gasparian and M. Isabel Medina will lead a conversation on immigration law and policy. They will examine the implications of the 2024 election on border security, immigration reform, and pathways to citizenship, as well as how potential shifts in leadership may affect the future of U.S. immigration policy and its humanitarian, economic, and social consequences.
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6:10 - 6:30 pm CST | Q&A SESSION | At this time, we will welcome back all of our panelists and open the floor to questions from the audience.
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6:30 pm CST | CLOSING REMARKS | The event will end with closing remarks from our Executive Programming Director. Following the formal program, attendees are invited to continue networking with our esteemed panelists and fellow participants, facilitating further discussion on the topics covered.
EVENT PANELISTS
Economics Panel
Dr. Brandon Davis​
PhD, MA, MSW, BS​
Assistant Professor in the Department of Political Science and the Murphy Institute at Tulane University
Dr. Brandon R. Davis is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Political Science at Tulane University, where he is a bold and innovative voice in American politics, race, and law. His cutting-edge research dives into the contentious intersections of race, criminal justice, and institutional power. In 2022, he earned the prestigious NSF CAREER award for his daring exploration of how law is weaponized in the fight for voting rights, solidifying his role as a rising force in political scholarship.
Dr. Vance Ginn​
PhD, BBA​
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Founder and President of Ginn Economic Consulting, Host of the Let People Prosper podcast
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Dr. Vance Ginn is the Founder and President of Ginn Economic Consulting and the host of the Let People Prosper Podcast. He is the Chief Economist at the Pelican Institute for Public Policy and is affiliated with more than 15 think tanks across the country. During the Trump Administration, Ginn served as the Associate Director for Economic Policy in the White House’s Office of Management and Budget, and he has led major fiscal reforms and shaped policy at the state and national levels. Ginn’s insights have been featured in outlets like The Wall Street Journal and Fox Business.
Supreme Court Reform Panel
Dr. Scott Nolan​
PhD, MA, BA​
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Professor of Practice in American Politics at Tulane University
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Dr. Scott N. Nolan, Professor of Practice in American Politics at Tulane University, combines extensive legal experience with a focus on courts, law, and LGBTQ issues. With a background in civil litigation, he is a highly awarded educator recognized for his innovative teaching and mentorship. Nolan also advises student organizations and promotes civic engagement across campus.
Dr. Morris Lipson​
PhD, JD​
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Adjunct Professor at the University of Arizona, University of British Columbia, and Tulane University, Director at Lipson Consulting​​
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Dr. Morris Lipson, a lawyer and academic philosopher, has extensive experience in strategic human rights litigation and foundation leadership. As a former Senior Legal Advisor at Open Society Foundations and Director of the Sigrid Rausing Trust, he developed litigation funds, evaluated major human rights initiatives, and led grant-making strategies. His work spans global human rights, digital privacy, migration, and anti-discrimination efforts, making him a key figure in shaping strategic litigation and philanthropy across multiple sectors.
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James Baehr
JD, MA, BA​
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​America First Policy Initiative Senior Fellow for the Center for 1776, Special Counsel at the Pelican Institute for Public Policy
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James Baehr, Senior Fellow for the Center for 1776 at AFPI and Special Counsel at the Pelican Institute for Public Policy, brings a wealth of experience from his service as a Special Assistant to the President in the White House Domestic Policy Council. A Major in the Marine Corps Reserves and former federal prosecutor, Baehr is deeply engaged in national defense issues and constitutional litigation. His legal background and military experience uniquely position him as a leader in policy discussions.
Immigration Panel
M. Isabel Medina
JD, MA/MFA, BA​
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​Ferris Distinguished Professor of Law at Loyola University College of Law​
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Professor M. Isabel Medina is a Ferris Family Distinguished Professor of Law at Loyola University New Orleans, where she serves as a dynamic voice in immigration and constitutional law. She is known for tackling controversial issues and has written extensively on race, gender, and immigration, including challenging gender-based violence and constitutional rights. A former Fulbright Scholar, she’s organized conferences on hot-button immigration and constitutional topics, and her thought-provoking work appears in top legal journals.
Kathleen Gasparian
JD, BA​
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Founder of Gasparian Spivey Immigration, Adjunct Professor of Immigration Law at Loyola University School of Law and Tulane University School of Law​​
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Professor Kathleen Gasparian founded Gasparian Spivey Immigration and is an expert immigration attorney and advocate. She has handled a wide range of immigration cases, including family-based immigration, deportation defense, asylum, and student visas. She has also led policy initiatives, notably forming PB&J: Pro Bono & Juveniles to support children during immigration proceedings. In addition to her work as a practicing attorney, she serves as an adjunct professor at Tulane and Loyal Law School, where she teaches immigration law.