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Period: to
1995-2015
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Columbine High School Shooting
Two high school students opened fire at their classmates and teachers in Littleton, Colorado. The shooting resulted in 13 deaths, more than 20 injuries, and the two shooters took their own lives. At the time, it was the deadliest school shooting in U.S. history. This event increased school security, early prevention of mental health and bullying, as well as a federal level focus on threat assessment programs in schools. Columbine also caused a national conversation regarding gun laws in the U.S. -
Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act
Law that aimed to provide greater access to job training, employment services, and health care coverage. Before this law, disabled people who took a job would lose their eligibility for public health benefits. This law allowed disabled people to maintain Medicaid even if their earnings increased above eligibility levels. Because of the act, hundreds of thousands of Americans with disabilities can explore career options, get training, and secure employment without damaging their healthcare needs. -
No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB)
Signed by President George W. Bush, the act was designed to improve the performance of U.S. elementary secondary schools by increasing accountability of school districts and states. To close the achievement gap between disadvantaged students by emphasizing standards. States were required to annually test reading math from grades 3-8 and once in high school. However, it was widely criticized because high-testing schools got more funding, and low-testing scores in impoverished areas got less. -
Hurricane Katrina
Hurricane Katrina was one of the deadliest and most destructive hurricanes, mostly impacting New Orleans, LA. Over 1,800 people died, and caused over $125 billion in damages. Katrina exposed flaws in the infrastructure, like the levee system, which failed and flooded about 80% of New Orleans. It also revealed serious issues in the government's emergency response. The Federal Emergency Management Agency was widely criticized for its slow and ineffective efforts. (Kruse and Zelizer, 280-281). -
Britney Spears' 2007 Breakdown
Britney Spears experiences a highly publicized mental health crisis, exposing the dark side of fame. After years of being in the spotlight and under media scrutiny, she had a breakdown, attacking a photographer's car with an umbrella, and later receiving a psychiatric evaluation. Her highly visible crisis helped bring mental health awareness into a mainstream discussion, media culture, and the pressures of fame, criticizing the early 2000s celebrity culture -
U.S. apology to Native Americans
President Barack Obama signed into law a formal apology to Native Americans for centuries of mistreatment. This event was not widely publicized, but its significance still stands. This was the first acknowledgment of indigenous peoples by the U.S. Government for the neglect. forced removal, broken treaties, and cultural assimilation that was forced upon Native Americans. While it carried no legal power or reparative measures, it was seen by indigenous people as a symbolic step towards healing. -
Death of Osama Bin Laden
The leader of the terrorist organization al-Qaeda, who orchestrated the 9/11 attacks, was killed by U.S. Navy SEALs in Pakistan. Bin Laden's death marked a symbolic victory in the war on terror and a success in U.S. military operations. The announcement of his death sparked celebration across the U.S. and offered some closure to those who were affected by 9/11. -
Don't Ask, Don't Tell Policy & Repeal
Originally signed in 1994, the policy expected service members not to disclose if they were gay, and the military could not ask individuals about their sexuality. However, President Obama repealed this act and allowed for LGBTQ+ individuals to serve openly without fear of discharge due to their sexual orientation. The repeal was a civil rights victory and helped pave the way for other LGBTQ+ achievements, such as the legalization of same-sex marriage in 2015. (Kruse and Zelizer, 206) -
Violence Against Women Act
The original act was passed in 1994 to support funding for the investigation and prosecution of violent crimes against women, such as sexual assault, domestic violence, and stalking. But major reauthorizations happened in 2013, changing the act also to protect marginalized groups such as LGBTQ+ women, native women, and undocumented immigrants. New requirements were also added to universities, requiring more transparency about reports of sexual assault and improved prevention programs. -
Boston Marathon Bombing
A terrorist attack that occurred during the annual Boston marathon near the finishing line. The attack killed 3 people and injured over 260. In the following days, there was a massive manhunt to find the two brothers who set off the bombs. The bombing was the deadliest terrorist attack in the U.S. since 9/11. The attack prompted renewed focus on homeland security and the use of homemade explosives and influenced security protocols at public events across the country. -
Obergefell Vs. Hodges
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that same-sex couples have the constitutional right to marry. The ruling effectively legalized gay marriage nationwide, invalidating all state bans. Beyond the law aspect, it affirmed that LGBTQ+ individuals are equal members of society and are deserving of the same rights. While the decision was widely celebrated, it opened criticism from some religious and conservative groups and led to current debates over religious freedoms, discrimination, and LGBTQ+ rights.