What do we do about partisanship?

Happening in the World: Yesterday, Chile’s Congress approved a bill that effectively legalized same-sex marriage. Notably, current President Sebastian Piñera—a right-wing conservative politician—voiced his support for marriage equality and will now be signing the bill into law. Although Chile has legally recognized same-sex civil unions since 2015, the new bill will allow them equal rights, such as the right to adopt children (CNN).

Happening in the US: The bipartisan committee that Biden appointed to study possible changes to the federal judiciary approved a 288-page report, that details arguments both for and other against changes to the Supreme Court. The group did not make specific recommendations for action—in line with Biden’s conception of this commission—however, members of the commission believe that it represents a fair and constructive treatment of highly complicated and controversial issues. The report considers the case for and against imposing 18-year term limits on justices and reducing their power to strike down acts of Congress (NYT).

Happening in NYC: After the city Department of Health and Mental Hygiene declared that racism is a public health crisis, in October—they are now launching the Coalition to End Racism in Clinical Algorithms (CERCA). The coalition pledges to deal with racially-based computer algorithms, aiming to do away with at least one algorithm that uses race as a factor in determining patient treatment within the next two years. They will also be reevaluating all algorithms that include race (Gothamist).

Happening in our Community: Today at 7 pm, Yale Professor of History and American Studies, Paul Sabin, will be discussing the art of critical writing for a wide public audience in today’s partisan world. The event will be held on Zoom, and you can register for it here.

Deflated Earth via Bwarchives.