Tufts Professor Dr. Moon Duchin Visits CM to Discuss Gerrymandering
On Tuesday evening, Dr. Duchin visited Catholic Memorial School’s campus to discuss gerrymandering and her work at MGGG with faculty, students, and the general public.
West Roxbury, Mass.-- Last Tuesday morning, the U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments in Virginia House of Delegates v. Bethune-Hill. During the proceedings, lawyers cited research by Dr. Moon Duchin, an Associate Professor of Mathematics at Tufts University and co-founder of the Metric Geometry and Gerrymandering Group (MGGG).
On Tuesday evening, Dr. Duchin visited Catholic Memorial School’s campus to discuss gerrymandering and her work at MGGG with faculty, students, and the general public. Ms. Ruth Buck, whose expertise in Geographic Information Systems is critical to the MGGG’s work, joined Dr. Duchin for the lecture.
On Tuesday evening, Dr. Duchin visited Catholic Memorial School’s campus to discuss gerrymandering and her work at MGGG with faculty, students, and the general public. Ms. Ruth Buck, whose expertise in Geographic Information Systems is critical to the MGGG’s work, joined Dr. Duchin for the lecture.
The MGGG utilizes mathematics and computer applications to conduct leading research on the issue. It also acts as consultants to groups involved with redistricting and provides tools to the civil rights groups and the general public to study and analyze voting and redistricting.
“How many schools can say that their speaker’s work was cited during oral arguments before the Supreme Court on the very day of the speech? We were so fortunate to have Dr. Duchin join us for this lecture, and now we look forward to finding ways to further involve our students in advancing this work,” said Mr. John Aversa, Director of the Scholars Program and Math and Computer Science Chair.
More than 80 students, faculty, and members of the public attended and listened intently as Dr. Duchin presented both myths and surprises related to the issue of gerrymandering. The CM Scholars Program and Social Studies Department co-sponsored the lecture. Prior to Dr. Duchin’s visit, students in the CM Scholars Program studied the issue of gerrymandering from two angles. Mr. Bradley introduced the history and political ramifications of gerrymandering. Mr. Aversa followed up Mr. Bradley’s lecture with a review of the mathematical concepts that Dr. Duchin uses to judge the validity of political districts.
Prior to delivering her lecture, Dr. Duchin and Ms. Buck held a professional development workshop for faculty members from the Math and Computer Science and Social Studies Departments.
Dr. Duchin began her presentation with a historical perspective of political redistricting and gerrymandering. After discussing the term’s history, Dr. Duchin debunked the common myths of gerrymandering and explained the mathematical basis for the research and analysis she and her team perform.
“Dr. Duchin’s lecture brought to life an issue that many people don’t know about. Her talk broadened my knowledge of political issues in today’s society,” said junior Rory DeLuca.
Dr. Duchin then delved into an in-depth discussion of the process and resulting legal challenges of redistricting in Pennsylvania. She offered her expertise to the state after its Supreme Court invalidated its congressional districts in January 2018.
“Smart people trying to do the right thing isn’t enough. Redistricting is hard. Commissions [doing this work] need help,” said Dr. Duchin.
At the end of her presentation, Dr. Duchin opened the floor for questions and hands shot up. She and Ms. Buck took turns fielding questions about the intricacies of their methodology and the future of their work.
“People and voters both want to be educated on this issue. You want to be aware of it. You can be the pioneer that helps move it from academia into actual policy,” said junior Will Fleck.
“Students were fortunate to have Dr. Duchin unlock the significance of mathematics to politics, particularly the practice of gerrymandering. Dr. Duchin represents a real example of a scholar-activist, with real-world experience and practical applications of innovative and creative scholarship. This event speaks to CM's resolve to be relevant and challenging," said Mr. Vincent Bradley, Chair of the Social Studies Department.
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