Research Focuses on Civil Rights
and Land Protections
Dr. Francine Sanders Romero’s research concentrates on the implications of institutional structure (legislative and judicial) on policy outputs, particularly in the realms of civil rights and land protections. She has published a series of articles on the effect of court level on racial discrimination decisions in the post World War II era, and is continuing this theme with an analysis of discrimination claims in the Progressive Era. This focus on discrimination also resulted in articles and a book addressing the emergence of civil rights policies in the U.S. Congress. Romero has also undertaken research on the determinants of open space protection, both through ballot measures and as formulated by local and state government policy. Her current research agenda also focuses on the impact and impetus of various Progressive Era reform policies adopted by the U.S. Congress, including direct Senate election, immigration restriction, and land conservation.
Submitted by Chris G. Reddick, Ph.D., Associate Professor and Chair, Department of Public Administration.