Faculty Sponsor: Professor Jennifer Rose
Live Poster Session: Zoom Link
Zain Punjwani
My name is Zain Punjwani, and I am from Chicago, Illinois. I am a current Senior at Wesleyan University pursuing a double major in Biology and Science and Technology Studies with a minor in Human Rights Advocacy.
Abstract: In recent years, much effort has been focused on decreasing racial disparities at traffic stops across Connecticut. In this study, I look to determine whether drivers of color are still more likely to face harsher traffic stop dispositions (those resulting in legal consequences) than White drivers and what role driver sex plays in the resulting disposition. A record of every traffic stop from the Central Connecticut State University was utilized in this study, specifically, Connecticut driver race, sex, and the concluding traffic stop disposition. Chi-square and logistic regression analyses show that Black and Native American drivers are significantly more likely to face harsher traffic stop dispositions compared to White drivers. Male drivers are also significantly more likely to face harsher traffic stop dispositions compared to female drivers. Future efforts in Connecticut to curb disparities in traffic stops should focus on decreasing the disparity in harsh traffic stop dispositions between Black and Native American drivers with White drivers, particularly male drivers.
Zains-QAC-Final-Poster-1