Splash Biography



ANGELA CAIN, Yale Senior Studying Political Science



Major: Political Science

College/Employer: Yale

Year of Graduation: 2020

Picture of Angela Cain

Brief Biographical Sketch:

I was born and raised in Alabama before coming to Yale initially in 2011. During my freshman year, I became ill, and I have become ill several more times, forcing me to take extended time off. I was diagnosed with epilepsy in 2013 and a rare autoimmune disease called systemic sclerosis in December 2016, and these experiences with the diseases have shaped my life. However, I don’t let it stop me. I worked at a law firm as a managing paralegal at a disability law firm for two years. I gained valuable experience that I will take with me. In the summer of 2019 I was an investigator intern with the Colorado State Public Defender Office. I study political science, and I one day hope to help enact more fair disability legislation in the future. Further, as a person of native heritage, I hope to foster a more accurate understanding of native culture.



Past Classes

  (Clicking a class title will bring you to the course's section of the corresponding course catalog)

H3632: Does Hate Speech Serve a Purpose? in Splash Spring 19 (Apr. 06, 2019)
In this course, we will examine instances where the Supreme Court has used judgments on (what we would normally call) hate speech to expand free speech and expression rights for historically marginalized minorities. Examples of cases to be discussed includes Brandenburg v. Ohio, Virginia v. Black, and NAACP v. Claiborne Hardware. Content Warning: As per nature of the class, we will be referencing certain examples of hate speech that some may find offensive or upsetting


H3633: Why Do We Protect Hate Speech? in Splash Spring 19 (Apr. 06, 2019)
Hate speech is a vile and harmful way to express ideas that are usually rooted in prejudice and/or fear. So, why do we protect hate speech? In which instances do we preclude hate speech and what pushes it over the line, whether it be incitement or true threats? Examples of cases to be discussed includes Brandenburg v. Ohio, Virginia v. Black, and NAACP v. Claiborne Hardware. Content Warning: As per nature of the class, we will be referencing certain examples of hate speech that some may find offensive or upsetting.


H3474: I Find You NOT DISABLED in Splash Fall 2018 (Oct. 27, 2018)
The United States is unique in the method of disability evaluation that it employs. To determine eligibility for disability benefits, the United States employs analysts and judges with no medical training. We will explore implications for disability benefit applicants and the proven biases against people of color. We will also examine the roles of special interest groups.