Spring 2025
Editor’s Note
I am truly honored to present the first volume of the Mount Holyoke College Law Journal. I want to first and foremost thank Katherine Sloop and Jiwon Kim, who both gave their all to the development of this organization. I could not have asked for more dedicated collaborators.
I would additionally like to express my gratitude to the editors and contributors who made this issue possible. Their hard work was exceptional and their commitment to the study of justice has been amazing to witness.
This is my last semester at Mount Holyoke College, and I am so proud of everything accomplished by our organization. I know that I am leaving the journal in good hands, and I am excited to read future publications of this journal for years to come.
Signed,
Hailee Pitschke
Editor-In-Chief ‘25

Contents
- The Islamic Veil and the Veil of Rationality: Laïcité as Clandestine Human Rights Abuse | Prisca Afantchao
- People Over Principle: Analyzing the Criminalization of Addiction and Implementing Harm Reduction Policies in America | Veronica Rhoten
- The Privatization of Housing and the Persistence of Segregation: A Case Study of Minneapolis 2040 | Nora Priede von Herber
- Confronting The Feres Doctrine: Ensuring Equal Protection and Due Process for Active-Duty Service Members | Cat McKenna
- A Decision Born Out of Dishonesty: Kennedy v. Bremerton, 597 U.S. _ (2022) | Hailee Pitschke
- A Pivotal Chapter in the Evolution of American Free Speech: An Analysis of Burstyn Inc. v.Wilson | Lauren Cincotta
- Texas’ Anti-Abortion Laws and the Politics of Anti-Feminist Backlash | Madeleine Broussard
Special Mentions
The Mount Holyoke College Law Journal has been fortunate enough to benefit immensely from the wider Mount Holyoke community. The Career Development Center, the Weissman Center for Leadership, and the Office of the President all contributed to the success of this journal. Mount Holyoke College President Danielle Holley was particularly critical to our organization’s formation, acting as a source for guidance and support as our faculty advisor.
Additionally, we would like to thank those who contributed to the artwork and design of the journal. Myra Zia took the lead in designing the cover, exercised her photography skills in the process, and worked heavily on the format and design of the journal. Asmi Shrestha contributed to the cover design. Diana Perez, who was studying abroad this semester, designed the Mount Holyoke College Law Journal logo.
Executive Board:
Hailee Pitschke ‘25 – President
Jiwon Kim ‘26 – Vice President
Coco Chen ‘26 – Events & Outreach Coordinator
Dilawaiz Rao ‘25 – Events & Outreach Coordinator
Jasmine Garcia ‘27 – Social Media Coordinator
Maria Igartua ‘27 – Website Manager
Myra Zia ‘26 – Secretary
Zivai Jaravaza ‘27 – Treasurer
Editorial Board:
Hailee Pitschke ‘25 – Editor-in-Chief
Jiwon Kim ‘26 – Senior Editor
Briana Janeira ‘27 – Senior Editor
Clara Tupitza ‘26 – Senior Editor
Coco Chen ‘26 – Senior Editor
Gabrielle Gedeon ‘26 – Senior Editor
Myra Zia ‘26 – Senior Editor
Prisca Afantchao ‘25 – Senior Editor
Veronica Rhoten ‘26 – Senior Editor
Quill Leonard ‘27 – Senior Editor
Zivai Jaravaza ‘27 – Senior Editor
Asmi Shrestha ‘26 – Junior Editor
Bei Jia Viggiano ‘28 – Junior Editor
Cecile Horst ‘28 – Junior Editor
Diana Lytvynova ‘26 – Junior Editor
Leah Dutcher ‘28 – Junior Editor
Memphis Bayley ‘28 – Junior Editor
Nicole Lasko ‘28 – Junior Editor
Prudence Sullivan ‘28 – Junior Editor
Shannon Bazir ‘27 – Junior Editor