Stories this week at Wake Forest

WHAT ROLE SHOULD THE COURTS PLAY IN AN ELECTION?

“This idea that the courts should not be involved is ridiculous, considering the alternative is that the outcome should be decided by someone’s campaign manager,” said Michael Curtis, professor of law. Curtis can comment on constitutional law questions, the possible future of the Electoral College and various other legal aspects of the presidential election. To arrange an interview, call the News Service.

AVOIDING FIGHTS AT FAMILY FEASTS

Strained family relationships can make Thanksgiving get-togethers fights as well as feasts, says Samuel T. Gladding, professor of counselor education at Wake Forest and well-known family counseling expert. But, Gladding says there are positive ways to respond to difficult family members. Among them: anticipate the worst, rehearse responses to those situations and avoid being drawn into negative conversation. Compliments can also help reduce tension and make the annual holiday more enjoyable.

THANKSGIVING: HISTORY OF A HOLIDAY

Ed Hendricks, professor of history, can trace the development of the Pilgrims’ first Thanksgiving feast in 1621 into an important national holiday. In 1789, George Washington proclaimed the first national day of Thanksgiving, says Hendricks. But, it didn’t become an official annual holiday until 1863, when Abraham Lincoln declared that the nation “set apart and observe the last Thursday of November as a day of Thanksgiving and praise.” Call the News Service to arrange an interview.