Politics – Center for Law, Engagement, and Politics

Celebrating Citizenship!

By Michelle Moya

Shortly after Election Day 2025—and just in time for the season of gratitude—the LEAP Center invites you to join us in celebrating what it means to be a citizen. The event will feature finger foods, Lotería with a civic twist, a guest speaker, and special recognition of newly naturalized citizens. Guests will also have access to information and resources for those interested in beginning their own journey toward U.S. citizenship.

The event is made possible through a grant from the National Partnership for New Americans and continues the LEAP Center’s long-standing commitment to civic education and community engagement.

A Tradition of Civic Learning

Since 2008, the Huntsville Public Library and the LEAP Center have partnered to offer a free citizenship preparatory course designed to help local immigrants prepare for the naturalization process. Over the past seventeen years, the program has served nearly 300 immigrants from 23 countries.

Led by Professor Mike Yawn with support from LEAP student volunteers, the course provides an overview of the naturalization process, from paperwork to oral interviews to English tests, and the civics portion consisting of 100 questions that immigrants must know. Immigrants enrolled in the course receive guidance on the 100-question civics test, as well as encouragement and practical support throughout the process.

The grant from the National Partnership for New Americans allows LEAP to extend this work to Montgomery County, beginning with the November celebration and continuing with a preparatory course in spring 2026.

A Community Celebration

On Saturday, November 8, 2025, from 4:00 to 5:30 p.m., the celebration will take place at the SHSU Woodlands Center. The event serves a dual purpose: honoring individuals who have recently achieved U.S. citizenship and welcoming those interested in learning about the naturalization process.

The program will feature a guest speaker who will share a few words on the importance of civic engagement and community participation. Afterward, guests are invited to enjoy conversation, fellowship, and rounds of Lotería—reimagined with a civic theme to honor the spirit of citizenship.

By bringing together naturalized citizens, aspiring citizens, and students, the celebration underscores the power of connection and culture. Citizenship — often taken for granted–embodies both rights and responsibilities; it provides a sense of confidence, freedom, and unity that strengthens our communities and our democracy.

In conjunction with this event, the LEAP Center will also announce the launch of its Spring 2026 Citizenship Preparatory Course, which will be offered in Montgomery County for the first time.

If you would like to attend the celebration, please scan the QR code below to register or contact Professor Mike Yawn at mike.yawn@shsu.edu.

Unfolding Law Enforcement Corruption and Cover-Ups

By Mayra Sofia Soto

Today we joined an exciting virtual session hosted by the Houston Area ACFE Chapter of the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners and the world’s largest anti-fraud organization and premier provider of anti-fraud training and education.

The event was led by Lawrence P. Smith, President and Founder of the STIRM Group Inc, which conducts complex investigations for law enforcement, legal entities, and private clients.

Smith, who also hosts the podcast Bribes, Lies & Alibis, is releasing a new book this fall– Six Degrees of Corruption: The Fleecing of a City– detailing corruption at the heart of institutions designed to protect the public.

The case began when a police chief approached Smith in late 2021 to investigate a forged training record tied to a former Methuen Police Department officer. What seemed at first like a simple case of document fraud unraveled into something much larger: a pattern of systemic corruption involving fraudulent certifications, fake officers, conspiracy, and significant Brady v. Maryland implication. Smith’s background in document fraud, including years with Homeland Security, allowed him to immediately spot the forgery. But the deeper he dug, the more the issue grew– from one fake cop to institutional complicity at the highest levels.

Central to the scandal was the Massachusetts Municipal Police Training Committee (MPTC), the body responsible for overseeing municipal police training statewide. Smith initially gavethem a professional courtesy call, as is customary in law enforcement when an officer is under investigation. Instead of honesty, he encountered what he believed was direct involvement andcriminal negligence by the executive director. Despite presenting overwhelming evidence such as forged academy records, evidence tampering, and false arrests. The case was rejected 11 times by the Attorney General’s Office, the District Attorney, and even the Department of Justice.

The report was not only turned down, it was impounded. Officials cited “not enough evidence” and tried to use prosecutorial discretion to avoid action. Smith detailed how elected officials and politically connected figures shielded the MPTC leadership from accountability. The MPTC agency stripped metadata from requested records, withheld documents from investigators and the media, lied to investigators and tampered with evidence. Those responsible, including Robert Ferullo, the MPTC’s executive director, faced no charges even as evidence of their active involvement increased.

These failures rippled outward. Every officer trained by the MPTC, every conviction they played a role in, now comes under question. The legal, financial, and reputational damage is profound. The scale of corruption and political protection in the state as Smith noted “is mind-numbing.”

When an accreditation body is compromised, the entire justice system is at risk ranging from civil rights violations to erosion of public trust. The fallout includes not just criminal liability, but also obstruction of justice, conspiracy and accreditation loss.

Smith emphasized that this case isn’t about money or value but it’s about protecting human rights. At the end of the day, the greatest badge of honor is honesty.

Learning About Campaigns: Blockwalking

Most students enjoy sleeping in on Saturday mornings, but the LEAP students were more than willing to spend their Saturday morning learning about campaigns. It was an interesting educational experience, combining hands-on learning with exposure to campaign volunteers, staff, and even a US Congressman, all willing to share their knowledge.

One of the staples of campaign life is to feed your volunteers, and Congressman Kevin Brady did so enthusiastically. In fact, we kicked the morning off at The Black Walnut Cafe where we enjoyed coffee, kolaches, breakfast tacos and mingling. Congressman Brady, who joined us in the walk, offered a pep talk; Francine Stanfield, his campaign director, made sure we were comfortable; and Kory Curtis, an analyst for Brady’s campaign, showed us the ropes.

With a map, a clip board and a lot of enthusiasm, the block-walking teams set off to their assigned neighborhoods. It was a great experience, especially for a group of Political Science majors.

The initial results were encouraging, with many opening doors, welcoming us, and thanking us for information about Congressman Brady. This helped us build confidence.

The experience also taught us the importance of the communication process between voters and elected representatives. Block walking, town forums, and district presence are all an important part of learning about the concerns of voters–directly from the voters.

In canvassing the other student volunteers (who had gone in tandem in different directions), they had a similar response. Some of the introverts indicated they wouldn’t want to do this every week, but the extroverts were energized by the process. All of us learned a lot, from the voters, from Congressman Brady, and from the campaign staff. It was particularly educational for one of our high-school volunteers, Ryan Brim, who is an introvert but is exploring career options and community engagement.

Beatriz Martinez, who block-walked last week as well, enjoyed spending additional time with Congressman Brady.

She had actually never met a US Congressman. Megan also enjoyed spending time with Congressman Brady, and this is probably her fourth or fifth time at one of his events.

Kaitlyn Tyra, an Accounting Major, enjoyed learning more about campaigns from the staff. I enjoyed these things, too, but also enjoyed seeing how campaigns play out on the ground.

We all also appreciated the lunch provided. Walking builds an appetite, and we were able to relax again for lunch at the Black Walnut, where we enjoyed burgers and other comfort foods, as well as the closing remarks from Congressman Brady expressing his appreciation.

One of the great things about being a POLS major or, more generally, a student is SHSU, is that our learning takes place inside and outside of the classroom. Another great thing is that so much of our learning is fun. Today was a great example of both of these qualities.

The LEAP Center Ambassadors are a non-partisan group. Individual Ambassadors make their own choices regarding volunteerism or work. Past and present Ambassadors have worked for Representative Senfronia Thompson (D), Representative John Otto (R), Mayor Anise Parker (D), US Congressman Kevin Brady (R), Senator Mary Landrieu (D), and many other members of both parties.

Hands-On Learning at the Legislature

Ashley Richardson and Joycelyn Ovalle–As LEAP Center students, we strive to take initiative. It’s a good thing! This morning, adaptability and initiative shaped our Austin trip, which was almost derailed by what Austinites described as “inclement weather.” The Capitol Building Officials, however, closed down the offices, leaving us without a guided tour of the Capitol Building.

We adapted. Professor Yawn offered an impromptu tour of the Capitol, offering neat facts and historically accurate facts pertaining to politics and law. In fact, some straggling tourists soon joined the group, asking, “Is this a public tour?” Along the way, and sometimes with stragglers, we saw our favorite governors, Elizabet Ney’s statue of Sam Houston, and some Capitol art.

But we weren’t the only ones who adapted. Senator Schwertner’s Chief of Staff (Tom Holloway) and District Director (Leah Alexander) came into work despite the “snow day,” and offered us a wonderfully interesting overview of office administration, discussing staff positions, duties, and a general conversation about “life on the Hill.” For students who have learned most of their politics in classrooms and television, this real-world discussion was valuable, and many of us left hoping that we would be able to apply that knowledge on the Hill in the near future.

With those thoughts in our head, we headed to Frank and Angies, where three colossal-size pizzas were devoured.

To begin our afternoon sessions, we headed to the House Chamber, where Chris Griesel (House Parliamentarian) and Nikki Cobb (Chief of Staff to Representative John Otto), taught us about the process of shepherding legislation through the Texas Legislature.

House Parliamentarian, Chris Giesel — House Parliamentarian, Chris Griesel

Comparing his job to an air-traffic controller, the former lawyer turned Parliamentarian used a modified version of the Socratic Method to engage the students, while Ms. Cobb provided valuable insights from an insider’s perspective.

Having “class” in the House Chamber added to the experience, and we were sitting on the edge of the House members’ seats, soaking in as much information and advice as possible.

We concluded our visit to the Capitol with a visit to Representative Senfronia Thompson’s Office. Ms. Thompson, one of the most senior members of the Texas Legislature, invited lobbyist Todd Kercheval to speak to us. He offered motivational words emphasizing how persistence and diligence can change destiny, and he shared with us his path through various public service positions culminating with his position as lobbyist.

Although our formal schedule for the day was complete, we still had plans for dinner at Fogo de Chao, where several SHSU alumni joined us for a meal that was almost overwhelming in its profuse offerings of lamb, chicken, and beef.

To work off some of the food and to extend conversation, we took a half-mile stroll around downtown Austin, including a view of Sixth Street, adding an exciting end to an exciting day!

LEAP Center Students Attend Reagan-Day Dinner

With the start of the spring semester, students are trying to settle in and get adjusted to an increasingly hectic schedule. That’s also true of politicians, who are facing primary elections in less than three weeks. And last night, the lives of the students and politicians intersected at the Reagan Dinner in Walker County, when TX Representative Dan Branch, TX Representative John Otto, Congressman Kevin Brady and 20 or so other elected officials mixed with students and locals in a fun-filled evening.

The event combined fun and food, with Representative Dan Branch giving the keynote address. Befitting a “Reagan Day” Dinner, Branch offered his favorite Reagan quotes, including these orders: “I have left orders to be awakened at any time in case of national emergency — even if I’m in a Cabinet meeting.” He also generously spent time sharing stories with the students following the event.

We were doubly lucky in that our tickets were sponsored by Representative John Otto and Senator Charles Schwertner. Some of our group sat with Representative Otto and his wife, Nancy, while others sat with Senator Schwertner’s District Representative, Hayden Paul. They were very nice, spending time discussing the business of governance and providing useful advice.

While all the students were interested in the political side of things, the night was particularly interesting for Ashley Richardson who, like Otto, combines an interest in Accounting and Politics. “It was inspiring,” noted Richardson, “I hope to follow a similar career one day, and it was a great learning opportunity.”

Representative Otto with LEAP Center Students — John & Nancy Otto with LEAP Ctr Stu.dents

Major thanks to Representative Otto and Senator Schwertner for providing tickets, to the organizers—Linda McKenzie, Tracy Sorensen, and Kay Deahl—for their great work, and to Representative Dan Branch for a fine speech. Their efforts opened up doors for us, and we are very grateful.

This was a perfect start to a planned three-day weekend. Following the event, we are picking up our Democrat friends, and we’ll head to Austin for more education, fun, and food!

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