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Gwinnett County, Georgia experienced rapid growth in the 1970’s without the infrastructure so septic systems were installed for residential homes. The number of septic systems grew to over 85,000 with a density of 487 septic systems per square mile. This study mapped the distribution of septic systems to determine regions of potential pathogen surface water. This study addressed what potential health risks do high density septic systems have on surface water quality and how can the history of Gwinnett County assist in future development in the Metropolitan Atlanta area? It was found that the density of septic systems has reduced the surface water quality for streams in the Yellow and Alcovy River basins. An average rainfall cause septic flushing and an increase in the fecal coliform. Other trends observed in the surface water quality of increased BOD, water temperature, and various metals also indicated this flushing effect.

When purchasing a home, buyer considerations include price of the home, credit rating, mortgage type, and lending agency. The purpose of this phenomenological study was to explore the loan options successful business leaders consider when shifting loan lending from prime mortgage loans to subprime mortgage loans. Systems theory formed the conceptual framework for the study. A purposive sample of 20 participants from Gwinnett County, Georgia completed semistructured interviews and described their personal experiences. Data analysis incorporated van Kaam's technique to code and cluster information into topics. The following themes emerged from the analysis indicating what these business leaders considered when they established subprime mortgage loans: (a) creditable subprime mortgage lending, (b) preferred subprime mortgage type, (c) length of the approval process, (d) pressures and limited options, and (e) the benefits of a subprime mortgage. The findings indicated these creditworthy subprime borrowers received better loans options. Findings also showed that subprime mortgage borrowers preferred fixed rate mortgages, creditworthiness determined the extent of their subprime process, the number of first time homebuyers increased, and mortgage borrowers with credit problems preferred subprime mortgage loans. The information from this study could assist mortgage borrowers looking for loan options and mortgage lenders looking to build stronger relationships with the borrowers and communities they serve. Implications for positive social change include the possibility to lower foreclosures in Gwinnett County, Georgia and increase the mortgage knowledge of future borrowers.

The purpose of this study was to trace the development of case law regarding sexual harassment in elementary and secondary public schools through a survey of state, circuit, and federal court districts, and United States Supreme Court decisions. To trace these laws, the study examined nationwide sexual harassment court decisions from 1988 to present. Sexual harassment is a critical problem in the school environment. Recent surveys indicate that sexual harassment has reached epidemic proportions in our schools and classrooms. Sexual harassment occurs daily on buses, in hallways, gymnasiums, classrooms, and on the playgrounds. Oftentimes, sexual harassment goes unreported by students. More importantly, when sexual harassment is reported, the school does virtually nothing to assure studetns that their complaints will be taken seriously. Sexual harassment can contribute to serious harm to the victim, their families, other classmates, the school, and the school district. A review of related literature reveals that students who are sexually harassed suffer from behavioral, emotional, academic, and physical consequences. Without the support and intervention of school officials, students may not be able to overcome the impact of sexual harassment. Several therories and models were reviewed in the study to examine possible explanations for incidence of sexual harassment in public schools. It should be noted that no single theory or model offered a precise explanation of the reasons students are harassed in schools. Several landmark and key court cases regarding sexual harassment in public school were reviewed. Also, key federal legislative statutes and guidelines that provide the framework for judicial decisions on sexual harassment in public schools were reviewed. It was determined that four U. S. Supreme Court cases set precedence for lower courts to follow in adjudicating decisions of sexual harassment in public schools. The judicial decrees protect students in the school environment and are specific about the roles and responsiblities of the school district, administrators, and teachers. Additionally, the courts have taken important and significant steps towards making school districts officials liable for not effectively addressing sexual harassment in the schools. Based on the broad scope of the study and the conclusions, several educational, prevention, and intervention strategies were recommended for students, parents, teachers, administrators, school districts, the community, and stakeholders. If these recommendations are implemented in school districts nationwide, the incidence and prevalence of sexual harassment in public school should decrease significantly.