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Nostalgia for the American Girl Doll brand is no joke. Everyone has their favorite: from Molly loyalists to Samantha stans, their stories and styles have inspired young women and girls the world over with no sign of slowing down. There are several signature store locations across the US, a print magazine that lasted more than 20 years, and an extremely popular online fandom spanning YouTube, Instagram, Twitter, and more. It seems as though girls really do rule in the American Girl Doll universe, but what happens when a boy shows up on the scene for the first time ever?

Enter: Emilie Zaslow, PhD, professor and department chair of communication studies at ���ҹ�����. She’s an expert on Mattel’s iconic line of toys, having published the book Playing With America’s Doll: A Cultural Analysis of the American Girl Collection. In a co-written chapter of the collection , Emilie worked with Jaclyn Griffith ’17, a ���ҹ����� alumna who earned her BA in Communication Studies, to study the unique production and marketing of , Mattel’s first American Girl boy doll.

“[It’s] a brand known for outspoken girls who challenge social norms,” the two wrote. However, in the company’s attempt to be more inclusive, Emilie and Jaclyn determined that Mattel instead “created a narrative perpetuating gendered power relations.”

But let’s back up a bit. Initially, Logan’s groundbreaking announcement was mostly met with a positive reception. “For many children and collectors, Logan had the potential to become a beloved plaything, a unique character who could share toy shelves with his friend, Tenney,” Emilie and Jaclyn wrote. He was introduced along with Tenney, the American Girl doll from the same Contemporary Characters storyline, which would ultimately highlight their shortcomings in terms of design. (Something to note if you’re unfamiliar with the brand: American Girl dolls were representative of girls through the ages, many with a historical past.)

There were many codes for Logan’s traditional masculinity that set him apart from his female-coded counterpart, starting with his clothes, which were limited to two outfits with “muted colors” and only one accessory compared to Tenney, who wore “warm tones” with far more accessory options. “This reflects the cut and style of contemporary gendered clothing,” Emilie and Jaclyn explained. “The boy doll, as the girl consumer’s antithesis, is markedly free from the labor (and fun) involved in achieving normative beauty standards.”

“The dolls’ messaging [...] reifies hegemonic masculinity and normative femininity. Logan [became] emblematic of the white male privilege to occupy space, steal the spotlight, earn accolades for less work, and overpower girls and women.”

Logan was further othered by his “play loud” slogan, a narrative that reinforced boldness and aggression. His backstory, which included a father working abroad and the expectation that Logan help financially support his working class family, led him to feeling overwhelmed, moody, and frustrated. Tenney, his band partner, was expected to emotionally support Logan through his outbursts, effectively painting girls as on-call therapists.

“The dolls’ messaging [...] reifies hegemonic masculinity and normative femininity,” the two wrote. “Logan [became] emblematic of the white male privilege to occupy space, steal the spotlight, earn accolades for less work, and overpower girls and women.”

This was partly due to the timing of his release: Logan’s introduction came on the heels of Donald Trump’s win over Hillary Clinton during the landmark 2016 US Presidential Election. Consumers simply weren’t having it. “To introduce a boy doll without incorporating some critique of sexism is progressive only on the surface,” Emilie and Jaclyn argue. “The fan response to Logan’s release—as well as his lower-than-expected sales—show that consumers can see past their brand loyalty and reject superficial diversity.”

It’s no surprise then, that both Logan and Tenney were shelved—indefinitely, just a year after their introduction to the American Girl fandom.

But the rocky road to American Girl’s first boy doll wasn’t for nought. The rise and fall of Logan means that big companies like Mattel are paving the way for more significant advancement of authentic representation for all children and opening the door for important discussion. In fact, Mattel is making major strides in their Barbie line, offering more sizes and shapes, more skin tones, more gender representation, and more inclusive ways to play.

As part of their , a variety of swappable clothing and hair options give kids the opportunity to explore the different ways real people express themselves. And that’s a huge step. “Toys should be all-gender,” Emilie argued in a conversation with us. “Dolls should be marketed to children of any and all gender identities.”

As the world of dolls evolves to reflect the world we inhabit, Emilie underscored the importance of diverse business practices. “I think real change needs to be rooted deeply within the corporate culture,” she explained. “Who is making the decisions about diverse storylines and representations? Are the leadership teams, the board of directors, and the marketing teams inclusive and committed to equity and justice?”

We’re looking forward to the next unboxing video. You’ve come a long way, baby(doll).

The Food and Beverage Law Clinic at the Elisabeth Haub School of Law at ���ҹ����� is pleased to announce a new collaboration with GrowNYC, operators of the New York City Greenmarkets, the largest network of urban farmers markets in the country. The clinic will provide expanded legal support to Greenmarket farms and food businesses by welcoming Jack Hornickel as its first Staff Attorney. Jack brings seven years of experience representing small farm and food businesses on transactional and regulatory matters from his service in the GrowNYC Farmer Assistance Program. This collaboration is made possible by the gift of an anonymous donor.

As Staff Attorney, Jack will continue in direct representation of Greenmarket farms, focusing on farm succession, conservation, and land access. Other clients of the clinic will benefit from his distinct knowledge of direct-market business practices and agricultural real estate. Jack will also supervise law student interns in the clinic, manage research, scholarship, and policy projects, and assist with developing the clinic’s CLE programs.

Jack is a proud alumnus of Vermont Law School, graduating in 2015 as a Juris Doctor and Master of Environmental Law and Policy. He served as Treasurer of the Food & Agriculture Law and Animal Law Societies, as well as staff editor of the Vermont Journal of Environmental Law. His free time is occupied by outdoor adventures, homestead crafts, and choral music. Raised in the Land of 10,000 Lakes, Jack has been described as “Minnesota nice.”

“We are pleased to welcome Jack to Haub Law, and to have the opportunity to collaborate with GrowNYC,” said Haub Law Dean Horace Anderson. “This relationship will multiply the impact of the Food and Beverage Law Clinic’s transformative work in supporting entrepreneurs and farmers in our regional food system. It will also provide even more opportunities for our students to get valuable hands-on experience in practicing transactional law in the public interest.”

“I’ve had the pleasure of working with Jack on a number of projects and couldn’t be more thrilled that he is now joining our clinic,” said Professor Jonathan Brown, the Director of the Food and Beverage Law Clinic. “He is an excellent lawyer and brings a unique set of skills and experience that will greatly benefit both our clients and our students.”

“GrowNYC is excited to formalize our long-standing relationship with the Haub Law School Food and Beverage Law Clinic,” said GrowNYC Food Access and Agriculture Director Michael Hurwitz. “We are thrilled for Jack and for what his addition to the Clinic means for Northeast agriculture.”

The collaboration with GrowNYC builds on Haub Law’s growing Food Law program, which, in addition to the clinic, includes five full time faculty members, a range of course offerings and externship opportunities, and a collaboration with the Natural Resources Defense Council. Professor Jason Czarnezki, Associate Dean for Environmental Programs and the Gilbert and Sarah Kerlin Distinguished Professor of Environmental Law, added, “Food law is a cornerstone of our #1 ranked environmental law program, and we are thrilled to collaborate with an organization doing such important work in improving our regional food system.”

About the Elisabeth Haub School of Law and the Food and Beverage Law Clinic

Elisabeth Haub School of Law at ���ҹ����� offers JD and Masters of Law degrees in both Environmental and International Law, as well as a Doctor of Juridical Science (SJD) in Environmental Law. The school, housed on the University’s campus in White Plains, N.Y., opened its doors in 1976 and has more than 9,000 alumni around the world. The school maintains a unique philosophy and approach to legal education that strikes an important balance between practice and theory. Haub Law launched its Environmental Law Program in 1978, and it has long been ranked among the world’s leading university programs, with a current #1 ranking by U.S. World and News Report. Visit the Haub Law website.

Haub Law’s Food and Beverage Law Clinic is the first in the country entirely dedicated to providing direct, transactional legal services to food and beverage clients. With faculty supervision, law students in the Clinic represent farmers, food and beverage entrepreneurs, and non-profit organizations seeking to improve our food system.

About GrowNYC

GrowNYC is a 501c(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to improve New York City's quality of life through environmental and food access programs that transform communities block by block and empower all New Yorkers to secure a clean and healthy environment for future generations. Reaching millions on New Yorkers every year, GrowNYC operates Greenmarkets, Fresh Food Box sites, and Farmstands; engages New Yorkers in zero waste education; builds and maintains green spaces; and engages people of all ages in hands-on education.

Greenmarket annually operates 50+ farmers markets with a mission to promote regional agriculture and ensure a continuing supply of fresh local produce for New Yorkers.

GrowNYC’s Farmer Assistance program provides established Greenmarket farmers and aspiring farmers with professional services, such as estate planning, land conservation, financial analysis, land use / zoning analysis, strategic marketing support, and access to capital. These services are provided by Farmer Assistance staff members and through the engagement of outside consultants.

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Professor Smita Narula was invited by the American College of Environmental Lawyers (ACOEL) to become a Fellow in the ACOEL. Professor Narula is among 22 new Active Fellows and two Honorary Fellows elected to membership in the College. The ACOEL notes that “Each individual was selected for his or her distinguished experience, high standards of practice and substantial contributions to the field of environmental law.” Congratulations, Professor Narula! In addition to Professor Narula, two Haub Law alumni were also elected to the ACOEL as fellows – Basil Seggos ‘01 and Marla Wieder ‘93. Read the ACOEL press release (PDF).

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The fifth meeting of the Environmental Law Collaborative took place in Colorado Springs in July. During the conference, environmental law scholars from around the country met to discuss "Facing the Worst Climate Case: The Role of Law." The Environmental Law Collaborative (ELC) seeks to foster progress toward an adaptive, conscious, and equitable governance of actions that impact local and global ecologies by engaging the contemporary discourse. The ELC facilitates dialogue among thought leaders on sustainable policy priorities, practical implementation strategies, assessment mechanisms, and cooperative analysis of science, economics, and ethics.

The Elisabeth Haub School of Law at ���ҹ����� was a co-sponsor of the fifth meeting of the ELC. Attending the recent ELC meeting from Haub Law were Professors Katrina Fischer Kuh and Josh Galperin. Professor Kuh is a board member of the ELC.

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The Food and Beverage Law Clinic at the Elisabeth Haub School of Law at ���ҹ����� is pleased to announce a new collaboration with GrowNYC, operators of the New York City Greenmarkets, the largest network of urban farmers markets in the country. The clinic will provide expanded legal support to Greenmarket farms and food businesses by welcoming Jack Hornickel as its first Staff Attorney. Jack brings seven years of experience representing small farm and food businesses on transactional and regulatory matters from his service in the GrowNYC Farmer Assistance Program. This collaboration is made possible by the gift of an anonymous donor.

As Staff Attorney, Jack will continue in direct representation of Greenmarket farms, focusing on farm succession, conservation, and land access. Other clients of the clinic will benefit from his distinct knowledge of direct-market business practices and agricultural real estate. Jack will also supervise law student interns in the clinic, manage research, scholarship, and policy projects, and assist with developing the clinic’s CLE programs.

Jack is a proud alumnus of Vermont Law School, graduating in 2015 as a Juris Doctor and Master of Environmental Law and Policy. He served as Treasurer of the Food & Agriculture Law and Animal Law Societies, as well as staff editor of the Vermont Journal of Environmental Law. His free time is occupied by outdoor adventures, homestead crafts, and choral music. Raised in the Land of 10,000 Lakes, Jack has been described as “Minnesota nice.”

“We are pleased to welcome Jack to Haub Law, and to have the opportunity to collaborate with GrowNYC,” said Haub Law Dean Horace Anderson. “This relationship will multiply the impact of the Food and Beverage Law Clinic’s transformative work in supporting entrepreneurs and farmers in our regional food system. It will also provide even more opportunities for our students to get valuable hands-on experience in practicing transactional law in the public interest.”

“I’ve had the pleasure of working with Jack on a number of projects and couldn’t be more thrilled that he is now joining our clinic,” said Professor Jonathan Brown, the Director of the Food and Beverage Law Clinic. “He is an excellent lawyer and brings a unique set of skills and experience that will greatly benefit both our clients and our students.”

“GrowNYC is excited to formalize our long-standing relationship with the Haub Law School Food and Beverage Law Clinic,” said GrowNYC Food Access and Agriculture Director Michael Hurwitz. “We are thrilled for Jack and for what his addition to the Clinic means for Northeast agriculture.”

The collaboration with GrowNYC builds on Haub Law’s growing Food Law program, which, in addition to the clinic, includes five full time faculty members, a range of course offerings and externship opportunities, and a collaboration with the Natural Resources Defense Council. Professor Jason Czarnezki, Associate Dean for Environmental Programs and the Gilbert and Sarah Kerlin Distinguished Professor of Environmental Law, added, “Food law is a cornerstone of our #1 ranked environmental law program, and we are thrilled to collaborate with an organization doing such important work in improving our regional food system.”

About the Elisabeth Haub School of Law and the Food and Beverage Law Clinic

Elisabeth Haub School of Law at ���ҹ����� offers JD and Masters of Law degrees in both Environmental and International Law, as well as a Doctor of Juridical Science (SJD) in Environmental Law. The school, housed on the University’s campus in White Plains, N.Y., opened its doors in 1976 and has more than 9,000 alumni around the world. The school maintains a unique philosophy and approach to legal education that strikes an important balance between practice and theory. Haub Law launched its Environmental Law Program in 1978, and it has long been ranked among the world’s leading university programs, with a current #1 ranking by U.S. World and News Report.

Haub Law’s Food and Beverage Law Clinic is the first in the country entirely dedicated to providing direct, transactional legal services to food and beverage clients. With faculty supervision, law students in the Clinic represent farmers, food and beverage entrepreneurs, and non-profit organizations seeking to improve our food system.

About GrowNYC

GrowNYC is a 501c(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to improve New York City's quality of life through environmental and food access programs that transform communities block by block and empower all New Yorkers to secure a clean and healthy environment for future generations. Reaching millions on New Yorkers every year, GrowNYC operates Greenmarkets, Fresh Food Box sites, and Farmstands; engages New Yorkers in zero waste education; builds and maintains green spaces; and engages people of all ages in hands-on education.

Greenmarket annually operates 50+ farmers markets with a mission to promote regional agriculture and ensure a continuing supply of fresh local produce for New Yorkers.

GrowNYC’s Farmer Assistance program provides established Greenmarket farmers and aspiring farmers with professional services, such as estate planning, land conservation, financial analysis, land use / zoning analysis, strategic marketing support, and access to capital. These services are provided by Farmer Assistance staff members and through the engagement of outside consultants.