The passage of Prohibition was intended to promote public morality, but instead created the conditions for organized crime to flourish. By criminalizing the production and sale of alcohol, the government handed control of a once-legal industry to bootleggers and crime syndicates, who capitalized on high demand and weak enforcement. These organizations built sophisticated networks that rivaled legitimate businesses, using bribery and violence to maintain power. Corruption spread throughout law enforcement and government institutions, eroding public trust and disproportionately harming poor and immigrant communities through selective enforcement. With the death of Jay Gatsby leaving a major power vacuum in the illegal alcohol trade, the committee must address how to dismantle or control organized crime while confronting systemic corruption and restoring confidence in the rule of law.

The economic prosperity of the 1920s masked deep and growing inequality between social classes, as wealth became increasingly concentrated among the elite while much of the working population struggled to survive. Prohibition intensified these divisions, allowing wealthy individuals to evade the law while poor and immigrant communities faced harsher policing and unsafe living conditions. The divide between old money and new money further fractured society, as both groups benefited from systems that exploited laborers. The suspicious handling of Myrtle Wilson’s death has become a symbol of injustice, sparking nationwide protests and worker strikes demanding accountability and economic reform. The committee must consider how to respond to mass unrest, address wealth disparities, and prevent further economic and social destabilization.

James Bae, a senior at Maggie Walker, is excited to serve as a co-chair for the Great Gatsby Crisis Committee at GSMUN. This year marks his fourth year participating in Model UN at Maggie Walker and is his third time chairing a committee at this conference. In addition to Model UN, James participates in several activities, including Mech Tech Robotics, Money Matters, Mock Trial Club and tutoring. James also plays on the MLWGS’s varsity tennis team. James is excited to bring his enthusiasm and chairing skills to the Great Gatsby committee. He looks forward to meeting all of the delegates and is excited to see the unique solutions delegates will develop!

Vera Chunnanond, a senior at Maggie Walker, is excited to serve as a co-chair for the Great Gatsby. She has been involved in Model UN for three years, and has served as a chair and crisis staffer in previous years. Aside from Model UN, Vera is a wrestler, part of the MLWGS Mock Trial club, and a trombone player. Vera can’t wait to meet all the delegates in March!