Family of US airman killed by Florida police say sheriff's narrative false
The family of Senior Airman Roger Fortson seeks to correct a false narrative about his death, emphasizing he was protecting himself with his legally owned firearm. [ more ]
Federal Court Declares North Carolina Racist Voting Law Unconstitutional
A federal court in North Carolina ruled a racist voter prosecution law as unconstitutional, preventing felony charges for unknowingly voting with prior felony convictions. [ more ]
Ruby Bridges blasts book bans as "ridiculous" attempts to "cover up history"
Efforts to ban books on systemic racism and discrimination target Civil Rights icon Ruby Bridges' story, seen as a threat by right-wing groups. [ more ]
Denying gender-affirming care coverage violates federal law, says appeals court
Federal appeals court upholds ruling against Houston County Sheriff's Office for denying transition-related health care under antidiscrimination law. [ more ]
As States Resist Federal Gender Rules, Schools Are Caught in the Middle
Biden administration's new civil rights regulations require transgender accommodations in schools under Title IX, sparking conflicts in Republican-led states. [ more ]
Hernandez v. Texas: A 1954 landmark case helped Mexican Americans
The Hernandez v. Texas ruling in May 1954 granted Mexican Americans the right to serve on a jury, setting a precedent for civil rights battles. [ more ]
House passes new bill to codify antisemitism definition
Lawmakers voted to include a broad definition of antisemitism in federal civil rights law to protect Jewish students and hold colleges accountable. [ more ]
Stockton Settles $6 Million Lawsuit Over Man's Police Restraint Death | KQED
The city of Stockton settled a wrongful death lawsuit for $6 million, acknowledging responsibility for the death of Shayne Sutherland at the hands of Stockton Police officers. [ more ]
Biden Administration Releases Revised Title IX Rules
The Biden administration issued new rules broadening Title IX to protect L.G.B.T.Q. students and updating campus sexual misconduct procedures. [ more ]
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Orel Hershiser Buys Jackie Robinson Painting To Keep At Negro Leagues Baseball Museum
Orel Hershiser acquired artwork by Dave Hobrecht dedicated to Jackie Robinson Day, ensuring 'Grace' remains at the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum for historical and educational purposes. [ more ]
Jackie Robinson remembered around MLB on 77th anniversary of him breaking baseball's color barrier | amNewYork
Major League Baseball commemorated Jackie Robinson's breaking of the color barrier, highlighting his enduring impact on the sport and society. [ more ]
NYC paying record $28M settlement to family of Rikers inmate left severely brain damaged after suicide attempt: report
The city is set to pay $28.7 million to a Rikers Island inmate's family due to severe brain damage from a suicide attempt.
The settlement marks one of the largest payouts in NYC for a civil rights case, involving negligence by guards and the need for lifelong care. [ more ]
Feds say California's facial hair ban for prison guards amounts to religious discrimination
California's rule requiring prison guards to be clean-shaven is seen as religious discrimination by the federal government, impacting Sikhs, Muslims, and other religious groups.
The U.S. Justice Department is seeking a temporary court order to allow officers to wear beards while accommodating religious practices and complying with safety regulations. [ more ]
Berkeley Unified accused of failing to protect students against anti-Semitism
The federal complaint filed against Berkeley Unified School District alleges a failure to protect Jewish and Israeli students from anti-Semitic and anti-Israel rhetoric.
The complaint accuses educators of indoctrinating students with pro-Hamas videos, anti-Semitic imagery, and encouraging hate messages against Israel. [ more ]
Missouri Bill Would Put Teachers Who Use Trans Kids' Pronouns on Sex Registry
Missouri House bill criminalizes teachers using transgender students' chosen pronouns.
Teachers may face felony charges, fines, imprisonment, and sex offender registry placement for supporting transgender students' social transitions. [ more ]
The John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act reintroduced by Senate Democrats and civil rights leaders to protect voters from discrimination and strengthen democracy.
Ryan Roberson emphasizes the significance of the Act in ensuring equal access to the ballot box and addressing erosion of voting rights in communities of color in the South. [ more ]
18-year-old turns himself into police for hate-motivated graffiti charges
An 18-year-old from Portsmouth has been arrested on hate-motivated criminal mischief charges, targeting religious buildings, LGBTQ+ community, and people of different races. [ more ]
How Black Women in the South Are Reclaiming Space - Non Profit News | Nonprofit Quarterly
The narrative of the South as a backward place erases the Black community's story of self-determination and reclaiming space, with Black women leading the way. [ more ]
The struggles and complexities of Black lives and politics in America were highlighted in a 1970 Time magazine special issue, reflecting on the aftermath of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s assassination. [ more ]
NY court strikes down Nassau County order banning transgender athletes from competing on girls' sports teams
A New York judge struck down an executive order banning transgender athletes from competing in girls' or women's sports leagues on Long Island. [ more ]
LGBTQ+ and allied members of Congress introduce Trans Day of Visibility resolution
Congress introduced a resolution recognizing trans, nonbinary, and gender-nonconforming accomplishments and commitment to equality.
The resolution highlights the challenges faced by the trans community, celebrates their contributions to various sectors, and emphasizes the importance of visibility. [ more ]
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Florida's 'Don't Say Gay' law challenged in classroom clarification
A settlement in Florida clarifies that the "Don't Say Gay" law does not restrict discussion of LGBTQ+ topics or anti-bullying rules in schools.
The settlement also allows for Gay-Straight Alliance groups in schools and clarifies that incidental references to LGBTQ+ characters in library books are not considered instruction on sexual orientation or gender identity. [ more ]
Paul McCartney Reacts To Beyonce Covering "Blackbird" And Recalls Its Civil Rights Message
Paul McCartney expresses happiness and gratitude for Beyoncé covering his song 'Blackbird' for her latest album.
McCartney's 1968 song 'Blackbird' was inspired by civil rights issues, particularly the Little Rock Nine, and the message remains relevant today. [ more ]
Rev. Sharpton's 2024 NAN Annual Convention this week
The National Action Network Convention 2024 focuses on Black voter participation and various rights for Black and brown Americans.
The event features prominent leaders from diverse fields discussing key issues like voting rights, healthcare equity, and economic empowerment. [ more ]
U.K. Backsliding on Civil and Political Protections, U.N. Rights Body Says
The U.N. Human Rights Committee criticized the Conservative government in Britain for backsliding on civil rights protections.
The committee urged Britain to abandon legislation allowing asylum seekers to be sent to Rwanda, following concerns over human rights violations. [ more ]
2 more former Mississippi 'Goon Squad' deputies sentenced in torture of 2 Black men
Six former white law enforcement officers pleaded guilty to torturing two Black men in Mississippi, leading to significant prison sentences for their roles in the racist attack.
The former officers were part of a self-styled 'Goon Squad' known for using violent and aggressive tactics, leading to a disturbing brutality case in Rankin County, Mississippi. [ more ]
He Cursed at a Police Officer. Now He's Caught in a Free Speech Fight.
The incident involving Tony Rupp at Chef's Restaurant led to a legal battle centered around First Amendment rights and free speech.
The case against the city and police commissioner could set a significant precedent regarding citizens' ability to criticize public officials. [ more ]
Charles V. Hamilton, an Apostle of Black Power,' Dies at 94
Dr. Charles V. Hamilton, a key figure in the Black Power movement, passed away at 94, leaving behind a legacy of challenging institutional racism.
In 1967, Hamilton and Stokely Carmichael co-authored 'Black Power: The Politics of Liberation,' which shook up mainstream civil rights movements and highlighted the embedded racism in America's institutions. [ more ]
Target pulls Black History Month book that misidentified 3 civil rights icons
Target pulled a book from its Black History Month collection after it was discovered that it mislabeled three prominent Civil Rights icons.
A high school US history teacher posted a video on TikTok showing the discrepancies in the book, which went viral and led to Target removing the product from its shelves. [ more ]