The U.S. Supreme Court upheld a lower-court ruling on a 5-to-4 vote Thursday, deciding Alabama's 2022 congressional maps violated the Voting Rights Act.

The decision safeguards Section 2 of the 1965 Voting Rights Act, which bans voting practices of discrimination based on race, color or membership in specific language groups. As a result, Alabama may see new congressional maps soon.

Kathy Jones, president of the League of Women Voters of Alabama, praised the ruling as a "momentous day" for voters and voting-rights advocates, by guaranteeing Black voters in Alabama can fairly select their preferred candidate, knowing their votes matter.

"This ruling supports the decision of the three-judge panel that these maps diluted voting power based on race," Jones asserted. "It is a powerful declaration that Black voices in Alabama will no longer be ignored. We are pleased that we are one step closer to finally achieving equal representation in our state."

Mapmakers distributed residents into districts in such a way to only allowed Black voters to elect candidates in one district, despite comprising about 27% of the state's voting-age population. The district court's unanimous decision had said not one, but two, compact congressional districts should have been formed with majorities or near-majorities of Black voters.

Jones added the ruling offers federal protection for those fighting other laws labeled as voter suppression, including House Bill 209, which would have made it criminal for civic organizations or individuals to help others vote by limiting those who could provide assistance with absentee ballots or applications.

Although the bill failed to pass during this year's legislative session, if it returns next year, Jones pointed out they can now rely on the high court's ruling for support.

"We fought it from beginning to end," Jones emphasized. "If they do decide to pass this bill next year over our opposition, then we will have legal protections to go after the state."

Even as she expressed optimism, Jones noted there's still work to be done to create more equity in voting. A statement from the National Redistricting Foundation indicated pending lawsuits over congressional districts in Georgia and Texas could also be affected.

Support for this reporting was provided by The Carnegie Corporation of New York.


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UPDATE: A statement about the arrest from the University of Cincinnati has been added. (8:10 a.m. MDT, Apr. 3, 2025)

A recent arrest on the University of Cincinnati campus is sparking outrage among civil rights advocates, raising new concerns about student speech, academic freedom and the treatment of Muslim and pro-Palestinian voices across the country.

A University of Cincinnati student was arrested this week - allegedly for waving a Palestinian flag. Videos posted online show five police officers tackling the student as he repeatedly asked if he was under arrest.

Khalid Turaani, CAIR-Ohio executive director, called the incident an attack on civil liberties.

"We unequivocally condemn the arrest of student activists and the alleged attack on freedom of speech and academic freedom. For police officers to attack a student for raising a Palestinian flag is beyond the pale as Americans," he said.

The University of Cincinnati released a statement on the incident:

"UC Police arrested a student who was protesting against a free speech demonstration occurring on campus that involved non-university affiliated preachers. Police officers warned the student several times not to impede the movement of the demonstrators. The student became involved in an altercation with the demonstrators and disregarded police officers' directions. Student was subsequently arrested for disorderly conduct and resisting arrest."

The Council on American-Islamic Relations said the arrest fits a troubling national pattern. Over the past month, students at institutions such as Columbia, Georgetown and Tufts have been detained. Some have been transferred to detention centers in Louisiana or had their visas revoked.

Turaani said Americans around the country should be cautious.

"It's creating an atmosphere that is reminiscent of the McCarthyist era where people are going to be assaulted or jailed or targeted because of things that they say or because of the belief that they have," he continued.

Turaani warned the recent wave of arrests could especially impact international and Muslim students, who may feel silenced for speaking out, and speaks directly to them.

"You are in the forefront of this civil rights movement. Everybody went through that. It seems this is our turn, to defend the civil rights of the rest of America for freedom of expression, for academic freedom, for human rights," he said.



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Debates over academic freedom and diversity initiatives have intensified nationally and in Ohio.

Senate Bill 1, known as the Advance Ohio Higher Education Act, proposes significant changes to the state's public higher-education system. The bill aims to ban diversity, equity and inclusion programs, prohibit faculty strikes and mandate post-tenure reviews for professors.

At the national level, the detention of Columbia University activist Mahmoud Khalil has sparked widespread protests.

Jay Saper, a member and leader for the group Jewish Voice for Peace, expressed deep concern.

"We are absolutely outraged that he has been abducted from his home for speaking up for Palestinian liberation," Saper explained. "As Jews, we understand what it means to experience fascism."

Khalil's detention has ignited debates about free speech and civil liberties, resonating with ongoing discussions in Ohio, where the bill's proponents, including bill sponsor Sen. Jerry Cirino, R-Kirtland, argued the legislation seeks to promote intellectual diversity and prevent perceived ideological indoctrination within Ohio's public universities.

Scott DiMauro, president of the Ohio Education Association, expressed concerns about the bill's potential effect on academic freedom and labor rights.

"There are very serious attacks on collective bargaining rights embedded in that law," DiMauro pointed out. "And it is one of these culture-war fronts where extremist politicians are trying to eliminate all efforts at inclusion and diversity and accessibility."

As Ohioans consider the implications of the bill, the broader national discourse on free speech and diversity initiatives in higher education continues to evolve. The bill now awaits consideration in the Ohio House of Representatives, where further debate is expected.

Reporting by Ohio News Connection in association with Media in the Public Interest and funded in part by the George Gund Foundation.

In Tennessee and nationwide, communities are celebrating Black History Month, recognizing the contributions and achievements of African Americans to American history.

Historian Carter G. Woodson launched what was initially Negro History Week in 1926 to honor the works of Black educators, inventors, lawyers, entrepreneurs and artists.

Martin Luther King III, third chairman of the Drum Major Institute, human rights activist and the only surviving son of the late Reverend Martin Luther King Jr., is among those carrying forward the legacy and said he remains committed to advancing his father's vision of equality, justice and creating legacy daily.

"It's about building something every day," King emphasized. "Hopefully, something that can make a difference in our community, in our society, in our cities and also in our world. It doesn't have to be massive that way, it can just be something small. But it's what you do to sort of make a contribution in life."

The U.S. Civil Rights Trail includes 14 locations in Tennessee, according to the state's tourism office. Beyond Black History Month, King stressed the need to restore civility in today's political climate, focusing on the importance of rebuilding dignity, respect and inclusivity, ensuring all people are treated as human beings.

The national response to President Donald Trump's executive order dismantling diversity programs has been mixed and King acknowledged the country's deep divisions. He believes his father would encourage more dialogue to foster understanding and achieve unity. He noted the country calls itself the "United" States of America but lately is seeing too much hostility and even hatred.

"Rights are being lost," King outlined. "Some are banning books. We still don't have the full right to vote without some encumbrances. We still don't, all of us, have health care. We certainly still don't have a system of justice that works for everyone."

King highlighted his "Realize the Dream" initiative, encouraging Tennesseans and people nationwide to complete 100 volunteer service hours in honor of his father's 100th birthday in 2029.

He added the initiative is inspired by Martin Luther King Jr.'s 1967 book, "Where Do We Go from Here: Chaos or Community?"


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