Civil Rights / Public News Service

The Gender Shades project revealed facial recognition performed poorest for darker-skinned women, and performed best for lighter-skinned men. (Adobe Stock)

Friday, July 26, 2024

A NY county creates facial recognition, privacy protections

Columbia County, New York, is implementing new facial recognition and privacy policies, following new upgrades to the county's surveillance cameras…

In Vermont, Maine and the District of Columbia, people with felony convictions do not lose their right to vote. (Studio Romantic/Adobe Stock)

NE AG's opinion could set voting rights restoration back decades

About 7,000 Nebraskans with felony convictions who thought they'd be able to register to vote, now face uncertainty. In question is the …

In the Keystone State, Oct. 21 is the last day to register to vote before the Nov. 5 election. (vesperstock/Adobe Stock)

A call to reduce political rhetoric; embrace prayer, peace, unity

In a weekend turn of events that some saw as shocking, President Joe Biden told the nation he's dropping out of the presidential race rather than …

American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten will deliver her 'State of the Union' keynote address on Monday, July 22. (dragonstock/Adobe Stock}

Thousands of teachers expected in TX for their annual convention

Thousands of educators from across the nation will be in Houston starting this weekend for the American Federation of Teachers annual convention…

In 2022, Florida's Republican state legislators passed the Stop WOKE Act but a federal judge later ruled it violates the First Amendment as it applies to businesses and is impermissibly vague. A similar case is ongoing regarding lessons on race in higher education. (Pixabay)

Fighting for academic freedom, profs challenge FL's ‘Stop WOKE’ Act

Advocates for academic freedom are battling in court against Florida's claim a professor's speech is government speech, allowing them to prevent …

(In)Accessible: 'When vanlife meets abortion access '

In Pennsylvania, a unique mobile van brings reproductive resources to communities across Western Pennsylvania. A new podcast, called "(In)Accessible,…

Student Fellows, Lorena and Camila, participating at a community event in Tyler, TX. (photo courtesy of Este Poder)

East TX nonprofit works to register young voters of color

The nonprofit Este Poder has a goal of helping more young people of color in rural east Texas exercise their right to vote. The organization holds …

More than 2,000 people in prison currently face execution in the United States. (Gorodenkoff/Adobe Stock)

200 people on death row exonerated since 1973

It's being called a historic milestone - 200 people have been exonerated after being sentenced to death since 1973, what's known as the modern era of …

If implemented, Project 2025 would make it legal to discriminate based on sexual orientation and gender identity, and delete terms including

Civil rights groups sound alarm on Project 2025

Civil rights groups are sounding the alarm about potential threats to American democracy posed by Project 2025, a roadmap created by the Heritage …

In virtually identical court declarations, professors involved in a lawsuit against the Biden administration said they will not honor any student's demands to be addressed by the singular pronoun

Texas professors wage war on Title IX, threatening students' rights to abortions

By Shoshanna Ehrlich for Ms. Magazine.Broadcast version by Freda Ross for Texas News Service reporting for the Ms. Magazine-Public News Service …

Organizers say the Swingman Classic is the closest a modern-day fan can get to the historic Negro Leagues. (Danny Hooks/Adobe Stock)

HBCU students highlighted during MLB All-Star Week in TX

Major League Baseball's All-Star week kicks off tonight at Globe Life Field in Arlington with the Swingman Classic featuring 50 student athletes from …

The Supreme Court voted 6-3 that presidents are immune from prosecution for performing

SCOTUS presidential immunity decision puts democracy in peril, critic says

A U.S. Supreme Court decision on presidential immunity from prosecution is raising concerns about the power of the executive branch - and the future …

Colorado hospitals and clinics have reported sharply increased numbers of uninsured people seeking care. (Adobe Stock)

Colorado posted 2nd-highest loss of Medicaid coverage in nation in May

In May, Colorado ranked second in the nation for the percentage of residents dropped from Medicaid health insurance rolls - including 500,000 who …

In 2015, the Supreme Court extended marriage equality to all 50 states in Obergefell v. Hodges. A new survey reveals the vast majority of same-sex couples married for love while 75% said they also married for legal protections. (Adobe Stock)<br /><br />

Majority of married same-sex couples say marriage equality threatened

Twenty years after Massachusetts became the first state to permit marriage equality, a majority of same-sex married couples say it had a profound …

Advocates to flood social media to promote Black Women’s Equal Pay Day

Today is Black Women's Equal Pay Day and at 11 a.m. PT, advocates hope to get the topic trending with a "social media storm." The wage gap is stark…

Garret Frey was honored with the Lifetime Advocacy Award from the Iowa Developmental Disabilities Council in 2023. (Courtesy of Iowa Developmental Disabilities Council)

Iowan with disability wins federal support

The U.S. Office for Civil Rights has issued a ruling ensuring that an Iowa man with disabilities is able to live in his home and receive round-the-…

The New Mexico Secretary of State says paper ballots are used in 100% of elections to ensure there's always physical ballots that can be recounted if necessary. (AdobeStock: PX Media)

Expert: America's erosion of democracy has accelerated

A political expert known for his research on authoritarian regimes says American democracy is threatened by minority rule, which is enshrined in the …

In 2015, the Supreme Court extended marriage equality to all 50 states in Obergefell v. Hodges. Almost all same-sex couples surveyed reported the decision affected their lives. More than 60% of couples were married post-Obergefell even though their relationships started before 2015. (Adobe Stock)<br /><br />

Report: Marriage equality strengthened families but many worry for future

Twenty years after the first state permitted marriage equality, a majority of same-sex married couples said it had a profound positive effect on …

The World Health Organization says globally, one in two people can be considered

America's 'Radical Elders' continue their work for fairness, justice

Members of the group Radical Elders are participating in a Chicago tech conference this weekend to explain the impact of technology on older Americans…

North Carolina is home to 934,604 small businesses. (Adobe Stock)

North Carolina businesses fear effects of 'bathroom bill'

North Carolina's business community is alarmed after Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson praised the controversial House Bill 2, known as the "Bathroom Bill," at …

Reenactors recreate a reading of the Emancipation Proclamation at the Knott House Museum in Tallahassee in 2015. (Florida Memory)

In Florida, Juneteenth highlights an ongoing fight for freedom

Florida's official day to commemorate the end of slavery is May 20, known as "Mayteenth." However, as communities across the nation celebrate …

Controversial AZ immigration measure faces legal challenge

A controversial immigration bill could allow Arizona law enforcement to arrest people who are found to be illegally crossing the U.S. - Mexico border…

Over the past two decades, 5,329 patients in the United States have utilized medical aid-in-dying laws, while at least 8,451 patients received a prescription, according to the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. (Adobe Stock)

MA could become 11th state with medical aid-in-dying law

Lawmakers in Massachusetts are considering legislation to allow medical aid in dying as an option for mentally capable, terminally ill adults…

The group says the United States should work with partner countries willing and able to enforce strict terms or face sanctions. (Anastasiia/Adobe Stock)

Environmental groups want say in Critical Mineral Agreements

A group of environmental and civil society organizations is fighting for better working conditions for people in countries that supply critical minera…

This provision was added to an omnibus bill (SB 103) late in the 2023 session, and was introduced by state Rep. Justin Hicks, R-Lake St. Louis. (Grenar/Adobe Stock)

Journalists, advocates challenge Missouri's new redaction rules

The Missouri Broadcasters Association is among the parties filing a lawsuit, claiming a state law that requires extensive redactions in court …

With the online tool Ballot Builder, advocates are working to make voting easier, more accessible and efficient for Indigenous people living on Montana's seven reservations. (Adobe Stock)

MT goes live with online tool for Indigenous voters

Indigenous leaders in Montana have announced the release of an online tool to help Native voters learn about the issues and candidates on the ballot…

Nevada organization aims to mobilize Latino voters

Latinos make up a significant chunk of Nevada's population, and one local organization wants to encourage Latino voters in the Silver State to …

Presidential elections in Michigan have been close lately, with Trump winning by about 11,000 votes in 2016 and Biden capturing the state by about 150,000 in 2020. (Ayman Haykal)

MI seen as 'must have' state for Biden or Trump win

Political experts have deemed Michigan a swing state, not knowing which way it's going to vote in this year's presidential election. They say …

Some counties in Nevada are required to provide language assistance in Spanish, Shoshone, Paiute or other Native American languages. (Abode Stock)

Early voting underway for Nevada Primary Election

Nevada's early voting started this past weekend and will run through June seventh - with the June Primary Election taking place on Tuesday, June 11…

Families say they agreed to the settlement with Uvalde because they did not want to bankrupt the city. (Pixel-Shot/Adobe Stock)

Remembering the Uvalde mass shooting; two years ago today

Two years ago today, a teenager killed 19 students and two teachers at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde. The families of those shot and killed have …

TX group works to soften trauma for sexual assault survivors

A north Texas nonprofit organization is working to reduce stress for trauma survivors creates "soft" police station interview rooms. They paint the …

An estimated 500 South Dakotans between ages 13 and 17, and 2,900 adults, identify as transgender, according to UCLA's Williams Institute. (Adobe Stock)

SD sends mixed messages on youth rights

A staggering 93% of transgender teens live in states that have either enacted or proposed laws that would restrict their rights - according to a new r…

Between 2000 and 2020, the number of young people held in juvenile justice facilities fell from 109,000 to 25,000, a 77% decline. But racial disparities persist, according to The Sentencing Project. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Justice Department launches investigation into KY youth detention centers

The U.S. Justice Department is launching an investigation into reports of physical and sexual abuse at Kentucky's eight youth detention centers - …

A U.S. Department of Justice report noted 20% of the staff sexual misconduct occurred in a correction facility's cell, its commissary, cafeteria, or workshop. (Adobe Stock)

IL juvenile justice group says lawsuit addresses years of abuse

A lawsuit filed this month against the Illinois Departments of Corrections and Juvenile Justice might help tip the scales for legislation pending in S…

A Harvard study from 2021 said 96.4% of Black Lives Matter protests were nonviolent, despite widely reported vandalism, property damage and looting in the news. (Drazen/AdobeStock)

First Amendment rights to mass protest under attack in MS and beyond

In a blow to free speech and the right to assemble, the U.S. Supreme Court recently declined to hear a case involving the rights of protest …

A new survey by the group Make the Road New York showed one-third of New York City migrant workers with steady jobs weren't getting minimum wage or timely pay, due to their immigration status. (Adobe Stock)

Survey: NYC needs to do more for growing migrant population

A new survey showed New York City's population of asylum-seekers is struggling, and makes suggestions for improvements. The survey by the group Make …

Multiple lawsuits have been filed against the Texas Department of Criminal Justice because its prisons are not air conditioned. (Felix Pergande/Adobe Stock)

People in TX prisons claim heat-related health effects, demand air conditioning

The Texas Department of Criminal Justice is facing a class action lawsuit calling for the agency to add central air conditioning to all its prisons…

A total of 38,600 transgender youth now live in states where a policy has been enacted that either explicitly or implicitly restricts their access to bathrooms and other facilities, according to the report. (Adobe Stock)

Report: NV fares well with transgender rights

Ninety-three percent of transgender teens live in a state that has enacted or proposed legislation that would restrict their rights - according to a n…

Bates was born in Huttig, Ark., in 1914, three white men allegedly murdered her mother while she was an infant, which inspired her to fight for civil rights. (Photo Courtesy of Barry Jefferson)

Arkansas civil rights icon Daisy Bates honored with statue at U.S. Capitol

A new statue at the U.S. Capitol honors Arkansas civil rights activist Daisy Gatson Bates. The eight foot bronze statue is in the National Statuary …

People released after serving long prison sentences are statistically very unlikely to reoffend.<br />(viperagp/Adobe Stock)

MI woman shares Mother's Day with mom incarcerated for decades

Mother's Day has a special place in the heart of a Michigan woman whose mother's incarceration kept them separated for decades. Jen Szénay of …

The Kids Online Safety Act could necessitate that platforms verify users' ages. (momius/Adobe Stock)

NM LGBTQ group fears far-reaching effects of 'Kids Online Safety Act'

Legislation meant to protect minors on social media platforms could be voted on in Washington this week. But some in New Mexico's LGBTQ community …

Students and faculty at Northeastern University in Boston surround a pro-Palestinian encampment on their school's campus, which stood for two days before administrators called in police to remove it. (Ehn)

Northeastern University students, staff condemn arrests, charges of antisemitism

Students and faculty at Northeastern University are demanding their school issue a public apology for what they say are false charges of antisemitism …

Voters who say abortion is the most important issue to their vote are disproportionately younger, Democratic-leaning, and want abortion to be legal in all cases. (Adobe Stock)

NV pro-choice advocates back emergency abortion law targeted in SCOTUS case

Nevada health-care providers, patients and advocates are responding to the U.S. Supreme Court case that'll determine the future of the Emergency …

A Washington Post study found the number one issue cited by callers to LGBTQ+ help lines in 2023 was

NE LGBTQ+ community, advocates see wins at state, federal levels

Members of Nebraska's LGBTQ+ community and their supporters saw positive actions at both the state and federal level this month. At the state level…

(PPstock/Adobe Stock)">

ACLU of TX concerned about arrests at pro-Palestinian demonstrations

The American Civil Liberties Union of Texas says it is monitoring protests at college campuses, after almost 60 students protesting the Israeli-…

Some places with camping bans preventing people from sleeping in public areas include Missouri, Tennessee, Texas, and the cities of San Diego, Calif., and Portland, Oregon. (Adobe Stock)

SCOTUS homelessness case can have ripple effects in CT

The Supreme Court case Grants Pass v. Gloria Johnson could upend homeless populations in Connecticut and nationwide. The case centers around whether …

In 2022, Harvard University established an endowment fund for $100 million for slavery reparations. Many major cities have taken up the issue of reparations, but few have completed action on it. (Adobe Stock)

IL city makes tangible effort to atone for discrimination

By Torsheta Jackson for Yes! Media.Broadcast version by Terri Dee for Illinois News Connection reporting for the YES! Media-Public News Service …

It's estimated about 3,400 transgender people, age 18 and older, live in Montana, according to the UCLA School of Law. (Adobe Stock)

Civil rights advocates file suit over MT birth certificate mandate

The Montana chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union has filed class-action lawsuit challenging a measure barring people from listing a gender on…

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