Human Rights/Racial Justice / Public News Service

The American Federation of Teachers says schools must be safe havens, welcoming places of learning and free from racism, discrimination and the threat of deportation. (vectorfusionart/Adobe Stock)

Thursday, February 6, 2025

TX teachers prepare to protect immigrant students

School districts across Texas are grappling with ways to keep migrant children safe and engaged in class now that the Trump administration has made it…

The ADA protects individuals with disabilities from discrimination, just as other civil rights laws safeguard against discrimination based on race, color, sex, national origin, age, and religion.<br />(Adobe Stock)

Monday, February 3, 2025

Dismantling DEIA initiatives may harm PA disability rights

For Pennsylvanians with disabilities, there may be unexpected side effects to ending so-called Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility …

In 2025, women occupy 34% of Ohio's 132 legislative seats, with the General Assembly welcoming seven additional female lawmakers. (Adobe Stock)

Scholarships help OH women in public service amid diversity program cuts

The gender gap in Ohio politics persists, and President Donald Trump's new executive order eliminating federal diversity programs is expected to …

The Women's Foundation of the South expects to forge relationships with women of color who are nonprofit leaders in 13 Southern states by 2026. (Adobe Stock)

TX nonprofits led by women of color receive support from southern charity

As many nonprofit organizations see a decrease in funding and donations, one charity is stepping up to ensure organizations run by women of color do …

Numerous studies have shown immigrants are far less likely to commit crimes than people born in the United States. (Adobe Stock)

Colorado legislators stand up for immigrants

As President Donald Trump makes good on his promises for mass deportation, some Colorado lawmakers are standing up to protect immigrant families now …

In 2000, immigrants were 2% of Kentucky's population, 2% of its workforce and 2% of its business owners. In 2022, those numbers were all up, according to the Kentucky Center for Economic Policy. (Wasiul Bahar/Wikimedia Commons)

Immigrant workers, business owners help grow Kentucky's economy

Kentucky's immigrant workers and business owners generate $14 billion of economic input, according to new data from the Kentucky Center for Economic …

The North Carolina race for Supreme Court justice from November is the only election in the state that's yet to be certified. (DiscoA340/Adobe Stock)

'Unprecedented' attempt to throw out 60,000 NC votes could damage democracy

The saga over votes in a North Carolina Supreme Court election continues, with potentially damaging effects for the state's democracy. While the …

Women's Foundation of the South aims to address policies and programs that disenfranchise women of color and are barriers to opportunities. It funds organizations with multi-year general operating support and leadership development grants.

Southern charity funds AR nonprofits led by women of color

As many nonprofit organizations see a decrease in funding and donations, one charity is stepping up to ensure organizations run by women of color …

Ohio has nearly 750,000 lead service lines, the third-highest number in the U.S. out of over 6 million such lines still in use nationwide, according to the EPA. (PikePicture/Adobe Stock)

Ohio communities look to update water systems

Lead contamination in drinking water continues to be a significant concern in Ohio. With new federal regulations to tackle the issue, local water …

Nebraska raised about 10.5 million chickens in 2023, a 13% increase from 2022. (Adobe Stock)

Protecting Nebraska workers from avian flu

A bill has been introduced in Lincoln to protect workers in the agriculture sector from dangerous workplace practices and get ahead of a potential avi…

Studies suggest up to 10 million children witness some form of domestic violence annually. (motortion/Adobe Stock)

NM bill would help domestic abuse survivors get legal assistance

Women surveyed about why they stayed in an abusive relationship often said they did not have the money to leave. Now, a bill introduced in the New …

Wyoming's House Bill 62 would amend the crimes of prostitution and solicitation to include acts of sexual contact. The state remains one of few in the country to approve criminalizing child survivors of trafficking, according to Shared Hope International. (Adobe Stock)

WY energy industry has opportunity to track down human traffickers

January is National Human Trafficking Prevention Month and educators are training workers in key industries to recognize and report the crime…

Advocates in Washington state are pushing to further streamline the voter registration process. (Darylann Elmi/Adobe Stock)

WA bill would expand automatic voter registration

A bill in Olympia would further expand Washington state's automatic voter registration process. Sen. Javier Valdez, D-Seattle, introduced Senate …

The hottest year on record was 2024, as average global temperatures continue to rise due to the use of fossil fuels. (Adobe Stock)

Worker's coalition aims to address climate emergency, economic inequality

As President Donald Trump abandons a promise the U.S. made in Paris nearly a decade ago, organized workers across Colorado are joining forces to …

Ohio has the eighth-highest number of children that are covered by Medicaid in small towns and rural communities nationally. (IB Photography/Adobe Stock)

Ohio faces health care challenges as Medicaid funding wavers

As Congress debates potential cuts to Medicaid, a new report from Georgetown University sheds light on how these changes could disproportionately …

Alabama's Human Trafficking Hotline, 1-888-373-7888, has identified 815 cases of human trafficking and 1,823 victims since its inception. (Adobe Stock)

Alabama takes action against human trafficking

January is National Human Trafficking Prevention Month, spotlighting efforts to combat the crime. Human trafficking, the world's second-largest …

Threats to U.S. poll workers, ballot counters, county clerks and secretaries of state increased significantly after President Donald Trump said the 2020 election was stolen. (MariaVitkovska/Adobe Stock)

NM voters urged to make a stand for free, fair, safe elections

The post-election period leading up to today's inauguration has been decidedly calmer than the aftermath of the 2020 presidential election. But …

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1977 by President Jimmy Carter. (Jon/Adobe Stock)

Tennesseans honor legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Today marks the nationally recognized birthday of the late Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. It's a day for college students in Tennessee to …

Ohio State University will host events honoring Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. all week, concluding with the Legacy Awards Reception on Jan. 28. (forestgraphic/Adobe Stock)

Celebrating Dr. King and new beginnings in Ohio

Today, Ohioans come together to honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with events across the state celebrating his contributions to …

Protesters in San Diego call for a just peace in Gaza on Saturday. (Joe Orellana)

CA pro-Palestinian groups express cautious optimism as ceasefire takes hold

California supporters of the Palestinian cause say they are cautiously optimistic - now that the ceasefire in Gaza has taken hold and the hostage rele…

In 2024, Ohio's Human Trafficking Initiative created specialized resources for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, focusing on personal safety, healthy relationships and preventing exploitation.(design.designer/Adobe Stock)

Ohio takes action against human trafficking

January is National Human Trafficking Prevention Month, spotlighting efforts to combat the crime. Human trafficking, the world's second-largest …

Tom Homan, President-elect Donald Trump's border czar, said he will begin mass deportations in Chicago when Trump takes office. (Adobe Stock)

Chicago’s sanctuary protections may end this week

A proposed amendment to strip Chicago of its sanctuary protections is scheduled to be voted on this week. The change to the Welcome City Ordinance …

McClure v. Jefferson County Commission, a lawsuit filed in Alabama, highlights Jefferson County's changing demographics, with the Black population increasing from 33% in 1980 to 43% in 2020, according to U.S. Census data. (Adobe Stock)

Alabama redistricting trial challenges fair representation

The battle over Jefferson County's 2021 redistricting maps heads to court this week with plaintiffs arguing the map violates the Voting Rights Act and…

Montana's Department of Justice opened 21 human trafficking investigations in 2024, which will be submitted for prosecution, according to the department. (Adobe Stock)

Energy industry new focus for human trafficking education

January is National Human Trafficking Prevention Month and educators are training workers in key industries to recognize and report the crime…

In South Dakota, 68% of missing persons are Native Americans even though they only make up 9% of the state's population. (Adobe Stock)

Resource gaps cloud efforts on cases of missing and murdered Indigenous women

January is National Human Trafficking Prevention Month. In South Dakota, the push to secure justice for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women remains …

The University of Idaho is the state's second most populous university, behind Boise State. (knowlesgallery/Adobe Stock)

ID's latest anti-diversity push in higher ed meets pushback

Despite pushback, Idaho is again targeting diversity and inclusion efforts on college campuses. Over the holiday break, the Idaho State Board of …

Alabama's maternal mortality rate is 36.4 deaths per 100,000 live births, which is more than double the national average of 17.4. (Adobe Stock)

Alabama Arise prepares to tackle poverty, health issues in 2025

With the 2025 legislative session around the corner, the nonprofit advocacy group Alabama Arise said it plans to take aim at poverty and systemic …

Wisconsin municipal courts issued more than 27,000 arrest warrants and writs of commitment for people who failed to pay fines between Jan. 2023 and Aug. 2024, according to the ACLU of Wisconsin. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Some WI courts jailing people for unpaid tickets

If you have any unpaid traffic or parking tickets, the latest report on Wisconsin's municipal courts said in some areas, you could go to jail if you …

In 2022, around 63% of Republican voters in the U.S. did not have college degrees, compared to 49% of Democratic voters, highlighting the educational divide in political affiliation. (gguy/Adobe Stock)

Has Ohio lost its battleground state status?

By Vanessa Davidson / Broadcast version by Farah Siddiqi reporting for the Kent State NewsLab-Ohio News Connection Collaboration. “As Ohio …

According to the Illinois Department of Corrections, nearly 55% of male inmates are Black, 32% are white, and less than 1% are Asian, Hispanic or Indigenous. (Adobe Stock)

IL justice-involved study shows demographic imbalance

Data show troubling disparities on the number of justice-involved individuals within the Illinois Department of Corrections. Pew Research figures …

Six million U.S. students attend a school where there is a School Resource Officer but no school psychologist on staff, according to a Brookings Institution report. (Adobe Stock)

WV schools funnel more kids into juvenile justice system

West Virginia schools' reliance on zero-tolerance policies are driving more kids into the juvenile justice system - with lifelong consequences…

Enbridge's Line 5 pipeline is currently routed as close as 11 feet to a riverbank caused by flooding and erosion. (Bad River: A Story of Defiance)

Documentary brings WI tribe's pipeline resistance to national stage

By Amy Felegy for Arts Midwest.Broadcast version by Judith Ruiz-Branch for Wisconsin News Connection reporting for the Arts Midwest-Public News Servic…

The U.S. is home to more than 408,000 undocumented students enrolled in higher education. Less than 1,000 undocumented students graduate from New Hampshire high schools each year, according to the Higher Ed Immigration Portal. (Adobe Stock)

Mass deportations could spur economic losses on par with Great Recession

New Hampshire Governor Kelly Ayotte says she will support President-elect Donald Trump's plan to deport the nation's 11 million undocumented immigrant…

Each year, immigrants add $54 billion to Colorado's economy. (Adobe Stock)

Economic damage of mass deportation on par with Great Recession

As President-elect Donald Trump doubles down on promises to round up and deport the nation's 11 million undocumented immigrants, the city of Castle …

Federal data show North Dakota has emerged as one of the states with a higher number of refugees per capita. (Adobe Stock)

Human Rights Day spotlights need for welcoming refugees in ND

Today is International Human Rights Day, and much attention has been paid to North Dakota's growing refugee population and an assistance group …

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development helps low-income apartment tenants afford reduced rents in Montana. (Adobe Stock)

Montanans threaten 'rent strike' over black mold, safety issues

More than two dozen members of a tenant's union in Bozeman are threatening a rent strike if their landlord doesn't address maintenance and other safet…

The ACLU of Arkansas says immigrant workers are an integral part of the Arkansas economy. (F Armstrong Photo/Adobe Stock)

ACLU: Mass deportations would be setback for AR economy

The American Civil Liberties Union of Arkansas predicts if President-elect Donald Trump follows through with his campaign promise of mass deportations…

New Mexico immigrant advocacy groups said mass deportations promised by the next Trump administration would destabilize local economies. (LRafael/AdobeStock)

NM human rights groups promise to defend immigrants against deportation

New Mexico immigrant-based and immigrant-serving organizations are developing strategies to defend those workers and their families in the new year…

Education groups say censorship of course content by the UNT Administration is an example of extreme overcompliance with SB 17. (Adobe Stock)

University of North Texas accused of extreme DEI restrictions

Educators across the state are watching the University of North Texas, as the school denies it overstepped the parameters of Senate Bill 17. The …

A 2024 survey builds on The Marshall Project's 2020 political survey, which debunked the assumption incarcerated individuals would predominantly support Democrats, as the trend remains unchanged. Art Credit: Diana Ejaita for The Marshall Project

The politics of prison: Ohio's incarcerated reflect on the 2024 election

The 2024 presidential election has raised complex emotions for incarcerated Ohioans, many of whom are unable to vote but remain deeply engaged in …

Immigrants made up 4.7% of Wyoming's workforce in 2022, according to the American Immigration Council, and paid $151 million in taxes. (Adobe Stock)

Immigrants’ rights training in Jackson this weekend

Immigrants and the agencies that help them are preparing for what could happen when President-elect Donald Trump returns to office. In Wyoming…

Just under 14% of South Dakota kids are American Indian or Alaska Native, but make up more than 62% of children in the state's foster care system, according to the National Indian Child Welfare Association. (Adobe Stock)

Remembering older kids in foster care on National Adoption Day

This coming Saturday is National Adoption Day and it is a good time to think about children who are older or have special needs and face more difficul…

A child's public education costs $19,000 annually in Connecticut, but it can cost $274,000 to imprison a child. (Adobe Stock)

Youth justice reforms a top 2025 priority for Connecticut group

As it advocates for changes to the youth justice system in 2025, a Connecticut group says the state needs to do more to examine and address the root …

The FBI is investigating a nationwide wave of harassing texts with messages referencing slavery. In Wisconsin, Black residents of all ages have reported receiving them. (Adobe Stock)

WI wave of racist texts sparks concerns over data privacy

CORRECTION: The legislation mentioned in this story was passed by the Wisconsin State Assembly. It has not yet been voted on by the state Senate…

According to a United Nations 2015 report, food system emissions were responsible for 18 billion tons of carbon dioxide, making up 34% of global emissions. (Prostock-studio/Adobe Stock)

Investors, activists both work to shape companies' climate goals

The food we consume is a significant contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions, with beef production -- key to the fast food industry -- among …

Finding shelter for young people who are set to be released from detention can be difficult and take much time. (sakhorn38/Adobe Stock)

WA youth with nowhere to go can spend longer behind bars

Incarcerated young people in Washington state can spend a longer time in detention if they do not have a place to go upon release. Some of the …

President-elect Donald Trump said during his campaign the issue of abortion access should be left to states. Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul has said he hopes Trump sticks to his viewpoint. (Adobe Stock)

WI Supreme Court hears case on 1849 abortion law

It is now up to Wisconsin Supreme Court justices to decide the fate of an abortion law from the mid-1800s. A circuit court determined last year an 18…

More than one million Latinos live in Minnesota and surrounding states, and advocacy groups say it shows how this population is having an influence on elections. (Adobe Stock)

MN organizers: Latino voting power is here to stay

The impact Latino voters had in this year's election has caught the public's attention. Minnesota organizers found success in connecting with this …

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