Podcasts about civil rights under law

In 1963, a time of heightened suppression of Black Americans to their civil rights, President Kennedy invited 244 lawyers to the White House, calling on them to use their expertise and influence to move the civil rights struggle from the streets into the courts. That call to action launched The Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, a nonprofit that for 63 years has tackled discrimination against people of color and championed the right to full participation in civic life. In this episode of Power Station, I am honored to feature Rob Weiner, Director of the Committee's Voting Rights Project. which challenges efforts at the state and national levels to disenfranchise voters of color. It is notable and moving that until recently Rob was Senior Counsel at the Voting Rights Division at the US Department of Justice. He explains that under the Trump administration, the DOJ has abandoned its mission to protect the right to vote and is instead trafficking in disproven claims of voting scams and election fraud. Rob and his colleagues at the Lawyers Committee are boldly pushing back against executive orders, redistricting schemes and narratives that seek to weaken hard-won civil rights. And they are winning. Hear him!      

The American Democracy Minute Radio Report & Podcast for May 5, 2025Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson Warns Judges, ‘The threats and harassment are attacks on our democracy – on our system of government' At a Puerto Rico conference May 1st, U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson warned judges that recent threats from the White house are “attacks on our democracy.”  We read a portion of her speech, and have a link to the full remarks.Some podcasting platforms strip out our links.  To read our resources and see the whole script of today's report, please go to our website at https://AmericanDemocracyMinute.orgToday's LinksArticles & Resources:U.S. Supreme Court -  “Preserving Judicial Independence and the Rule of Law” Remarks by Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson First Circuit Judicial Conference, Rio Grande, Puerto Rico May 1, 2025 | 8:00 PM Politico - Ketanji Brown Jackson sharply condemns Trump's attacks on judges The Hill - Trump slams judges after ruling bars admin from using Alien Enemies Act to deport gangsPresident Donald Trump - Post of Truth Social After Judge Halts Deportations Under the Alien Enemies Act Politico - Trump calls for impeachment of judge who tried to halt deportations White House Advisor Stephen Miller - Multiple Attacks on Judges via X (scan down the page) Groups Taking Action:American Bar Association, Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights Under Law,  Stand Up America Coalition  Register or Check Your Voter Registration:U.S. Election Assistance Commission – Register And Vote in Your StatePlease follow us on Facebook and Bluesky Social, and SHARE! Find all of our reports at AmericanDemocracyMinute.orgWant ADM sent to your email?  Sign up here!Are you a radio station?  Find our broadcast files at Pacifica Radio Network's Audioport and PRX#Democracy  #DemocracyNews #AttacksonJudges #KetanjiBrownJackson #SCOTUS #USSupremeCourt

The American Democracy Minute Radio Report & Podcast for April 30, 2025US DOJ Removes Senior Managers from Voting Section, Abandons Current Cases, in Further Erosion of Voting Rights Protections The Trump administration's U.S. Department of Justice reportedly reassigned top managers of the Voting Section, and instructed remaining attorneys to drop pending cases.  This includes voting rights and redistricting cases under the 1965 Voting Rights Act.Some podcasting platforms strip out our links.  To read our resources and see the whole script of today's report, please go to our website at https://AmericanDemocracyMinute.orgToday's LinksArticles & Resources:Civil Rights Division, Department of Justice - Voting Section Civil Rights Division, Department of Justice - Voting Section LitigationNBC News - Pam Bondi reshapes the DOJ around Trump's prioritiesThe Guardian - Trump's justice department appointees remove leadership of voting unit  NPR - Under Trump, the Justice Department is stepping away from some voting rights casesDemocracy Docket - Trump's DOJ Drops Lawsuit Against Georgia's Voter Suppression Bill Groups Taking Action:Legal Defense Fund, Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, ACLU Register or Check Your Voter Registration:U.S. Election Assistance Commission – Register And Vote in Your StatePlease follow us on Facebook and Bluesky Social, and SHARE! Find all of our reports at AmericanDemocracyMinute.orgWant ADM sent to your email?  Sign up here!Are you a radio station?  Find our broadcast files at Pacifica Radio Network's Audioport and PRX#Democracy  #DemocracyNews #DOJ #VotingRights #VotingRightsAct #TrumpDOJ

4.14.2025 #RolandMartinUnfiltered: DOJ ends raw sewage settlement, Crockett rips GOP's dangerous health agenda, El Salvador Deportation In 2023, the Department of Justice identified a pattern of neglect by Alabama's Department of Public Health, which has contributed to a decades-old water and sewage crisis in the state's "Black Belt," specifically in Lowndes County. Now, the MAGA administration is terminating the settlement that was reached to address the county's water issues. I will speak with the Rural Development Manager of the Equal Justice Initiative about how this decision will continue to affect Black citizens in Alabama. The false narrative that noncitizens were voting led to the passage of the SAVE Act, which requires documentary proof of citizenship to register or update voter information. We will discuss with the Policy Council from the Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law the implications of this law on voters. In tonight's Crockett Chronicles, Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett calls out MAGA Republicans for turning public health into a partisan circus. And thousands turnout to honor one of the greatest boxers of all time, George Foreman. #BlackStarNetwork partner: Fanbasehttps://www.startengine.com/offering/fanbase This Reg A+ offering is made available through StartEngine Primary, LLC, member FINRA/SIPC. This investment is speculative, illiquid, and involves a high degree of risk, including the possible loss of your entire investment. You should read the Offering Circular (https://bit.ly/3VDPKjD) and Risks (https://bit.ly/3ZQzHl0) related to this offering before investing. Download the #BlackStarNetwork app on iOS, AppleTV, Android, Android TV, Roku, FireTV, SamsungTV and XBox http://www.blackstarnetwork.com The #BlackStarNetwork is a news reporting platform covered under Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The American Democracy Minute Radio Report & Podcast for March 28, 2025New Trump Executive Order Attempts to Bypass Congress & States to Require Proof of Citizenship Documents & Mandate Election DeadlinesPresident Donald Trump issued an executive order March 25th implementing portions of the likely doomed Safeguard American Voter Eligibility, or ‘SAVE' Act.  Among its restrictive provisions are a documentary proof of citizenship to register and vote, potentially disenfranchising millions.Some podcasting platforms strip out our links.  To read our resources and see the whole script of today's report, please go to our website at https://AmericanDemocracyMinute.orgToday's LinksArticles & Resources:The White House - Executive Order:  PRESERVING AND PROTECTING THE INTEGRITY OF AMERICAN ELECTIONSU.S. Congress - U.S. Constitution ArtI.S4.C1.2 States and Elections ClauseCampaign Legal Center - Voting Is an American Freedom. The President Can't Change ThatBrookings - The SAVE Act: An attempt to restrict voting rightsU.S. Elections Assistance Commission - The National Mail Voter Registration Form NPR - Legal challenges are expected for President Trump's voter registration executive orderGroups Taking Action:Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, League of Women Voters US, National Partnership for New Americans, Register or Check Your Voter Registration:U.S. Election Assistance Commission – Register And Vote in Your StatePlease follow us on Facebook and Bluesky Social, and SHARE! Find all of our reports at AmericanDemocracyMinute.orgWant ADM sent to your email?  Sign up here!Are you a radio station?  Find our broadcast files at Pacifica Radio Network's Audioport and PRX#Democracy  #DemocracyNews #DonaldTrump #ExecutiveOrder #NoncitizenVoting #Disenfranchised

In this second installment of our "Defend Nonprofits, Defend Democracy" series, host Rusty Stahl shares insights from his recent experience at the 22nd annual Foundations on the Hill event in Washington, DC. Drawing from meetings with congressional staff and discussions with philanthropic colleagues, Rusty offers reflections and actionable ideas for addressing the political and policy threats to our sector.Emphasizing the importance of maintaining hope and agency in the face of significant challenges, Rusty highlights the unique role of nonprofits in driving social change. He calls for greater solidarity among nonprofit infrastructure groups, funders, and government leaders, and provides practical advice for listeners on how to support and strengthen the sector. From educating policymakers about the nonprofit workforce to leveraging voter support and supporting key legislative initiatives, Rusty offers a roadmap for nonprofit professionals to actively defend and advance their critical work. The episode serves as a call to action for nonprofit leaders to engage in advocacy, share their stories, and support organizations fighting for the sector's interests.Resources:Foundations on the HillUnited Philanthropy ForumCouncil on FoundationsIndependent SectorPhilanthropy New YorkNew York Funders AllianceNational Council on Nonprofits (and donation page)Charitable Act 2025Senator James Lankford, Republican of OklahomaNonprofit Finance Fund's 2025 State of the Nonprofit Sector SurveyLawyers Committee for Civil Rights Under Law (and donation page)The National Council of Nonprofits (NCN) is collecting information about how the executive orders have impacted U.S. nonprofits so far. Share your org's story directly with NCN via this form.You can find NCN's summary of the Executive Orders and their impact on nonprofits here (updated Feb. 7).NCN's overview page about what's happening with the administration, background info, its impact on nonprofits, and more.After collecting the pressing concerns of nonprofits across the country in their recent webinar, and through their survey on the observed impact of the recent executive orders and actions, NCN created a new document with the latest answers to frequently asked questions. Check back often as they will be updating this link as new information surfaces.Visit www.fundthepeople.org for more!

As part of our Black History Month Rewind at Ms. Studios, we're revisiting some of our favorite past episodes. First up, we're taking a look of voting rights and voter suppression, revisiting an episode recorded ahead of the 2020 presidential election. At the 1964 Democratic National Convention in Atlantic City, voting activist and civil rights leader Fannie Lou Hamer described the violent injustice she and others had endured while living under the South's Jim Crow rules and fighting for the right to vote: “I am sick and tired of being sick and tired!”Over 50 years later, ahead of the 2020 election, we see record early voting across the country. Even so, serious efforts aimed at voter suppression persist, including curbing access to mail-in voting and shutting down polling locations.So, what are the biggest threats to voting rights today? How is voter suppression showing up in the 2020 election? What can we do to ensure that our elections remain free and fair?Joining us to discuss these issues are some very special guests:Kristen Clarke, president and executive director of the National Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law. Clarke leads one of the nation's most important national civil rights organizations in the pursuit of equal justice for all. She is the author of Barack Obama and African American Empowerment: The Rise of Black America's New Leadership.Judge Glenda Hatchett, who served as senior attorney at Delta Airlines before becoming the chief presiding judge of Fulton County Georgia Juvenile Court in Atlanta.  Her law firm, the Hatchett Firm, represented Philando Castille's estate in the wake of his tragic death. She presides over the two-time Emmy-nominated courtroom series, Judge Hatchett, now in its 16th season. Most recently, she has returned to TV in her new television court series, The Verdict with Judge Hatchett.Ash-Lee Woodard Henderson, executive director of the Highlander Research and Education Center—and the first Black woman to hold that title.  She is an active participant on the governance council of the Southern Movement Assembly, and an organizer with Concerned Citizens for Justice. She has served on the National Council of the Student Environmental Action Coalition.Check out this episode's landing page at MsMagazine.com for a full transcript, links to articles referenced in this episode, further reading and ways to take action.Support the show

With the stroke of a pen, the twice-impeached, criminally convicted felon-in-chief dismantled affirmative action in federal contracting. On Tuesday, the Office of Personnel Management issued a memo instructing agencies to place Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion office staff on paid leave and all public DEI-focused web pages must be taken down by 5p EST today. Eventually, these employees are expected to be laid off. This executive order on affirmative action revokes a directive issued by President Lyndon Johnson and limits DEI programs for federal contractors and grant recipients. Roland Martin spoke with Damon Hewitt, President and Executive Director of the Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law and Ron Busby Sr., President and CEO of the U.S. Black Chambers, Incorporated about how this decision will impact Black contractors. Support #RolandMartinUnfiltered and #BlackStarNetwork

1.22.2025 #RolandMartinUnfiltered: Federal Contractor Nondiscrimination EO revoked, ICE school raids, J6 pardon backlash The criminally convicted felon-in-chief dismantles affirmative action in federal contracting. I'll talk with Ron Busby, Sr. the President and CEO, of U.S. Black Chambers and Damon Hewitt, President and Executive Director of Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, about what this means for black contractors. Nearly two dozen states are suing the orange man, challenging his executive order that could revoke citizenship for children born in the United States. Elie Mystal broke down the executive order. He'll be here to explain why the order is unconstitutional, and I'll talk to an attorney from Human Rights First about their efforts to combat the order. The sweeping pardons for the Jan. 6 domestic terrorist are not sitting well with the police unions who supported the convicted felon. We will examine the backlash he is facing for disrespecting law enforcement officers he claimed to love. #BlackStarNetwork partner: Fanbasehttps://www.startengine.com/offering/fanbase This Reg A+ offering is made available through StartEngine Primary, LLC, member FINRA/SIPC. This investment is speculative, illiquid, and involves a high degree of risk, including the possible loss of your entire investment. You should read the Offering Circular (https://bit.ly/3VDPKjD) and Risks (https://bit.ly/3ZQzHl0) related to this offering before investing. Download the #BlackStarNetwork app on iOS, AppleTV, Android, Android TV, Roku, FireTV, SamsungTV and XBox http://www.blackstarnetwork.com The #BlackStarNetwork is a news reporting platforms covered under Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The second half of the 20th century saw monumental shifts in civil rights in the United States, with the end of legalized racial segregation, discrimination, and disenfranchisement affecting all spheres of life, from education to health care to housing to marriage and more. Judge David S. Tatel is a civil rights lawyer who has contributed to key advancements in voting rights, educational equality, and disability rights. Over the course of his five-decade career, he has served as Director of the National Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, as Director of the Office for Civil Rights during the Carter administration, and as a federal judge on the D.C. Circuit, considered the second highest court in America. Judge Tatel also happens to be blind, due to a rare genetic condition called retinitis pigmentosa. In 2024, he published a book titled Vision: A Memoir of Blindness and Justice. Over the course of our conversation, Judge Tatel opens up about how he has wrestled with vision impairment in both his legal career and his personal life. He discusses what it was like to be diagnosed with an incurable, progressive, blinding disease as a teenager, how he struggled to make sense of his identity as a blind individual even as his career was taking off, his philosophy as a lawyer, how his beautiful relationship with his wife and children have helped him navigate the world, and how he met his guide dog, Vixen. Judge Tatel's legacy is one of judicial integrity, a lifelong commitment to equality, and a testament to the boundless potential of individuals living with disabilities.In this episode, you'll hear about: 3:45 - Judge Tatel's experience of being diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa as a teenager 15:33 - The inspiration that led Judge Tatel to focus his legal career on civil rights22:47 - Judge Tatel's experience of progressively losing his vision while ascending in his legal career 28:05 - Visual elements of life that Judge Tatel misses and how he now “experiences” vision33:12 - Why Judge Tatel regrets concealing the truth about his blindness early in his career 37:01 - How Judge Tatel's blindness has influenced his civil rights work44:45 - Judge Tatel's concerns about the future of democracy in the United States 46:27 - The ways in which getting a guide dog late in life changed Judge Tatel's sense of freedom and his perspective on blindness 49:06 - Judge Tatel's advice to his former self Visit our website www.TheDoctorsArt.com where you can find transcripts of all episodes.If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review our show, available for free on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. If you know of a doctor, patient, or anyone working in health care who would love to explore meaning in medicine with us on the show, feel free to leave a suggestion in the comments or send an email to info@thedoctorsart.com.Copyright The Doctor's Art Podcast 2024

Supreme Court justices kick off their new term with arguments on guns and the death penalty, but a case about attorneys' fees in civil rights cases has grabbed the attention of a diverse set of outside parties. Pooja Chaudhuri, of the Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, joins Cases and Controversies to discuss why groups supporting gun rights, religious freedom, and racial justice have teamed up in Lackey v. Stinnie. The justices will consider whether a preliminary injunction is enough of a victory to support an award of attorneys' fees under a statute intended to encourage lawyers to take civil rights cases and deter “bad actors.” The case to be argued Oct. 8 pits civil rights groups against government officials and entities who are the targets of these suits. Do you have feedback on this episode of Cases and Controversies? Give us a call and leave a voicemail at 703-341-3690.

Judge David Tatel served on the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit from 1994 to 2023. Prior to that, his three-decade career as a civil rights lawyer included private and government positions, and focused heavily on equal educational opportunity and access to justice. He served as Director of the Chicago Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law and then Director of the National Committee. He was the Director of the Office for Civil Rights of the U.S. Department of Health, Education and Welfare during the Carter Administration. When he returned to private practice in 1979, Judge Tatel joined Hogan & Hartson, where he founded and headed the firm's education practice until his appointment to the D.C. Circuit. Judge Tatel also co-chaired the National Academy of Sciences' Committee on Science, Technology and Law. Judge Tatel joins me in The Back Room for a riveting conversation about his illustrious life and career, his terrific book Vision: A Memoir of Blindness and Justice, and the controversies involving the current United States Supreme Court. Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy Produced by Andy Ostroy, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Design by Cricket Lengyel

Former President Donald J Trump keeps figuring out ways to escape criminal liability. The Supreme Court has thrown a wrench into the insurrection case and delayed sentencing in the campaign finance hush money case, while a Florida judge helped him slip out from under charges of recklessly mishandling classified documents… at least, for now. But Trump has seen less success defending himself in civil courtrooms - including two judgments against him in defamation cases brought by writer E. Jean Carroll. Trump owes tens of millions of dollars. On this episode of our series “The Law According to Trump,” is the civil court path to holding Trump to account in a way that actually sticks? Damon Hewitt, President and Executive Director of the Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, speaks with host Andrea Bernstein about his case that uses the 150-year-old KKK Act to make Trump face consequences for his actions on January 6th. Want more Amicus? Subscribe to Slate Plus to immediately unlock exclusive SCOTUS analysis and weekly extended episodes. Plus, you'll access ad-free listening across all your favorite Slate podcasts. Subscribe today on Apple Podcasts by clicking “Try Free” at the top of our show page. Or, visit slate.com/amicusplus to get access wherever you listen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Former President Donald J Trump keeps figuring out ways to escape criminal liability. The Supreme Court has thrown a wrench into the insurrection case and delayed sentencing in the campaign finance hush money case, while a Florida judge helped him slip out from under charges of recklessly mishandling classified documents… at least, for now. But Trump has seen less success defending himself in civil courtrooms - including two judgments against him in defamation cases brought by writer E. Jean Carroll. Trump owes tens of millions of dollars. On this episode of our series “The Law According to Trump,” is the civil court path to holding Trump to account in a way that actually sticks? Damon Hewitt, President and Executive Director of the Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, speaks with host Andrea Bernstein about his case that uses the 150-year-old KKK Act to make Trump face consequences for his actions on January 6th. Want more Amicus? Subscribe to Slate Plus to immediately unlock exclusive SCOTUS analysis and weekly extended episodes. Plus, you'll access ad-free listening across all your favorite Slate podcasts. Subscribe today on Apple Podcasts by clicking “Try Free” at the top of our show page. Or, visit slate.com/amicusplus to get access wherever you listen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Former President Donald J Trump keeps figuring out ways to escape criminal liability. The Supreme Court has thrown a wrench into the insurrection case and delayed sentencing in the campaign finance hush money case, while a Florida judge helped him slip out from under charges of recklessly mishandling classified documents… at least, for now. But Trump has seen less success defending himself in civil courtrooms - including two judgments against him in defamation cases brought by writer E. Jean Carroll. Trump owes tens of millions of dollars. On this episode of our series “The Law According to Trump,” is the civil court path to holding Trump to account in a way that actually sticks? Damon Hewitt, President and Executive Director of the Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, speaks with host Andrea Bernstein about his case that uses the 150-year-old KKK Act to make Trump face consequences for his actions on January 6th. Want more Amicus? Subscribe to Slate Plus to immediately unlock exclusive SCOTUS analysis and weekly extended episodes. Plus, you'll access ad-free listening across all your favorite Slate podcasts. Subscribe today on Apple Podcasts by clicking “Try Free” at the top of our show page. Or, visit slate.com/amicusplus to get access wherever you listen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The American Democracy Minute Radio Report & Podcast for Aug. 6, 2024American Bar Association's ‘Task Force for American Democracy' Urges Members to Take Larger Community Role to Protect Election SystemCiting imminent threats to our election system, the American Bar Association's Task Force for American Democracy released a report recommending ways legal professionals can take a larger community role to restore public confidence in our democratic republic.To view the whole script of today's report, please go to our website.Today's LinksArticles & Resources:American Bar Association - OVERCOMING SERIOUS THREATS TO OUR DEMOCRACY: WE ALL NEED TO GET INVOLVED TO DEFEND ITABA Journal - ABA Chair Mary L. Smith:  Lawyers must act now to save our democracyThe Hill - American Bar task force calls on lawyers to defend against threats to democracyGroups Taking Action:Election Officials Legal Defense Network, Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, NAACP Legal Defense Fund, The Election Protection CoalitionCheck Your Voter Registration U.S. Election Assistance Commission – Register And Vote in Your State USA Vote Foundation – Registration, Eligibility, State Election Office Links Vote.Gov – Register to Vote in Your State Vote.Org – Check Your Registration to Vote Please follow us on Facebook and Twitter and SHARE!  Find all of our reports at AmericanDemocracyMinute.orgWant ADM sent to your email?  Sign up here!Are you a radio station?  Find our broadcast files at Pacifica Radio Network's Audioport and PRX#Democracy  #DemocracyNews #ProtectElections #ProtectPollWorkers #ABA

Damon T. Hewitt is the President and Executive Director of the Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law. He possesses more than 20 years of civil rights litigation and policy experience, including prior leadership roles in the nonprofit, philanthropic, and public sectors. This episode revisits the legal motivations for bringing the Brown V. Board lawsuit, the role of courts and our legal system in facilitating access to opportunity (or not), strategies to disrupt resource hoarding, and the white-washed memory of Brown's legacy. 

Subcommittee on Innovation, Data, and Commerce held a hearing: “Legislative Solutions to Protect Kids Online and Ensure Americans' Data Privacy Rights.” Between the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA) and the American Privacy Rights Act (APRA), both of which have bipartisan and bicameral support, Congress may be closer to acting on the issues than it has been recent memory.One of the witnesses that the hearing was David Brody, who is managing attorney of the Digital Justice Initiative of the Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law. Justin Hendrix caught up with Brody the day after the hearing, we spoke about the challenges of advancing the American Privacy Rights Act, and why he connects fundamental data to privacy rights to so many of the other issues that the Lawyers' Committee cares about, including voting rights and how to counter disinformation that targets communities of color.

This Day in Legal History: National Banking Act On this day in legal history, February 26 marks a significant national moment with President Abraham Lincoln's signing of the National Banking Act into law in 1863. This significant legislation established the framework for the American banking charter system, introducing a standardized currency and founding the Office of the Comptroller of Currency (OCC) within the Treasury Department. Aimed at consolidating the nation's financial resources to support the Union's efforts during the Civil War, the Act encouraged banks to invest in federal rather than state bonds. Despite its noble intentions to unify the banking system and raise funds for the war, the Act fell short of its financial goals, leading to its refinement and eventual replacement by the National Banking Act of 1864. This initial attempt at banking reform, however, laid the groundwork for the modern American financial infrastructure and represents a foundational moment in U.S. legal and financial history.The Supreme Court's deliberation on the copyright damages case, Warner Chappell Music Inc. v. Nealy, brings into focus the application of the "discovery rule" in copyright law, a principle allowing for the pause of a statute of limitations when a violation cannot be timely discovered. This principle was scrutinized during the oral arguments on February 21, with the court reevaluating its presence in copyright legislation amid Justice Antonin Scalia's historical skepticism, likening it to "bad wine of a recent vintage." The justices, particularly Samuel Alito and Neil Gorsuch, hinted at the possibility of deferring the decision pending the resolution of another related case, Hearst Newspapers LLC v. Martinelli, to first determine the fundamental applicability of the discovery rule to copyright law.Despite the circuit courts' unanimous agreement on some form of the copyright discovery rule, its application remains inconsistent and unclear, fueling ongoing debate among copyright lawyers. The Supreme Court's current review could redefine the rule's existence and application, influenced by a contemporary inclination towards a more textual interpretation of laws and less reliance on circuit court consensus.The controversy stems from Nealy's lawsuit against Warner, alleging unauthorized use of his music rights acquired in 2008, which he discovered only in 2016 due to personal circumstances. The Eleventh Circuit's stance, recognizing the discovery rule, allowed for a broader scope of damages, challenging Warner's appeal and the Supreme Court's previous rulings that rejected other discovery rules.The timing of the court's consideration of Warner's case, juxtaposed with the pending Hearst petition, raises speculation about the justices' strategic approach to resolving the underlying legal question of the discovery rule's relevance to copyright law. The Supreme Court's decision could potentially consolidate or hold off on Warner's case in anticipation of addressing the broader issue in Martinelli, indicating a strategic pause to ensure a comprehensive examination of the discovery rule's place in copyright jurisprudence.This case highlights a pivotal moment in copyright law, where the Supreme Court's verdict could either affirm the circuit courts' stance on the discovery rule or upend prevailing interpretations, significantly impacting copyright plaintiffs' ability to claim damages for late-discovered infringements. The outcome could redefine legal strategies and principles surrounding copyright claims, emphasizing the court's evolving stance on statutory interpretation and legal precedence.Copyright Damages Case Turns on High Court's Taste for DiscoveryThe Supreme Court is poised to examine two significant cases that originate from Florida and Texas, both challenging state laws designed to regulate social media companies and their content moderation practices. These laws, advocated by Republicans as measures against the perceived censorship of conservative viewpoints by tech giants, have stirred a broad coalition of opponents from across the political spectrum. Advocacy groups, ranging from the libertarian Goldwater Institute to the progressive Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, alongside national security officials from various administrations, have submitted amicus briefs. These briefs collectively caution against these laws, arguing they threaten free speech and could hinder efforts to manage harmful content online.The contested laws prohibit major social media platforms from censoring content based on viewpoints, demanding transparency in content moderation processes. However, appellate courts have delivered divergent opinions on their legality, highlighting a deep rift over how these regulations intersect with the First Amendment and the rights of private companies versus the public interest.The US Supreme Court's intervention in Moody v. NetChoice and NetChoice v. Paxton seeks to address this legal discord, with implications far beyond the ideological battle lines initially drawn. Proponents of striking down or cautiously reviewing the laws argue they could restrict the ability of social media firms to curb hate speech and harassment, disproportionately affecting minorities and potentially compromising public safety through the unchecked spread of dangerous content.The wide array of organizations opposing the laws underscores the complexity of balancing free speech rights with the need for responsible content moderation on digital platforms. Despite their political origins, the cases challenge the Court to make a nuanced judgment that transcends partisan divisions, focusing instead on the broader implications for individual rights and societal welfare.Top Court Social Media Cases Unite Odd Bedfellows on Free SpeechUS Supreme Court to weigh Florida, Texas laws constraining social media companies | ReutersIn response to a sluggish initial public offering (IPO) market, companies are increasingly leveraging cornerstone investors to mitigate the risks associated with going public. These investors commit to purchasing shares early on, often at a more favorable value, and are highlighted in the IPO prospectus, providing a level of confidence and stability to the offering. Notably, cornerstone investors played a significant role in nearly all large IPOs in 2023, a trend expected to continue as the market regains momentum. Despite a significant drop in IPO activity last year, with the total value of IPOs hitting a decade low, lawyers remain optimistic about a revival in offerings across various sectors, including consumer retail, tax, energy, and infrastructure by 2025.Reddit Inc.'s recent filing for an IPO and successful listings by BrightSpring Health Services Inc. and CG Oncology Inc. signal a potential uptick in market activity. Legal practices are poised to benefit from an increase in IPO-related work, especially after relying on litigation and bankruptcy practices to sustain demand amid last year's downturn. Cornerstone investing, gaining prominence since regulatory changes in 2019, has become a strategic tool for de-risking IPOs in a challenging market environment.Companies like Arm Holdings Plc have successfully utilized cornerstone investments to attract significant attention to their IPOs, securing major clients like Apple Inc., Nvidia Corp., and Alphabet Inc. as investors. While the broader market conditions remain challenging, with many companies postponing public offerings due to low valuations and high borrowing costs, the strategic use of cornerstone investors offers a pathway to liquidity and public market entry, particularly for firms in the biotech, health, and energy sectors that require substantial capital for growth and development.IPO Lawyers See Cornerstone Investors Boost Deals in Slow MarketHenry Barbour, a Mississippi committeeman for the Republican National Committee (RNC), has proposed resolutions aimed at halting the party's financial support for Donald Trump's legal battles as he faces numerous criminal trials and civil case judgments. These resolutions also seek to enforce the RNC's neutrality in the presidential race until a candidate secures the necessary delegates for the nomination. Barbour's initiative reflects a desire to redirect the party's focus towards winning elections rather than financing legal fees for its leading candidate, emphasizing that Trump should independently manage his legal challenges.To advance these resolutions to a vote among the RNC's 168 committee members, Barbour must secure two cosponsors from at least 10 states by a specified deadline. Despite predicting their likely defeat if brought to a vote, this move underscores a broader debate within the party regarding its support for Trump, who remains a dominant figure seeking to consolidate his influence, evidenced by his campaign's significant legal expenses and his efforts to position allies, including Lara Trump, in key RNC roles.The discussion around the RNC's financial involvement in Trump's legal issues comes as the former president continues to assert his innocence amidst accumulating legal and financial pressures. This internal party challenge coincides with Trump's campaign to reinforce his status as the Republican presidential nominee against potential contenders like Nikki Haley, highlighting the intricate balance between party loyalty, legal entanglements, and the broader electoral strategy against Democrats.Republican seeks to bar party from paying Trump's legal bills | Reuters Get full access to Minimum Competence - Daily Legal News Podcast at www.minimumcomp.com/subscribe

Newsweek columnist Lee Habeeb shares details of his recent Newsweek article "Arab Like Me? How 40 Years of Campus McCarthyism Led to Hatred of Israel." Brandon Straka has an update on the January 6th case brought against him by Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights Under Law. Rich also speaks with Dr. Michael Nehls, author of "The Indoctrinated Brain: How to Successfully Fend Off the Global Attack on Your Mental Freedom." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

11.20.2023 #RolandMartinUnfiltered: Roland Talks to a Black Trump Supporter, Voting Rights Act Under Attack, AL Riverboat Captain Speaks He says Donald Trump has done more for black people than any other president. Mark Fisher is in the studio to explain why he's endorsing Trump in 2024.  The 8th US Circuit Court of Appeals says private entities cannot bring lawsuits under a provision of the law, known as Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act. Kareem Crayton, from the Brennan Center for Justice at NYU Law School, and Damon Hewitt, the President and Executive Director of the Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, will help us break down the real implications of this ruling.  The Black Alabama riverboat co-captain who was attacked is facing assault charges. He's on the show tonight to tell his side of what happened on  August 5. An HBCU will be the site of a 2024 presidential debate.  And it's Diabetes Awareness Month. In our Fit, Live, Win segment, I'll talk to a young woman who "beat" diabetes. Download the #BlackStarNetwork app on iOS, AppleTV, Android, Android TV, Roku, FireTV, SamsungTV and XBox  http://www.blackstarnetwork.com The #BlackStarNetwork is a news reporting platform covered under Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Environmental racism describes the long-standing discriminatory practice of racial discrimination in environmental policy, the enforcement of regulations and laws, and the deliberate targeting of communities of color for the location of toxic waste facilities. On this show, we will discuss how the industrial hog operations in NC are contributing to environmental racism right here in North Carolina with our guests Blakely Hildebrand, a senior attorney at Southern Environmental Law Center, Sophia Jayanty, counsel in the fair housing division of Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, and Christopher Brook, Former North Carolina Court of Appeals Judge, attorney with Patterson Harkavy, and adjunct professor at NCCU School of Law.

Conservatives won their long legal fight to eliminate affirmative education in higher education — and now they've trained their sights on corporate America. On our newest episode, Jasmine and Elliot sit down with Damon Hewitt, president and executive director of the Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, to talk about the new wave of lawsuits designed to force companies to abandon their diversity and inclusion efforts, why the Supreme Court might hand them another victory, and how progressives should fight back.

Consequences for Conspiracy Theories in California, Pennsylvania & Nevada*Correction*   I incorrectly noted KRCR as KCRC in my audio.  Apologies for the error.  Today's Script:  (Variations occur with audio due to editing for time) (Today's Links now located below the script) You're listening to the American Democracy Minute, keeping YOUR government by and for the people.We have three follow up stories today from California, Pennsylvania & Nevada on the consequences of disinformation and conspiracy theories.Last week we reported the decision by Shasta County, CA supervisors to spend $950,000 dollars on a new infrastructure to hand count ballots because they didn't trust their Dominion ballot tabulators. The county has 111,000 registered voters.  KRCR reports that County Supervisor Kevin Crye, who had sought election advice from MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell, was given notice of a recall petition campaign for QUOTE,   “…wasting county money and bringing state and nationwide ridicule and embarrassment to the county.”Thursday's story updating investigations in Georgia & Michigan for tampering with, and copying data from, ballot tabulators, didn't mention Fulton County, PA where a judge held the county in civil contempt.  The Associated Press reports that two county supervisors gave access to a third party to copy 2020 voting records from Dominion tabulators in an attempt to find evidence of fraudulent voting.  After Wednesday's story about harassment leading to the resignation of an entire elections department in Virginia, there's news of a bill in Nevada making it a felony to “threaten to  use any force, intimidation, coercion, violence, restraint or undue influence” on any election worker or voter.  SB 406 passed the Senate and moves to the Assembly.We have links to articles and resources at AmericanDemocracyMinute.org.  Get those resources by email by signing up for our daily email update.  I'm Brian Beihl.Today's LinksArticles & Resources:ADM April 12, 2023 - Shasta County, CA Votes to Hand Count Ballots for its 111,000 Voters. Now They Have to Pay for It.KRCR - Supervisor Kevin Crye served with recall paperworkAssociated Press - Pa. county sanctioned over copying 2020 voting machine dataReuters - Trump allies breach U.S. voting systems in search of 2020 fraud ‘evidence'KOLO 8 - Bill makes intimidating election workers a felonyNevada Legislature - SB 406 TextGroups Taking Action:League of Women Voters PA,  Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights Under Law,  ACLU of Northern CaliforniaPlease follow us on Facebook and Twitter and SHARE!  Find all of our reports at AmericanDemocracyMinute.org#Democracy  #DemocracyNews

Ekow Duker asks Millard Arnold about his book The Testimony of Steve Biko. They consider the significance of Biko's four and a half days on the witness stand in 1976, at the trial of nine student leaders from South African Students' Organisation (SASO) and the Black People's Convention (BPC).  Millard also reflects on his early life and education in the US, Ernest Cole's House of Bondage (1967), his work for the Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law and Biko's legacy. Ekow Duker is an oil field engineer turned banker turned writer based in Johannesburg. He is a previous board member of PEN SA and the author of four novels: White Wahalla, Dying in New York, The God Who Made Mistakes and Yellowbone. Millard Arnold has been a lawyer, diplomat, deputy assistant secretary of state, chairman and director of companies, professor of law, author, journalist, poet, actor, artist, prize-winning photographer and recipient of the US government's Gold Medal for Distinguished Achievement in the Foreign Service. He edited The Testimony of Steve Biko (Picador Africa, 2017) and No Fears Expressed: Quotes from Steve Biko (Picador Africa, 2017). In this episode we stand in solidarity with linguistics scholar and activist Hany Babu. You can read more about his case here: https://www.pen-international.org/news/international-mother-language-day-2022. Listen to an ABC Radio feature on him: https://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/latenightlive/dr-hany-babu-and-india-s-political-prisoners/101713914 As tributes, Millard shares his poem “My India” that he wrote for Hany Babu and Ekow reads from Millard's words in The Testimony of Steve Biko. This podcast series is made possible by a grant from the U.S. Embassy in South Africa to promote open conversation and highlight shared histories.

SCOTUS Takes Another Chop at the 1965 Voting Rights Act by Refusing Mississippi CaseToday's LinksArticles & Resources:Democracy Docket - Mississippi Congressional Redistricting Challenge Buck v. Reeves Mississippi Free Press - Mississippi Racial Gerrymandering Case Dismissed in U.S. Supreme CourtBrennan Center for Justice - Shelby County v. HolderUSA Facts - Changes in Mississippi's PopulationGroups Taking Action:NAACP Legal Defense Fund, Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, Mississippi Center for Justice,  ACLU of MississippiToday's Script:  (Variations occur with audio due to editing for time) You're listening to the American Democracy Minute, keeping YOUR government by and for the people.February 21st, the U.S. Supreme Court took another chop at the 1965 Voting Rights Act by refusing to hear a 2001 Mississippi gerrymandering case called Buck v. Reeves.  The Reeves case goes back over 20 years, when a federal panel rejected racially gerrymandered maps drawn after the 2000 U.S. Census.  Democracy Docket reports that the court ordered the State of Mississippi to create a map with one of its four Congressional districts a majority-minority district to reflect its 36% Black population.  It further ordered the state to pre-clear future maps with the U.S. Justice Department, a penalty for states with a history of votersuppression.In the two decades since, Mississippi's Black & Hispanic population has grown to over 41% of the population, entitling it to more representation.  In 2011 a court-drawn map was ordered until Mississippi could draw fair ones.  But in 2021, state Republicans successfully argued the 2011 order was no longer valid, and a more conservative court vacated it.  Democrats appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court, citing a violation of Article 5 of the Voting Rights Act.  The Supreme Court  refused to hear the case.  The decision allows a map which “packs” Black voters into one district, keeping adjoining districts more White. And 2018's Shelby v. Holder decision released Mississippi from having to clear its future gerrymandering with the federal government. We have more details at AmericanDemocracyMinute.org.   I'm Brian Beihl.

Genevieve Bonadies Torres, an associate director with the Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, joined “Cases and Controversies” podcast to discuss the amicus brief she filed in a pair of cases, Biden v. Nebraska and Dept. of Education v. Brown, set for argument on Feb. 28. The loan relief plan, which is on hold due to litigation, “will eliminate or markedly reduce” payments for millions of lower-income borrowers, many of whom experienced economic hardship during the pandemic, her brief said. Without intervention, the potential consequences of default could prevent people from paying for basic needs or even threaten their employment. Those risks are “particularly heightened for borrowers of color,” Torres said. The court challenges focus on a rule known as the major questions doctrine, which directs courts to be skeptical of attempts to use narrow, often ambiguous laws to authorize sweeping, or major programs. The doctrine has recently been bolstered by the court's new conservative 6-3 majority. But Torres' seeks to refocus attention of the court on impacts of the Biden plan on minority borrowers. Those implications, and the questions they might prompt from the court's liberal justices, could “play a role in the background” by pushing the Supreme Court's middle to take a sort of off-ramp to deciding the legality of the program, she said. Do you have feedback on this episode of Cases & Controversies? Give us a call and leave a voicemail at 703-341-3690.

Passed in the infancy of the world wide web, Section 230 of the 1996 Communications Decency Act has been called the “26 words that created the internet.” On February 21, the U.S. Supreme Court will hear oral arguments in Gonzalez v. Google, the Court's first case about Section 230 and the immunity it confers on providers of interactive computer services. Christopher Wright Durocher speaks with Dariely Rodriguez and David Brody from the Lawyer's Committee for Civil Rights Under the Law about the lawsuit and its potential impact on civil rights protection and censorship of people of color.  Join the Progressive Legal Movement Today: ACSLaw.org Today's Host: Christopher Wright Durocher, Vice President of Policy and Program Guest: Dariely Rodriguez, Deputy Chief Counsel, Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law Guest: David Brody, Managing Attorney,  Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law Link: Brief of the Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law and Five Civil Rights Organizations as Amici Curiae in Support of Neither Party Link: "A Supreme Court Case Could Decide the Fate of the Modern Internet," by Lizzie O'Leary Visit the Podcast Website: Broken Law Podcast Email the Show: Podcast@ACSLaw.org Follow ACS on Social Media: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | LinkedIn | YouTube ----------------- Production House: Flint Stone Media Copyright of American Constitution Society 2023.

1.30.2023 #RolandMartinUnfiltered: 6th Cop Fired in Tyre Nichols Death, Memphis PD Reform, GA Cop City Protest, Jaylen Lewis Petition By now, the world has viewed the four heart-wrenching videos showing the moments leading up to the brutal beating of Tyre Nichols.  We will break down the timeline of what happened and the potential legal fallout for the city of Memphis with the President & Executive Director of the Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law and the Founder of Black Cops Against Police Brutality. We will also be speaking with Tennessee State Rep Antonio Parkinson about what the city is doing to ensure that Tyre Nichols gets justice and address the critical breakdowns in Memphis law enforcement.  Atlanta has faced days of environmental protests over a proposed cop training facility.  We are protecting Georgia forest.  We will tell you how this environmental protest can help stop gentrification and over-policing in black communities with the founder of Community Movement Builders, Kamau Franklin.  The fight for justice for Jaylen Lewis, the black man gunned down by Mississippi capitol police, continues.  His family calls for transparency.  His mother and sisters join us to discuss what they are doing to get justice for their loved one.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2020 Voter Suppress Robo Call Perpetrators Plead Guilty - Get 500 Hours of Registering VotersToday's LinksArticles & Resources:NPR - They ran a voter suppression scheme. Now they're sentenced to register votersLawyers Committee for Civil Rights Under Law - FCC Levies $5 Million Fine, Affirms Civil Rights Protections Against Voter Suppression RobocallsInsider - Less than 7% of bungling conservative operative Jacob Wohl's voter suppression robocalls reached a phoneNPR - Far-Right Activists Charged Over Robocalls That Allegedly Targeted Minority VotersGroups Taking Action: Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights Under Law,  National Coalition on Black Civic Participation Today's Script:  (Variations occur with audio due to editing for time) You're listening to the American Democracy Minute, keeping YOUR government by and for the people.Remember the news in 2020 about voter suppression robo calls targeting heavily Black communities like Detroit just before the election?   The two men responsible were sentenced last month.  One of their penalties?  Spend 500 hours registering people to vote.   The two men, Jacob Wohl and Jack Burkman, plead guilty to telecommunications fraud for orchestrating  85,000 robo calls to primarily African American mobile phone users in Ohio, Michigan, New York, Pennsylvania, and Illinois.   The message told those who answered that if they voted, their personal information would go into a database accessible to the police, debt collectors and the Centers for Disease Control, a tactic designed to suppress voter turnout.NPR reports that In the first of a number of legal actions, a Cuyahoga County judge sentenced them to probation with a GPS ankle bracelet, $2,500 each in fines, and 500 hours of registering voters in Washington, D.C.They also face lawsuits from a civil rights group, the Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, and the State of New York, plus felony charges in Michigan.   There's more.  In August 2021, the FCC said it was considering a $5 Million fine, the largest ever proposed, for robocalls violating the Telephone Consumer Protection Act.I'm getting more in the holiday spirit every day.Articles and groups taking action can be found at AmericanDemocracyMinute.org.   For the American Democracy Minute, I'm Brian Beihl.

Egyptian activist Sanaa Seif is in Sharm el-Sheikh amid COP27 to demand authorities release her brother Alaa Abd El-Fattah, who is on a hunger strike and may be close to death; Sunrise Movement’s Varshini Prakash on what’s at stake for the climate in Tuesday’s midterms; How Arizona Republicans disenfranchised Native American voters after they helped swing the state to the Democrats in 2020; The Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law on efforts to protect the vote in Tuesday’s midterm elections. Get Democracy Now! delivered right to your inbox. Sign up for the Daily Digest: democracynow.org/subscribe

11.7.2022 #RolandMartinUnfiltered: Midterm Countdown w/Reps James Clyburn & Greg Meeks, DOJ Election Monitoring, Virginia Key Beach We are hours away from polls opening across the county for the 2022 midterm elections.  The Department of Justice will monitor election sites in 24 states to ensure compliance with voting rights laws.  We'll show the list of states and cities. House Majority Whip Rep. James Clyburn and the Vice President of Strategy and Programs at the national Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law will join me in a pre-midterm discussion.  Earlier today, I talked to Representative Gregory Meeks of New York about how democratic campaigning and messaging could influence election night.  I'll share that conversation with you.  Cheri Beasley is vying to become North Carolina's first Black U.S. senator.  The former chief justice of the North Carolina Supreme Court will stop by tonight to let us know what she's doing in these final hours.  The future of Miami's historic Virginia Key Beach is in limbo after the city ousted the entire Virginia Key Beach Park Trust.  The former chairman of the board will explain what prompted the takeover.   A white University of Kentucky student gets arrested and fired for her drunken, racial assault on some black students caught on video.  Roland shares his thoughts on MSNBC's firing of Tiffany Cross.  Support RolandMartinUnfiltered and #BlackStarNetwork via the Cash App ☛ https://cash.app/$rmunfiltered PayPal ☛ https://www.paypal.me/rmartinunfiltered Venmo ☛https://venmo.com/rmunfiltered Zelle ☛ roland@rolandsmartin.com Annual or monthly recurring #BringTheFunk Fan Club membership via paypal ☛ https://rolandsmartin.com/rmu-paypal/ Download the #BlackStarNetwork app on iOS, AppleTV, Android, Android TV, Roku, FireTV, SamsungTV and XBox

On today's episode of Pod For the Cause, our host, Kanya Bennett, is joined by Star Wingate-Bey, a 2016 graduate of the University of North Carolina and a student intervenor who helped defend UNC's admissions policy in the affirmative action case involving the universtiy and Genize Bonadies Torres, Associate Director for the Educational Opportunities Project at the Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, to discuss affirmative action and the related cases before the Supreme Court - Students for Fair Admissions (SFFA) v. University of North Carolina (UNC).

On Oct. 31, the Supreme Court will hear oral arguments in two cases challenging the race-conscious admissions programs of Harvard College and the University of North Carolina. Amy talks to lawyers on both sides of the dispute. David Hinojosa is the director of the Educational Opportunities Project at the Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law. He will argue on behalf of five former UNC students of color in defense of the school's admissions program. Cory Liu is a partner at Ashcroft Sutton Reyes. He filed an amicus brief opposing the admissions programs.Send us a question about the court at scotustalk@scotusblog.com or leave us a voicemail at (202) 596-2906. Please tell us your first name and where you're calling from.(Music by Keys of Moon Music via Soundcloud) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Supreme Court Majority's Questions Suggest it Will Uphold Alabama's Redistricting Map Diluting the Black VoteToday's LinksArticles: SCOTUS Blog - Conservative justices seem poised to uphold Alabama's redistricting plan in Voting Rights Act Challenge Brennan Center for Justice - Merrill v. MilliganBrennan Center for Justice - Annotated Guide to the Amicus Briefs in Merrill v. MilliganSCOTUS Blog - When are majority-Black voting districts required? In Alabama case, the justices will review that question.Groups Taking Action:Campaign Legal Center, Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, American Bar Association, Constitutional Accountability Center,  Southern Poverty Law Center, League of Women Voters AL, and Stand-Up Mobile. You're listening to the American Democracy Minute, keeping YOUR government by and for the people.During our exploration of the Moore v. Harper case this week, a challenge to Alabama's Congressional redistricting plan was heard in the U.S. Supreme Court.    In Merrill v. Milligan, voting rights groups challenged the legislature's Congressional maps, saying it diluted the votes of Black voters.   Black Alabamians represent 27% of the population, yet have a realistic chance of electing a Black candidate in only one of seven Congressional districts.     Alabama claims that it uses a “race-blind” approach, doesn't violate Section 2 of the 1965 Voting Rights Act, despite Alabama's extensive history of discrimination against Black voters.Analysis by Amy Howe of SCOTUS Blog suggests the court's majority may uphold Alabama's maps.  Justice Alito cited an earlier ruling which requires that claims of diluting a vote on race can only be made if the population is large enough and sufficiently compact.  Justice Kavanaugh suggested that the additional majority Black district proposed by challengers wasn't compact enough to meet that standard. Newly sworn-in Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson stated that the 14th & 15th amendments were  “Trying to ensure that people who had been discriminated against … were actually brought equal to everyone else in society.” The court's decision has the potential of neutralizing one of the last remaining provisions of the Voting Rights Act.   More on the case and groups taking action at AmericanDemocracyMinute.org.  For the American Democracy Minute, I'm Brian Beihl

QUESTION PRESENTED:Whether the state of Alabama's 2021 redistricting plan for its seven seats in the United States House of Representatives violated Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act.DateProceedings and Orders (key to color coding)Jan 28 2022 | Application (21A375) for a stay or injunctive relief pending appeal, submitted to Justice Thomas.Jan 28 2022 | Statement as to jurisdiction filed. (Response due March 9, 2022)Jan 28 2022 | Response to application (21A375) requested by Justice Thomas, due by noon on Wednesday, February 2, 2022.Jan 31 2022 | Motion for leave to file amici curiae brief filed by Louisiana, et al. VIDED.Jan 31 2022 | Motion for leave to file amicus curiae brief filed by John Wahl, Chairman, Alabama State Republican Executive Committee.Feb 01 2022 | Motion for leave to file amicus curiae brief filed by The National Republican Redistricting Trust.Feb 01 2022 | Motion for leave to file amici curiae brief filed by United States Representatives from Alabama. VIDED.Feb 01 2022 | Motion for leave to file amicus curiae brief filed by Alabama Center for Law and Liberty. VIDED.Feb 02 2022 | Response to application from respondents Evan Milligan, et al. filed.Feb 02 2022 | Reply of applicants John Merrill, et al. filed.Feb 07 2022 | Application (21A375) referred to the Court.Feb 07 2022 | Application (21A375) granted by the Court. The application is treated as a jurisdictional statement (No. 21-1086), and probable jurisdiction is noted. The district court's January 24, 2022 preliminary injunction in No. 2:21-cv-1530 is stayed pending further order of the Court. Justice Kavanaugh, with whom Justice Alito joins, concurring in grant of applications for stay. (Detached opinion). The Chief Justice dissenting from grant of applications for stay. (Detached opinion). Justice Kagan, with whom Justice Breyer and Justice Sotomayor join, dissenting from grant of applications for stays. (Detached opinion).Feb 22 2022 | This case is consolidated with No. 21-1087, and a total of one hour is allotted for oral argument. The question presented in these cases is: Whether the District Courts in these cases correctly found a violation of section 2 of the Voting Rights Act, 52 U. S. C. §10301.Feb 22 2022 | Because the Court has consolidated these cases for briefing and oral argument, future filings and activity in the cases will now be reflected on the docket of No. 21-1086. Subsequent filings in these cases must therefore be submitted through the electronic filing system in No. 21-1086. Each document submitted in connection with one or more of these cases must include on its cover the case number and caption for each case in which the filing is intended to be submitted. Where a filing is submitted in fewer than all of the cases, the docket entry will reflect the case number(s) in which the filing is submitted; a document filed in all of the consolidated cases will be noted as “VIDED.”Mar 01 2022 | Joint motion of the parties for an extension of time file the briefs on the merits. VIDED.Mar 04 2022 | Motion to modify or amend the question presented filed by appellees and respondents. VIDED.Mar 08 2022 | Joint motion of the parties to extend the time to file the briefs on the merits granted. The time to file the joint appendix, appellants', and petitioners' briefs on the merits is extended to and including April 25, 2022. The time to file appellees' and respondents' briefs on the merits is extended to and including July 11, 2022. VIDED.Mar 08 2022 | Application (21A493) of appellants/petitioners for leave to file consolidated opening and reply briefs on the merits, submitted to Justice Thomas. VIDED.Mar 08 2022 | Response of appellants and petitioners to the motion to modify or amend the question presented filed. VIDED.Mar 14 2022 | Application (21A493) granted by Justice Thomas for leave to file consolidated opening and reply briefs on the merits provided that the opening brief does not exceed 18,000 words and the reply brief does not exceed 10,000 words. VIDED.Mar 21 2022 | Upon consideration of the motion to modify or amend the question presented, the question presented in these cases is amended as follows: Whether the State of Alabama's 2021 redistricting plan for its seven seats in the United States House of Representatives violated section 2 of the Voting Rights Act, 52 U. S. C. §10301. VIDED.Mar 30 2022 | Blanket Consent filed by Respondent, Marcus Caster, et al.Mar 30 2022 | Blanket Consent filed by Respondent, Evan Milligan, et al.Mar 31 2022 | Blanket Consent filed by Petitioner, John H. Merrill, Alabama Secretary of State, et al.Apr 25 2022 | Joint appendix filed (three volumes). VIDED. (Statement of costs filed)Apr 25 2022 | Brief of appellants/petitioners John H. Merrill, Alabama Secretary of State, et al. filed. VIDED.Apr 29 2022 | Brief amicus curiae of Public Interest Legal Foundation filed. VIDED.Apr 29 2022 | Brief amici curiae of Senator John Braun, et al. filed. VIDED.Apr 29 2022 | Brief amicus curiae of Alabama Center for Law and Liberty filed. VIDED.May 02 2022 | Brief amicus curiae of American Legislative Exchange Council filed. VIDED.May 02 2022 | Brief amicus curiae of Project on Fair Representation filed. VIDED.May 02 2022 | Brief amicus curiae of The National Republican Redistricting Trust filed. VIDED.May 02 2022 | Brief amici curiae of Citizens United, et al. filed. VIDED.May 02 2022 | Brief amicus curiae of John Wahl, Chairman, Alabama State Republican Executive Committee filed. VIDED.May 02 2022 | Brief amicus curiae of Singleton Plaintiffs in support of neither party filed. VIDED.May 02 2022 | Brief amicus curiae of Lawyers Democracy Fund filed. VIDED.May 02 2022 | Brief amicus curiae of Republican National Committee filed. VIDED.May 02 2022 | Brief amici curiae of The State of Louisiana, et al filed. VIDED.May 02 2022 | Brief amici curiae of United States Representatives from Alabama filed. VIDED.May 02 2022 | Brief amicus curiae of America First Legal filed. VIDED.May 02 2022 | Brief amicus curiae of Coastal Alabama Partnership filed. VIDED.Jun 14 2022 | ARGUMENT SET FOR Tuesday, October, 4, 2022. VIDED.Jun 22 2022 | Record requested from the U.S.D.C. Northern District of Birmingham, Alabama.Jun 24 2022 | Application of Milligan, et al. (21A869) to file appellees' brief on the merits in excess of the word limit, submitted to Justice Thomas.Jun 24 2022 | Application (21A871) of Caster, et al. to file respondents' brief on the merits in excess of the word limit, submitted to Justice Thomas.Jun 30 2022 | Application (21A869) for leave to file appellees brief on the merits in excess of the word limit granted by Justice Thomas.Jul 01 2022 | Application (21A871) to file respondents' brief on the merits in excess of the word limit granted by Justice Thomas.Jul 11 2022 | Brief of respondents Marcus Caster, et al. filed. VIDED.Jul 11 2022 | Brief of appellees Evan Milligan, et al. filed (in 21-1086).Jul 18 2022 | Brief amicus curiae of American Bar Association filed. VIDED.Jul 18 2022 | Brief amici curiae of Bipartisan Group of Senators and Congressional Staff Member-Supporters of the 1982 Voting Rights Act Amendments and 2006 Voting Rights Act Reauthorization filed. VIDED.Jul 18 2022 | Brief amici curiae of Alabama Historians filed. VIDED.Jul 18 2022 | Brief amici curiae of Professors Jowei Chen, Christopher S. Elmendorf, Nicholas O. Stephanopoulos, and Christopher S. Warshaw filed. VIDED.Jul 18 2022 | Brief amicus curiae of Campaign Legal Center filed. VIDED.Jul 18 2022 | Brief amicus curiae of The Brennan Center for Justice filed. VIDED.Jul 18 2022 | Brief amici curiae of Computational Redistricting Experts filed. VIDED.Jul 18 2022 | Brief amici curiae of Republican Former Governors filed. VIDED.Jul 18 2022 | Brief amicus curiae of Professor Travis Crum filed. VIDED.Jul 18 2022 | Brief amici curiae of Representative Terri Sewell, et al. filed. VIDED.Jul 18 2022 | Brief amici curiae of Local Governments filed. VIDED.Jul 18 2022 | Brief amici curiae of District of Columbia, et al. filed. VIDED.Jul 18 2022 | Brief amicus curiae of United States filed. VIDED.Jul 18 2022 | Brief amicus curiae of Constitutional Accountability Center filed. VIDED.Jul 18 2022 | Brief amici curiae of Voting Rights Practitioners filed. VIDED.Jul 18 2022 | Brief amici curiae of U.W. Clemon, Fred D. Gray, Henry Sanders, the Alabama Legislative Black Caucus, and Social Science Professors filed. VIDED.Jul 18 2022 | Brief amici curiae of UCLA Social Scientists filed. VIDED.Jul 18 2022 | Brief amici curiae of Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, et al. filed. VIDED.Jul 18 2022 | Brief amicus curiae of National Congress of American Indians filed. VIDED.Jul 18 2022 | Brief amici curiae of The Central Alabama Fair Housing Center, et al. filed. VIDED. (Distributed)Jul 18 2022 | Motion for divided argument filed by appellees and respondents. VIDED.Jul 18 2022 | Motion of the Solicitor General for leave to participate in oral argument as amicus curiae, for divided argument, and for enlargement of time for oral argument filed. VIDED.Jul 18 2022 | Brief amici curiae of The Southern Poverty Law Center, et al. filed. VIDED. (Distributed)Jul 18 2022 | Brief amici curiae of Press Robinson, et al. filed. (Distributed)Jul 21 2022 | CIRCULATEDJul 22 2022 | Application (22A82) to extend the time to file appellants/petitioners consolidated reply brief on the merits from August 10, 2022 to August 24, 2022, submitted to Justice Thomas. VIDED.Jul 29 2022 | Application (22A82) granted by Justice Thomas extending the time to file appellants'/petitioners' consolidated reply brief on the merits until August 24, 2022. VIDED.Aug 22 2022 | Motion for divided argument filed by appellees and respondents GRANTED. VIDED.Aug 22 2022 | Motion of the Solicitor General for leave to participate in oral argument as amicus curiae, for divided argument, and for enlargement of time for oral argument GRANTED. VIDED.Aug 24 2022 | Reply of appellants/petitioners John H. Merrill, Alabama Secretary of State, et al. filed. VIDED. (Distributed)

https://www.GoodMorningGwinnett.com The Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights Under Law sent a letter to the elections board and the Georgia Secretary of State's Office on Thursday on behalf of the Georgia State Conference of the NAACP; Gwinnett County Branch of the NAACP; GALEO Latino Community Development Fund Inc.; Georgia Coalition for the People's Agenda Inc.; League of Women Voters of Georgia; and Common Cause.The groups claim the county is violating voters rights on two grounds.One is that, they assert, National Voter Registration Act of 1993 prohibited an elections board from hearing voter registration challenges within 90 days of a federal election. The other is that they assert the county's elections board has sustained some voter registration challenges without adhering to requirements laid out in the same federal law.SOURCE: www.GwinnettDailyPost.com Author & Photo Credit Curt Yemons

Ohio Redistricting Commission Doubles Down on Rigged Voting Map Just Weeks Before Aug. 2 PrimaryToday's LinksArticles:City Beat/Ohio Capitol Journal:  Redistricting Commission: Leave Unconstitutional Maps for 2022 ElectionSupreme Court of Ohio Clerk of Court - Filed May 09, 2022 - Case No. 2021-1198ACLU Summary:   LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF OHIO, ET AL. V. OHIO REDISTRICTING COMMISSION (CONGRESSIONAL MAPGroups Taking Action:ACLU of Ohio, League of Women Voters OH, Campaign Legal Center, Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, Ohio Organizing CollaborativeYou're listening to the American Democracy Minute, keeping YOUR government by and for the people. Just when you thought it was safe to go back into the voting booth in Ohio . . .The Ohio Redistricting Commission has doubled down on implementing a rigged state legislative voting map.  Back in May as we reported, a federal court panel refused to hear an appeal, and returned it to the state to create a new map, not budging on moving the August 2nd state primary date. Now with the clock ticking, the Ohio Capitol Journal reports that Gov. Mike DeWine & Secretary of State Frank LaRose are pushing for the gerrymandered February version of map because the Ohio Redistricting Commission is quote, “Out of options.”   Fair maps advocates have asked the courts to hold the Commission members in contempt, and to order new fair maps by the end of the week. The February map was one of three maps rejected by the Ohio Supreme Court as being manipulated for partisan advantage.  In May, the federal court of appeals panel ordered that the map approved in February would be the default if the state could not draw a new map by May 28th.  Instead of doing the right thing and drawing a fair map, the Ohio Redistricting Commission submitted another gerrymandered one, which was again rejected by the Ohio Supreme Court. It's not clear whether the August 2nd primary could be invalidated due to the lack of time for candidates to conduct a campaign.    We're going to need a bigger booth . . .  More details on this saga are available at AmericanDemocracyMinute.org.   Granny D said “Democracy is not something we have, it's something we DO.”  For the American Democracy Minute, I'm Brian Beihl.

This episode of Serious Privacy, Paul Breitbarth of Catawiki and Dr. K Royal of Outschool meet to discuss some recent events in the privacy and data protection world, such as the proposed American Data Protection and Privacy Act, as the hearings, featuring comments presented from Caitriona Fitzgerald, Deputy Director of the Electronic Privacy Information Center (EPIC); David Brody, Managing Attorney, Digital Justice Initiative, Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law; Bertram Lee, Senior Policy Counsel, Data Decision Making, and Artificial Intelligence, Future of Privacy Forum (FPF); Jolina Cuaresma, Senior Counsel, Privacy & Technology PolicyCommon Sense Media; John Miller, Senior Vice President of Policy and General Counsel, Information Technology Industry Council; Graham Dufault, Senior Director for Public Policy, ACT | The App Association; Doug Kantor, General Counsel, National Association of Convenience Stores; and Maureen K. Ohlhausen, Co-Chair, 21st Century Privacy Coalition.Tune in to hear about the ADPPA, as well as news about the European Data Protection Board plenary session, and a new bill that passed in MN on education technology & privacy for students. As always, if you have comments or questions, let us know - LinkedIn, Twitter @podcastprivacy @euroPaulB @heartofprivacy @trustArc and email seriousprivacy@trustarc.com. Please do like and write comments on your favorite podcast app so other professionals can find us easier. 

It was honored to play Unison community's 9th streaming fundraiser, this time benefiting the Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law. File this one under deeper, darker, and moodier breaks.

01.24.22 #RolandMartinUnfiltered: TN Commissioner Harassed, HBCU Funds, SCOTUS & Affirmative Action; Libera's 200th, Eye Care Month A Tennessee county commissioner was harassed and threatened last year while a confederate statue was being removed. Today, those charges almost got dismissed. We'll have that commissioner here to explain despite clear evidence of harassment; the white man will get off scot-free. The US supreme court will hear challenges to affirmative action in college admission. The President and Executive Director of the Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law will explain how much of a slippery slope this could end up being. Yesterday would have been the 24th birthday of Lauren Smith Fields; the young black Bridgeport, Connecticut woman found dead in her home after a date with a white man she met on a dating app. A Bridgeport city council member will be here to answer our questions about the family's allegations of how the police department is botching the investigation. Plus, Supermodel Beverly Johnson will drop in to tell us about her relationship with fashion icon Andre Leon Tally. We are a few weeks away from our trip to Liberia for its bicentennial celebration. Tonight, we start our special segments about the county with historian and author Claude Clegg. And it's National Eye Care Month. In our Fit, Live, Win segment, we'll talk to a correctional health optometrist who will give us some tips on how to keep our eyes healthy. #RolandMartinUnfiltered partner: Nissan | Check out the ALL NEW 2022 Nissan Frontier! As Efficient As It Is Powerful!

On the latest episode of the Public Affairs Podcast, KG and Uncle Funky chat with Ryan Snow - Associate Counsel, Voting Rights Project, Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law. He talks about the Census Bureau's release of apportionment data and the resulting redistribution of congressional seats across our nation's districts. This highly anticipated release is a crucial moment that sets the political landscape for the next decade and launches the race to redraw congressional and legislative lines across the nation. Also joining the guys is Christine Holland, CEO/Executive Director of Rebuilding Together shares with how to prepare for the 2021 hurricane season, and gives us the catastrophic winter storm recap. She also talks about the Revitalization Celebration in 2nd Ward and how you can volunteer and donate.► LISTEN LIVE: https://myhoustonmajic.com ► LIKE US ON FACEBOOK: https://facebook.com/myhoustonmajic ► FOLLOW US ON TWITTER: https://twitter.com/majic1021 ► FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: https://instagram.com/majic1021 For over 40 years, Majic 102.1 has served Houston as The People's Station! From community events, wellness, celebrity interviews and more! Check out interviews from the Sweet Talker Kandi Eastman, AV, Uncle Funky Larry Jones, Sky Houston and KG Smooth!

After Former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin was found guilty on three counts in the murder of George Floyd, the question now is if the success of the prosecution's case against Chauvin will impact future prosecutions for better or for worse.  Dan is joined by Damon Hewitt, acting president of the Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, to discuss the prosecution's case and whether this could mark a turning point in how other police brutality cases are handled. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Just days ahead of a major national election, we sit down with Kristen Clarke. President and Executive Director of the Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law to discuss the many issues putting stress on America's voting infrastructure. What are the most pressing issues? Is America prepared? Who is at risk of losing their right to vote? What's the long term agenda for securing voting rights for all eligible Americans?

Voter advocacy groups respond to a federal ruling opening a door to curbside voting and the opportunity to "cure" rejected ballots.Then, as the election draws nearer, the arguments for and against Initiative 65 are being amplified.Plus, in today's Book Club … “Stories from 125 years of Ole Miss Football.”Segment 1:Voting rights advocates say they're chipping away at Mississippi laws that restrict voting in Mississippi. The Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law filed a lawsuit to expand absentee voting during the coronavirus pandemic. The case was dismissed. But not without agreed provisions from the secretary of state's office including curb-side Election Day voting and the chance to "cure" rejected ballots. Attorney Jennifer Nwachukwu and Corey Wiggins of the MS NAACP talk with our Desare Frazier.Segment 2:The debate over if and how Mississippi will legalize medical marijuana is heating up. This week, coalitions on both side of the issue went public with efforts to make their voices heard.Segment 3:The University of Mississippi has a long and storied history of its football teams and coaches. A year ago, Publisher and editor, Neil White, along with Rick Cleveland and other writers gathered together hundreds of tales for the book, “Stories from 125 years of Ole Miss Football” … the ten greatest victories, the ten most disappointing defeats, the undefeated season no one remembers and as Cleveland details, the coach who got his team drunk during the game. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The statewide mandate has expired, but some local leaders are still requiring residents to mask up. And, UMMC conducts over 200 transplants per year. We examine how these life changing procedures have been affected by the pandemic.Then, the President called for supporters to watch the polls on Election Day, but how legal is the practice?Plus, in our Book Club, forty-seven poets associated with Mississippi are showcased with the aim of cementing poetry's place in today's culture.Segment 1:New coronavirus cases and hospitalizations have increased this week in Mississippi, and health officials have concerns about residents not wearing masks in public. Last week, Governor Tate Reeves chose to allow his mask mandate to expire, but some local officials are choosing to extend orders within their jurisdiction. MPB's Kobee Vance talks with Tupelo Mayor Jason Shelton and Vicksburg Mayor George Flaggs.The expiration of the statewide is generating some concern among health care leaders. State Health Officer Dr. Thomas Dobbs says the state's equilibrium is unraveling. Vice Chancellor of the University of Mississippi Medical Center Louann Woodward has recently stated she would have liked to see the mandate extended. Aside from being the only Tier I Trauma Center, UMMC also performs over 200 transplants be year. Transplantation specialist Dr. Christopher Anderson says the pandemic has presented additional challenges for transplant recipients and doctors.Segment 2:The 2020 General Election is less than four weeks away, and President Donald Trump, who has been sowing doubts into the legitimacy of the election, has called for his supporters to watch the polls. The practice of poll watching varies from state to state, and watchers usually work for candidates or political parties to observe how the election is being conducted. In Mississippi, the Secretary of State's office requires they be at least 150 feet away from entrances and only two are allowed inside. Damon Hewitt is with the Lawyer's Committee for Civil Rights Under Law. He tells our Desare Frazier the national organization is concerned about poll watchers or others intimidating voters.Segment 3:In Mississippi, the importance of poetry is cemented in today's culture. In the book, “Mississippi Poets,” author Catharine Savage Brosman introduces readers to the poets themselves, stressing their versatility and diversity. Her book is both a source of information and a showcase. She tells us that the poets included span many years and work influenced by personal experiences and Mississippi itself. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Part 1: Reactions to Kamala Harris Nomination Barbara Arnwine is the President and Founder of the Transformative Justice Coalition. Ms. Arnwine is President Emeritus of the Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights Under Law. Ruth Conniff is Editor-in-Chief of the Wisconsin Examiner and Editor-at-Large for The Progressive Magazine. Her latest piece in the Progressive is How Kamala Harris as VP Can Be a Win for Progressives   Part 2: Sen. Kamala Harris – A Prosecutor in SF Guest: Tim Redmond has been a political and investigative reporter in San Francisco for more than 30 years. He is the founder and editor of 48hills.org   The post Reactions to Kamala Harris VP Nomination appeared first on KPFA.

Photo: A 2020 Census form. On this show: 0:08 – The Census Bureau has announced it will end its census count — both door-knocking operations and online responses — a month early. Advocates say it's the latest step that could lead to a massive undercount, especially of vulnerable and hard-to-reach communities. Ajay Saini, counsel at the Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, joins us to discuss. The new deadline for submitting your census information is September 30. You can fill out the census at 2020census.gov. 0:34 – Nurses across the U.S. today are protesting for the passage of the HEROES Act, as well as for safety and support for medical workers in the midst of the Covid crisis. One of those pickets is taking place in Oakland; we talk with Katy Roemer, a registered nurse of 25 years who works at Kaiser Oakland and a vice president at National Nurses United. 0:47 – The East Bay has lost one of its most fearless advocates for the rights of unhoused people. Mike Lee died this week after illness. He is remembered by fellow advocates and friends. Story by Danielle Kaye (@danielledkaye). 1:08 – The Apple Fire in Southern California has forced the evacuation of thousands of people, but journalist Jacob Margolis (@JacobMargolis) says it still hasn't reached the size of a “mega-fire” above 100,000 acres, and that worse fires could be expected later in the season as Santa Ana winds pick up. Margolis reports on science for KPCC and LAist. 1:18: Kayla Moore, a Black transgender woman, was killed in her apartment by Berkeley police in 2013. Kayla had a history of schizophrenia and was in the middle of a mental health crisis when the police were called to perform a wellness check. Instead, they tried to arrest her. Kayla stopped breathing after half a dozen police officers forcibly held her down. We spoke to Maria Moore, Kayla's sister, as part of our series TAKEN FROM US: Remembering lives lost to police violence. Read Maria's open letter to Berkeley Police Chief Andrew Greenwood here. 1:34 – Kings County DA Keith Fagundes has charged a woman named Chelsea Becker with murder after she experienced a stillbirth. Becker had experienced substance use disorder. Advocates are calling for murder charges to be dropped and say the DA is setting dangerous precedent. Another woman, Adora Perez, is already 2 years into an 11-year sentence in Chowchilla for a conviction after similar charges. We talk with Lynn Paltrow, founder and executive director of National Advocates for Pregnant Women.   The post Why the 2020 Census may be headed toward a serious undercount; Remembering homelessness advocate Mike Lee; a Central CA woman is charged with murder for a stillbirth appeared first on KPFA.

The state legislature continues its work to appropriate CARES Act Funds.Then, as the November general election looms, we look at the safeguards some voting rights advocates are fighting for.Then, in our Book Club, a new book that recounts the fatal shootings by law enforcement on the Jackson state campus fifty years ago.Segment 1:Small businesses hurt by the coronavirus pandemic may now be eligible for federal relief money based on grant programs created by the Mississippi Legislature. One program would use $60 million for grants of $2,000 to those forced to close by government order. The other would use $240 million, and businesses could apply for grants of $1,500 to $25,000. Representative Robert Johnson, a Democrat from Natchez, explains the program with our Desare Frazier.The Senate is considering plans from leaders in the education community over how to address distance learning shortfalls. During a Senate Education Committee meeting yesterday, State Superintendent of Education Dr. Carey Wright presented the plan for K12 education as an opportunity to address the disparity in educational technology across the state; College Board Commissioner Alfred Rankins echoes many of those concerns. Segment 2:With six months left until Election Day, civil rights groups are pursuing legal measures they believe will prove critical to Americans' efforts to access the ballot in 2020. Lawyers from the Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law and the NAACP Legal Defense Fund say they are using litigation methods at the state and federal levels to address concerns over voter protection and ballot access during the November election. Ezra Rosenberg is the co-director of the Voting Rights Project, Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law. He tells our Karen Brown the litigation is providing a critical tool to expanding voting access amid the pandemic. Segment 3:Fifty years ago today, Jackson police and highway patrol officers marched onto the Jackson State College campus and opened fire on unarmed students. Two were killed. Countless others were injured. Historian, Nancy K. Bristow, recounts the tragedy in her new book: “Steeped in the Blood of Racism.” She talks with MPB's Karen Brown. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Published  2019-03-14 Elizabeth and Amy discuss LGBTQ+ legal protections with Nicholas Breiner, a Kentucky teacher who was fired when he came out as Bi; and Jennifer Nwachukwu and Aunna Dennis of the Lawyers’ Committe for Civil Rights Under Law. Download Episode [archiveorg legalprotections width=640 height=30 frameborder=0 webkitallowfullscreen=true mozallowfullscreen=true] Nicholas Breiner’s website: www.nicholascbreiner.com This Kentucky Teacher … Continue reading N. Breiner, J. Nwachukwu, A. Dennis: LGBTQ+ Legal Protections