Podcasts about rights project

Wildfires rage, Gaza bleeds, and Walmart posts record profits. In this episode, we dig into the twisted logic of a system that thrives on collapse, from state violence in Palestine and brutal immigration policy to the unchecked greed driving up grocery prices while the world literally burns. We also talk about Indigenous mutual aid during Canada's wildfire crisis, the deportation of a terminally ill child under Trump's second term, and why the rhetoric of revolution so often hides authoritarian rot.Gazahttps://rachelgilmore.substack.com/p/israel-is-using-aid-as-a-military https://itsgoingdown.org/international-solidarity-movement-volunteers-speak-on-building-solidarity-in-the-west-bank/Rodney Hinton Jr.https://open.substack.com/pub/tdugout/p/when-black-rage-is-criminalized-rinaldo?r=iu0tj&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=falseTrump deporting 4 year old girlhttps://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/may/28/deportation-mexico-four-year-old-girlCanada's Strong Border Billhttps://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/liberal-legislation-border-fentanyl-1.7550684Wildfireshttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_Canadian_wildfiresRental protectionshttps://ca.news.yahoo.com/why-canada-apply-labour-protections-122825442.htmlAuthoritarians in Africahttps://www.anarchistfederation.net/burkina-faso-revolution-authoritarianism-the-crisis-of-african-emancipation-politics/Anarchist Sabotage in Canneshttps://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/story/cannes-power-outage-anarchistsWalmart Priceshttps://people.com/walmart-announces-trump-s-tariffs-will-result-in-higher-prices-in-stores-this-month-11735832Mutual aid shoutoutsIndigenous Climate Action – supporting frontline resistance and sovereignty in the face of wildfire displacement. https://www.indigenousclimateaction.com/Health Workers Alliance for Palestine – providing direct support to medics and aid workers in Gaza. https://healthworkersforpalestine.org/South Texas Human Rights Center – aiding migrants affected by border militarization and brutal policy changes. https://southtexashumanrights.org/Hamilton Encampment Support Network – supporting unhoused people and resisting evictions in Ontario. https://www.hesn.ca/Toronto Prisoners' Rights Project – supporting incarcerated and criminalized people through mutual aid and abolitionist organizing.https://www.patreon.com/torontoprisonersrights/aboutCheck out AnComSciComm on FOFANews and follow him on Blueskyhttps://youtu.be/2-oKULEugDs?si=WLAvxp0Cv9dyMHTZ https://bsky.app/profile/ancomscicomm.bsky.social Support the show at patreon.com/skepticalleftist And follow me in all the places https://linktr.ee/Skepticalleftist

Who deserves a second chance and who gets left behind?In this episode of Pardon Who?, we unpack the politics, privilege, and power behind forgiveness. Whether it's a presidential pardon, a public comeback, or personal redemption, we ask the hard questions: Who gets a clean slate? And more importantly why?

Dr. Henryk Szadziewski is Director of Research at the Uyghur Human Rights Project. He lived in the People's Republic of China for five years, including a three-year period in Uyghur-populated regions. Henryk Szadziewski studied modern Chinese and Mongolian at the University of Leeds, and completed a master's degree at the University of Wales, where he specialised in Uyghur economic, social and cultural rights

John discusses the Dow jumping 1,000 points after Trump capitulated and backed off a trade war with China, lowering baseline tariffs for a 90 day window. And, he also talks about Trump defending his plan to accept a $400 million luxury jet from Qatar to be used instead of Air Force One while he is president. Then, he interviews the Deputy Director of the ACLU Immigrants' Rights Project, Cody Wofsy. They discuss his work focusing on limiting state and local immigration enforcement, asylum access, protecting judicial review, and fighting federal enforcement overreach and abuse. He has litigated numerous cases at all levels of federal and state courts, including blocking asylum bans, limiting the use of immigration detainers, challenging the Muslim Ban, and curtailing unlawful expedited removal practices. They also talk about the attack on birthright citizenship, which he says is just part of a larger right wing effort to weaken civil liberties and radically alter the idea of what a “citizen” can be. Then, John welcomes back comedian Rhonda Hansome to criticize, gossip, and joke about Trump's latest stupidity.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

April 21, 2025 - Antony Gemmell, supervising attorney with the Prisoners' Rights Project at the Legal Aid Society, discusses a lawsuit against the Hochul Administration's pause on parts of a state law restricting the use of solitary confinement in New York prisons.

The judge hearing the case against Donald Trump's deportation flights is losing patience with the administration's excuses and stall tactics, and today raised the specter of holding members of the administration in contempt of court. Lee Gelernt, deputy director of the ACLU's Immigrants' Rights Project, discusses with Rachel Maddow.

Melissa Murray is in for Ali Velshi and is joined by Editor-in-Chief of Investopedia Caleb Silver, Contributing Editor of The Atlantic Norman Ornstein, Deputy Director of Immigrants' Rights Project at the American Civil Liberties Union Lee Gelernt, Business Investigations Editor for The New York Times David Enrich, Co-Host, MSNBC's “The Weekend: Primetime” Catherine Rampell, fmr. Advisor to the National Economic Council Diane Swonk, Attorney for Mahmoud Khalil Baher Azmy, Executive Director of The Yellowhammer Fund Jenice Fountain, Executive Director of the West Alabama Women's Center Robin Marty.

Microsoft is mobilizing generative artificial intelligence technology to address the access to justice gap in the United States. In partnership with the Northwest Immigrants Rights Project (NWIRP), they have built a collaborative initiative, ‘LUZ,' to streamline and scale the DACA renewal process for Dreamers. The City Bar Presidential Task Force on AI and Digital Technology's Ray Brescia hosts Malou Chávez, Executive Director of the Northwest Immigrants Rights Project (NWIRP), and Microsoft's Global Pro Bono Manager Adrian Palma and UX/UI designer Amae Kurre to talk about the access to justice gap that inspired the project, the role of tech in making legal services more efficient, and the essential nature of human oversight in AI-driven legal processes. Want to learn more about how AI and digital technology are being mobilized to close the digital divide in access to justice? You can access the City Bar's Artificial Intelligence Institute on demand: https://bit.ly/4j3lCYQ Visit nycbar.org/events to find all of the most up-to-date information about our upcoming CLE programs and events as well as on-demand CLE content. 01:19 The Evolution of Legal Technology 01:55 Introduction of ChatGPT and Generative AI 03:17 The Impact of AI on Legal Services 03:45 Microsoft's Pro Bono Initiative: LUZ 05:02 Challenges Faced by NWIRP 07:50 The Role of Technology in Legal Clinics 13:28 The Development and Design of LUZ 24:48 Human Oversight and AI Integration 26:26 Scaling the Initiative and Future Prospects 42:48 Addressing Concerns and Ensuring Security 48:28 Final Thoughts and Call to Action

Maribel Hernández Rivera is the ACLU's National Director of Immigrant Community Strategies. And Lee Gelernt is Deputy Director of the ACLU Immigrants' Rights Project. You can read more about their work here and here, respectively. At Liberty is a production of the ACLU, and hosted by W. Kamau Bell. This episode was executive produced by Jessica Herman Weitz and Gwen Schroeder for the ACLU, and W. Kamau Bell, Kelly Rafferty, PhD, and Melissa Hudson Bell, PhD for Who Knows Best Productions. It was recorded at Skyline Studios in Oakland, CA. At Liberty is edited and produced by Erica Getto and Myrriah Gossett for Good Get.

In this episode of All My Relations, Matika Wilbur (Swinomish and Tulalip) and Temryss Lane (Lummi Nation) are joined by Gina Amato Lough, Directing Attorney of Public Counsel's Immigrants' Rights Project, to unpack the realities of ICE in Indian Country. We dive into the self-made crisis at the southern border of what is now known as the United States, and the dangers that face not just (im)migrant and Native communities, but everyone living here.With the expertise of someone who has over 20 years of experience working in direct service with asylum seekers, immigrants in detention, survivors of violent crime, unaccompanied children, and victims of notario fraud, Gina guides this conversation with grace in contextualizing where we are right now. She reminds us that the inhumane actions taken by the Trump Administration like the implementation of Remain in Mexico Program and the removal of the CBP App, which eliminated the only lawful way for people to enter the border through – is rooted in U.S. imperialism and has devastating consequences for us all. We explore the unintended consequences and ongoing ramifications of our rapidly eroding democracy; how Trump's deportation machine, if successful, ensures catastrophic consequences for our economy, our education systems, and the base of what supports all our communities. We are reminded that this is not a single issue. ICE in Indian Country impacts all of our livelihoods at every level. So, what does it mean to be a good relative right now? We must return to solidarity with one another. Gina reminds us that focusing on our shared history, cultures, goals and values binds us, and it is by design that communities of color are pitted against each other. The Trump administration's “shock and awe” tactics are not just policy decisions—they are deliberate strategies meant to exhaust us, burn us out, and keep us on the defensive. So start by staying informed, knowing your rights, and sharing resources in the community. From a monetary standpoint, there are organizations you can support like Public Counsel or ACLU – links to all resources mentioned are listed below. This is a call to all relatives—Indigenous and non-Native alike. Keeping our communities safe requires knowing the tactics being used against us and resisting together. We must move beyond defense and take the offensive—leveraging our power through advocacy, spending, voting, and boycotts. Our creativity is more crucial than ever. Together, we are powerful.Public Counsel Donation: https://publiccounsel.org/donate/ACLU: https://www.aclu.org/ Northwest Immigrant Rights Project: httpSend us your thoughts!Support the showFollow us on Instagam @amrpodcast, or support our work on Patreon. Show notes are published on our website, Allmyrelationspodcast.com. Matika's book Project 562: Changing the Way We See Native America is available now! T'igwicid and Hyshqe for being on this journey with us.

On this episode of The New Abnormal, could FBI director nominee Kash Patel be President Donald Trump's most extreme cabinet appointment yet? During his confirmation hearing, senators grilled Patel over his intent to weaponize the FBI to “come after” conspirators “not just in government” but “in the media.” Plus! Cody Wofsy, deputy director of the ACLU Immigrants' Rights Project, joins to discuss the ACLU's lawsuit against Trump's attempt to end birthright citizenship and the broader fight to protect immigrant rights. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ruth Bader Ginsburg wuchs in einer bescheidenen, jüdischen Familie auf, die ihr die Werte von Bildung und harter Arbeit vermittelte. Trotz der gesellschaftlichen Hürden, denen Frauen damals begegneten, studierte sie an der Cornell University und Harvard Law School, wo sie eine von wenigen Frauen in ihrem Jahrgang war. Nach ihrem Abschluss an der Columbia Law School als Jahrgangsbeste, musste sie trotz ihrer akademischen Erfolge gegen geschlechtsspezifische Diskriminierung im Berufsleben ankämpfen. Ihr Engagement für die Rechte der Frauen führte sie zur American Civil Liberties Union, wo sie als Anwältin für das Women's Rights Project eine Reihe von wegweisenden Fällen vor den Obersten Gerichtshof brachte. 1993 wurde sie von Präsident Bill Clinton zur Richterin am Obersten Gerichtshof der Vereinigten Staaten ernannt, wo sie durch ihre bahnbrechenden Urteile in den Bereichen Bürgerrechte, Gleichstellung der Geschlechter und Minderheitenrechte bekannt wurde. Ihre klare, präzise Arbeit und ihr Engagement für Gerechtigkeit machten sie zur Ikone und verliehen ihr den Spitznamen „Notorious RBG“. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

President-elect Donald Trump has vowed to bring sweeping changes to immigration policy – mass deportations, revoking birthright citizenship and asylum protections, and more – and has suggested he will deploy the military to carry out his plans. Lee Gelernt, Deputy Director of the ACLU Immigrants' Rights Project, litigated several high-profile immigration cases during the first Trump administration. Gelernt joins Joyce Vance to discuss the potential legal fallout when Trump retakes the White House. Stay Tuned in Brief is presented by CAFE and the Vox Media Podcast Network. Please write to us with your thoughts and questions at letters@cafe.com, or leave a voicemail at 669-247-7338. For analysis of recent legal news, join the CAFE Insider community. Head to cafe.com/insider to join for just $1 for the first month. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Since Donald Trump's victory two weeks ago, some people are worried about one of his main campaign promises — to launch the largest deportation operation in American history. What does that really mean, and how feasible is it that it will happen at the scale the president-elect is promising? This week, NY1's Errol Louis spoke to three experts — Lee Gelernt, the deputy director of the American Civil Liberties Union Immigrants' Rights Project; Elora Mukerjee, director of Columbia Law School's Immigrants' Rights Clinic; and Luis Gomez Alfaro, an attorney in New York and New Jersey, with extensive experience in immigration law — about what Trump can truly do legally. They also discuss the possibility of ending birthright citizenship, what will be happening at the border and the impact Trump's plans will have on millions across the country. And they provided some specific, practical information for immigrants who are worried about being detained. Join the conversation, weigh in on Twitter using the hashtag #NY1YouDecide, give us a call at 212-379-3440 and leave a message, or send an email to YourStoryNY1@charter.com.

Los Angeles Sparks forward Dearica Hamby's lawsuit against the WBNA is highlighting the issue of how pregnant people are treated in the workplace. A 2022 survey found that 1 in 5 mothers reported experiencing pregnancy discrimination at work. Gillian Thomas, senior staff attorney for the ACLU Women's Rights Project, joins John Yang to discuss. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

Alicia Yamin, Lecturer on Law and the Director of the Global Health and Rights Project at the Petrie-Flom Center for Health Law Policy, Biotechnology and Bioethics at Harvard Law School, talks about Mexico's judicial reform plan, which makes all federal judges elected, rather than appointed positions. Yamin, who is also Adjunct Senior Lecturer on Health Policy and Management at the Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, considers this a threat to Mexican democracy.

We often shrug off the brutality of prisons as regrettable, yet ultimately inevitable. But the recent rise of prison abolitionist movements prompts a question: are prisons obsolete? Can we imagine more humane solutions that address the root causes of crime and promote true rehabilitation? Dr. Jessica Evans is an Assistant Professor in Criminology at Toronto Metropolitan University, who researches the causes, conditions, and consequences of incarceration in Canada. She is also active in the prison abolition movement as a co-founder of the Toronto Prisoners' Rights Project. In this conversation, Jessica explains the history and current landscape of incarceration in Canada and presents the case for prison abolition.   Get Involved: Toronto Prisoners' Rights Project Criminalization and Punishment Education Project East Coast Prison Justice Society West Coast Prison Justice Society Pullback is a proud member of the Harbinger Media Network Enjoy our work? Support us on Patreon!

Leslie is joined by Author Eliza Sultan and District Attorney of New Mexico's 13th Judicial District, Barbara Romo. The pair are here to talk about Eliza's book, "Children on the Front Lines of Justice: Report Sexual Abuse and Survive the Criminal Trial," which D.A. Romo wrote the foreword in. "Children On the Front Lines of Justice” is the story of a brave brother and sister, May and Charlie, who testify against a family member at his criminal trial. They must be brave and tell the truth about sexual abuse. The story is narrated from the children's perspective. The objective of the book is to help children, parents, caregivers, guardians and anyone working with these survivors to have an idea of what to expect- when faced with having to testify. Any child from age 2-18 faced with having to testify at a criminal trial could benefit from this story of valiance and justice. The book is also a resource that prosecutors, advocates, and anyone who is touched by the justice system could share with families facing this experience. Eliza and her kids hope that the book will help children and their families know that they are not alone in their experience.  The book is available on Amazon at this link:https://a.co/d/0eCnTSW Eliza Sultan is an author, writer of op-eds, legislative advocate, self-described pain-in-the-activist, and mother of two children. She became active on issues of child testimony reform and child welfare after her family experienced first-hand the toll that participating in the criminal justice process takes on a family, particularly the issue of children testifying in open-court in front of someone who harmed them. Inspired by the courage of her children, Eliza began advocating to bring awareness to these issues and push for legislative and policy change that reflects the reality of the trauma that the judicial process itself exacts on families. In addition to her book, Eliza continues her advocacy through speaking engagements and consultation with policy leaders across the country, and she anticipates expanding her advocacy into other areas of the justice system that impact children. You can follow her on Instagram where her handle is @ESultanAdvocacy. Barbara Romo is District Attorney of New Mexico's 13th Judicial District. She's been practicing law in New Mexico for over 24 years, having worked for eight years in the 1st Judicial District Attorney's Office prosecuting a variety of felonies and heading up the Felony Crimes Against Children Unit, exclusively prosecuting felony crimes against children and homicides. As a prosecutor, Barbara has prosecuted every type of felony and has tried over 100 cases before juries specializing in crimes against children, sexual assault and homicides. She has worked for the New Mexico Victim's Rights Project as a victims' rights attorney, providing legal representation to crime victims as well as providing training and assistance to prosecutors, law enforcement, and other agencies who assist victims of crime. Barbara has been much lauded receiving the Community Service Prosecutor  of the year award in 2018,  Prosecutor of the Year in 2016, Rookie Prosecutor of the Year in 1997 all from the New Mexico District Attorney Association.

Leslie is joined by Author Eliza Sultan and District Attorney of New Mexico's 13th Judicial District, Barbara Romo. The pair are here to talk about Eliza's book, "Children on the Front Lines of Justice: Report Sexual Abuse and Survive the Criminal Trial," which D.A. Romo wrote the foreword in. "Children On the Front Lines of Justice” is the story of a brave brother and sister, May and Charlie, who testify against a family member at his criminal trial. They must be brave and tell the truth about sexual abuse. The story is narrated from the children's perspective. The objective of the book is to help children, parents, caregivers, guardians and anyone working with these survivors to have an idea of what to expect- when faced with having to testify. Any child from age 2-18 faced with having to testify at a criminal trial could benefit from this story of valiance and justice. The book is also a resource that prosecutors, advocates, and anyone who is touched by the justice system could share with families facing this experience. Eliza and her kids hope that the book will help children and their families know that they are not alone in their experience.  The book is available on Amazon at this link:https://a.co/d/0eCnTSW Eliza Sultan is an author, writer of op-eds, legislative advocate, self-described pain-in-the-activist, and mother of two children. She became active on issues of child testimony reform and child welfare after her family experienced first-hand the toll that participating in the criminal justice process takes on a family, particularly the issue of children testifying in open-court in front of someone who harmed them. Inspired by the courage of her children, Eliza began advocating to bring awareness to these issues and push for legislative and policy change that reflects the reality of the trauma that the judicial process itself exacts on families. In addition to her book, Eliza continues her advocacy through speaking engagements and consultation with policy leaders across the country, and she anticipates expanding her advocacy into other areas of the justice system that impact children. You can follow her on Instagram where her handle is @ESultanAdvocacy. Barbara Romo is District Attorney of New Mexico's 13th Judicial District. She's been practicing law in New Mexico for over 24 years, having worked for eight years in the 1st Judicial District Attorney's Office prosecuting a variety of felonies and heading up the Felony Crimes Against Children Unit, exclusively prosecuting felony crimes against children and homicides. As a prosecutor, Barbara has prosecuted every type of felony and has tried over 100 cases before juries specializing in crimes against children, sexual assault and homicides. She has worked for the New Mexico Victim's Rights Project as a victims' rights attorney, providing legal representation to crime victims as well as providing training and assistance to prosecutors, law enforcement, and other agencies who assist victims of crime. Barbara has been much lauded receiving the Community Service Prosecutor  of the year award in 2018,  Prosecutor of the Year in 2016, Rookie Prosecutor of the Year in 1997 all from the New Mexico District Attorney Association.

Send us a Text Message.In the last couple of years, states have ramped up their attacks on the LGBTQ+ community, introducing laws surrounding sports, books, and even healthcare.  24 states have banned gender affirming care for youth, and many of those laws are now being discussed, debated, and decided in the courts as LGBTQ+ people, families, and advocacy groups file challenges to these laws. Medical bans on gender affirming care have been some of the most terrifying for families, and there have been a lot to try to keep track of. Today In the Den, Jen meets with ACLU strategist Gillian Branstetter about a very specific case, and what this case might mean for all the other cases.Special Guest: Gillian BranstetterGillian Branstetter is a Communications Strategist at the ACLU's Women's Rights Project and LGBTQ & HIV Project. Formerly of the National Women's Law Center and the National Center for Transgender Equality, she works with advocates, storytellers, reporters, and artists to fight for gender justice, including the safety and dignity of queer and transgender people.Links from the Show:ACLU website: https://www.aclu.org/ Find your local ACLU: https://www.aclu.org/affiliates Join Mama Dragons today at www.mamadragons.org Mama Dragons on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mamadragons Mama Dragons on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themamadragons/ In the Den is made possible by generous donors like you. Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today at www.mamadragons.org.  Connect with Mama Dragons:WebsiteInstagramFacebookDonate to this podcast

This episode features a speech from Lee Gelernt, deputy director of the ACLU's Immigrants' Rights Project and recipient of The Advocates' Special Recognition Award at this year's Human Rights Awards Dinner. This episode also included a brief introduction by Michele McKenzie, Deputy Director at The Advocates. theadvocatesforhumanrights.org

Executive Director of the New Mexico Victims' Rights Project and DWI Resource Center, Linda Atkinson, has been protecting and enforcing victim's rights in our state for a long time but still has a lot to accomplish. Linda and Bob take a deep dive into the way DWI is handled in New Mexico and some changes that could help keep New Mexican roads safe and much more. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Don Lemon sits down with Comedian and actress Flame Monroe for a no holds barred discussion about Flame's success and the transgender community. They discuss the controversies around transgender athletes, the dangers of Project 2025, and Flame's work with Dave Chappelle.  WATCH & Subscribe on YouTube @TheDonLemonShow! Listen on Apple, Spotify and iHeart Radio Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 29, 2024 - The Hochul administration is being sued for allegedly violating a 2021 law by putting incarcerated New Yorkers with disabilities into solitary confinement. We discuss the case with Stefen Short, who is of counsel for the Prisoners' Rights Project at The Legal Aid Society, which is a party in the case.

The Justice Department is set to take a significant step this week, initiating a lawsuit against Iowa over its new immigration law. This law, which criminalizes the entry of individuals previously deported or barred from the country, mirrors the controversial Texas law. The latter is currently under legal scrutiny. Notably, other Republican-led states are also contemplating similar legislation. Spencer Amdur, a senior staff attorney for the American Civil Liberties Union's Immigrants' Rights Project, sheds light on the rationale behind these stringent state immigration laws and why federal courts have invalidated similar state laws.And in headlines: Adult film star Stormy Daniels described in explicit detail a sexual encounter she had with Donald Trump during testimony in the former president's criminal hush-money trial, TikTok sued the federal government over a new law that could ban the app in the U.S., and Israeli forces seized control of the Rafah border crossing in southern Gaza. Show Notes:What A Day – YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@whatadaypodcastFollow us on Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/crookedmedia/For a transcript of this episode, please visit crooked.com/whataday     

This Day in Legal History: Happy Birthday RBG!On this day in legal history, March 15 marks the birth of an iconic figure in American jurisprudence, Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, born in 1933 in Brooklyn, New York. As the second woman ever appointed to the U.S. Supreme Court, Ginsburg's legal career was marked by a steadfast commitment to justice, equality, and the rule of law. Before her appointment to the Supreme Court in 1993 by President Bill Clinton, Ginsburg had already made significant contributions to the legal field, notably through her work with the Women's Rights Project of the American Civil Liberties Union during the 1970s. Her strategic litigation before the Supreme Court as an attorney broke down numerous legal barriers, leading to greater gender equality. Justice Ginsburg's opinions, both majority and dissenting, on the Supreme Court bench were known for their clarity, depth, and unyielding dedication to civil rights. Notably, her dissent in cases like Ledbetter v. Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. inspired legislation to ensure fair wages for women, highlighting her influence extending beyond the judiciary to the legislative domain. Ginsburg's legacy is not only embedded in her monumental judicial writings but also in her role as a cultural icon, affectionately dubbed "Notorious RBG," symbolizing her enduring impact on generations of lawyers, activists, and ordinary citizens. Her passing in September 2020 was mourned across the nation, reflecting the profound loss of a legal titan who dedicated her life to advancing equality and justice for all Americans.The IRS, in collaboration with the Department of Justice, has initiated a significant enforcement push against crypto tax fraud, marking a new phase with the first standalone criminal charges in this domain. Frank Richard Ahlgren III from Austin, Texas, faced accusations of underreporting or failing to report over $4 million in Bitcoin sales for the years 2017 and 2019, along with significant capital gains derived from these transactions. This case is notable as the first instance where charges were made solely for failing to accurately report cryptocurrency earnings and gains on tax returns, signaling the IRS's increased focus on tax compliance within the cryptocurrency sector.The IRS has been enhancing its efforts in understanding and regulating the cryptocurrency market, issuing guidelines on crypto staking and proposing rules for broker reporting, which would mandate exchanges to report user transactions and identities. Experts see this as a major advancement for the IRS, reflecting years of building technical resources and expertise to tackle crypto tax fraud independently, without relying on other criminal investigations.Tax compliance for cryptocurrency can be complex due to the difficulty in tracking the purchase and sale history of digital assets, complicating the determination of tax obligations. Despite misconceptions about the anonymity of crypto transactions, the IRS is actively disproving this narrative, hiring industry experts to deepen its understanding of the space and strengthen its enforcement capabilities.The Ahlgren case, if it proceeds to trial, will pose a significant challenge in educating the jury about the intricacies of cryptocurrency, setting a precedent for future prosecutions. Legal and tax professionals are closely monitoring this development, anticipating more actions from the IRS as it continues to target underreporting and tax evasion within the rapidly evolving cryptocurrency market.IRS's First Crypto Tax Charge Signals Beefed-Up Enforcement PushWalt Disney Co. is employing an unconventional strategy in its fight against activist billionaire investor Nelson Peltz, by reviving the character Professor Ludwig Von Drake, Donald Duck's uncle, to influence its shareholders. In an effort to counter Peltz and nominees from the Trian Group and Blackwell, Disney launched a social media campaign urging investors to support only Disney's board nominees for the upcoming annual meeting on April 3. This marks a significant move by Disney to not just appeal to institutional investors but also to the retail ones, highlighting the importance of every vote through the creation of votedisney.com and engaging storytelling involving classic characters.Peltz, known for his aggressive proxy battles, including a notable one with Procter & Gamble, aims to instigate major changes within Disney, criticizing its lagging profit margins compared to other media giants and calling for restructuring across its business lines. Disney's campaign is a testament to the gravity with which it views Peltz's challenge, employing tactics like political-campaign-style videos to directly address and counter Peltz's and his allies' propositions.The company has gone further by attacking Peltz and other nominated board members, labeling some as "disgruntled former employees," thereby illustrating the personal stakes involved in this boardroom battle. Peltz, in response, has launched his own website and published a manifesto highlighting Disney's operational missteps under CEO Bob Iger, advocating for significant structural reforms, especially in its studio operations.The discourse between Disney and Peltz mirrors political campaigning, with both parties securing endorsements and presenting detailed plans for Disney's future. Disney has rallied support from significant figures, including members of the Disney family and influential business leaders, to bolster its position ahead of the shareholder meeting. The contention underscores the broader issues of governance and strategic direction at Disney, especially concerning succession planning and operational efficiency.Key to understanding the drama at Disney is the universal proxy card rule. The universal proxy card rule allows shareholders in a contested election to vote for a combination of management and dissident nominees using a single proxy card. This rule aims to ensure fairness and transparency in proxy voting by enabling shareholders to cast their votes more accurately according to their preferences, regardless of whether they attend the shareholder meeting in person or vote by proxy. By providing a unified method for proxy voting, the universal proxy card rule enhances shareholder democracy and facilitates more meaningful participation in corporate governance decisions. The rule enables institutional investors to consolidate their voting power across multiple shareholders, facilitating their ability to influence corporate governance decisions and effect significant changes within a company.The ongoing proxy fight, accentuated by the universal proxy card rule, represents a crucial juncture for Disney, reflecting the intricate dynamics of shareholder influence, corporate governance, and the power of narrative in determining the future trajectory of one of the world's most iconic entertainment companies. As the April 3 meeting approaches, both Disney and Peltz remain steadfast, each confident in their vision for the company's future.Disney Revives Donald Duck's Uncle for Showdown With BillionaireJustice Sonia Sotomayor's recent public comments about feeling "tired" and the workload on the Supreme Court have sparked quiet concerns among progressives, reminiscent of the anxiety surrounding Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg's refusal to retire during Barack Obama's presidency. Despite Sotomayor nearing her 70th birthday, there's little pressure from progressives for her to step down before the November election, which could see a shift in control to the Republicans. This situation echoes past regrets over Ginsburg's decision to stay on the court, which ultimately led to a conservative shift following her death.The hesitance to call for Sotomayor's retirement stems from the sensitivity around advocating for the departure of the first woman of color on the Supreme Court. There's an ongoing conversation within progressive circles about the strategic timing of Supreme Court retirements, though public discussions are rare. The Supreme Court's role as a pivotal policy-making entity in the country adds to the complexity of suggesting a justice's retirement, as it feels akin to a personal attack on their legacy and contributions.Not everyone supports the idea of Sotomayor stepping down, considering she is not the oldest nor the longest-tenured justice on the bench. Concerns about her health, given her Type 1 diabetes diagnosis, don't seem to impact her ability to serve, yet there's speculation about whether she'll want to continue for several more years.Historical precedents of justices retiring under like-minded presidents, or due to health issues at politically inconvenient times, provide a mixed picture on the predictability of Supreme Court retirements. The possibility of Sotomayor retiring to ensure a successor aligned with her views is debated, especially considering the potential for political shifts in the Senate that could impact the confirmation process.Calls for Sotomayor's retirement are few, partly due to the fear of repeating accusations of bias that emerged during discussions of Ginsburg's tenure. The current political climate, with an upcoming tight presidential election and competitive Senate races, makes the timing of any retirement particularly consequential. Advocates for Sotomayor's retirement emphasize the strategic benefit of ensuring a like-minded successor, acknowledging the uncertainty of future political landscapes and health concerns. However, expecting a justice to retire in an election year is seen as unusual, highlighting the delicate balance between judicial independence and political strategy.Quiet Fears About Sotomayor Echo Ginsburg Retirement ConcernsA federal judge in Florida, U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon, denied former President Donald Trump's request to dismiss a criminal case against him related to the possession of classified documents after leaving office. Trump's legal team had argued that the charges were vaguely defined, but Judge Cannon, appointed by Trump himself, found the issue warranted consideration but was not grounds for dismissal at this stage. Trump faces a 40-count indictment, accusing him of illegally retaining sensitive government documents post-presidency, marking one of four criminal cases against him as he campaigns for reelection.Judge Cannon also addressed Trump's claim that the documents were "personal" rather than government property, suggesting this argument could be explored during the trial rather than leading to an outright dismissal of the case. Trump has actively filed legal challenges across his multiple criminal cases, arguing, among other points, that a trial should be postponed until after the election. Notably, if reelected, Trump could potentially halt the federal cases against him, though state law cases would remain unaffected.The timeline for the trial remains uncertain, with Special Prosecutor Jack Smith proposing a July start, while Trump has suggested August, emphasizing his preference for a post-election trial. Trump's legal strategies have seen varied success in other cases, including a pause in a federal case about the 2020 election results pending a Supreme Court decision, and complications in a Georgia state election subversion case due to procedural issues. Additionally, Trump's New York state trial concerning hush money payments has faced potential delays.Judge denies Trump motion to dismiss classified-documents case | ReutersThis week's closing theme is by Hector Berlioz.​​The most famous classical piece associated with the Ides of March is likely the "Ides of March" movement from Hector Berlioz's "Symphonie Fantastique." This movement is part of a larger symphony that tells the story of an artist's obsession with a woman. The ominous and foreboding tone of the "Ides of March" movement captures the sense of impending doom often associated with the Ides of March, famously known as the date of Julius Caesar's assassination.Hector Berlioz, born in 1803, was a pioneering French composer, conductor, and music critic of the Romantic era. Renowned for his innovative orchestration and dramatic flair, Berlioz revolutionized symphonic music with his groundbreaking compositions. His masterpieces, such as the "Symphonie Fantastique" and the opera "Les Troyens," showcase his vivid imagination and emotional intensity, earning him a lasting place in the classical music canon. Berlioz's unique style, characterized by its grandeur and expressiveness, continues to inspire and captivate audiences worldwide, cementing his legacy as one of the most visionary composers of the 19th century.Without further ado, the second movement from Hector Berlioz's  “Symphonie Fantastique,” enjoy. Get full access to Minimum Competence - Daily Legal News Podcast at www.minimumcomp.com/subscribe

A recent ruling by the Alabama Supreme Court basically halted IVF treatments—and a new bill currently making the rounds in Oklahoma may be even worse, The New Abnormal hosts argue. Plus, chats with former GOP Rep. Adam Kinzinger about the current state of the Republican Party and Gillian Branstetter of the ACLU's Women's Rights Project and LGBTQ & HIV Project about the tragic death of a non-binary high school student in Oklahoma. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

https://www.publicrightsproject.org/who-we-are @TheHeartlandPOD on Twitter and ThreadsCo-HostsAdam Sommer @Adam_Sommer85 (Twitter) @adam_sommer85 (Post)Rachel Parker @msraitchetp (Post) Sean Diller (no social)The Heartland Collective - Sign Up Today!JOIN PATREON FOR MORE - AND JOIN OUR SOCIAL NETWORK!“Change The Conversation”Outro Song: “The World Is On Fire” by American Aquarium http://www.americanaquarium.com/

https://www.publicrightsproject.org/who-we-are @TheHeartlandPOD on Twitter and ThreadsCo-HostsAdam Sommer @Adam_Sommer85 (Twitter) @adam_sommer85 (Post)Rachel Parker @msraitchetp (Post) Sean Diller (no social)The Heartland Collective - Sign Up Today!JOIN PATREON FOR MORE - AND JOIN OUR SOCIAL NETWORK!“Change The Conversation”Outro Song: “The World Is On Fire” by American Aquarium http://www.americanaquarium.com/

Latino USA continues to mark its 30th anniversary and look back at its reporting throughout the last three decades. On today's show we look at immigration, then and now. Maria Hinojosa is joined by Camilo Montoya-Galvez, immigration and politics reporter for CBS; Natalia Aristizabal, Deputy Director of Make the Road New York; and Lee Gelernt, Deputy Director of the ACLU's Immigrants' Rights Project. Together, they discuss immigration policies from the last 30 years.

On this Tuesday topical show, Crystal welcomes Jaelynn Scott, Executive Director of Lavender Rights Project, for a conversation about their intersectional work to protect Black trans femmes (and thereby all trans people) by focusing on housing justice, economic justice, and violence prevention. Though our lawmakers have passed some protective legislation in what many consider a progressive state, Crystal and Jaelynn discuss how much more needs to be done to ensure the safety of Black trans people here in Washington. To that end, Jaelynn describes a King County Housing First initiative Lavender Rights Project is undertaking in conjunction with Chief Seattle Club to provide permanent supportive housing for trans people who don't feel safe in shelter offered by traditional housing services agencies - the hope is to become a model for how similar support can be provided to other vulnerable communities across the country. Crystal then notes the remarkable success of pilot after pilot of guaranteed income programs, and Jaelynn details the small program Lavender Rights Project has run over the last two years and its positive impact on participants. Finally, the two give a rundown of how to listen, step up, and take action - whether you're a state legislator, a county or city official, or a concerned community member - to push back against anti-trans sentiment, hate, and fascism. As always, a full text transcript of the show is available below and at officialhacksandwonks.com. Follow us on Twitter at @HacksWonks. Find the host, Crystal Fincher, on Twitter at @finchfrii and find Jaelynn Scott and the Lavender Rights Project at @lavrights.    Resources Lavender Rights Project   The Combahee River Collective Statement    “Introducing our New Mission: thoughts from Executive Director, Jaelynn Scott” | Lavender Rights Project   “BREAKING: Lavender Rights Project and Chief Seattle Club opening permanent housing for QT2BIPOC in Fall 2023” | Lavender Rights Project   “Here's why the Lavender Rights Project, county officials, and Seattle's mayor think this Capitol Hill apartment building is the right place to start a new approach to creating supportive housing and putting a real dent in the homelessness crisis” by Justin Carder from Capitol Hill Seattle Blog   “Seattle's new 'Health through Housing' property to serve QT2BIPOC residents” by Erica Zucco from King5    “This organization's plan to provide housing for Black trans people in Seattle offers a much-needed glimmer of hope” by Naomi Ishisaka from The Seattle Times   Seattle Solidarity Budget: Basic Income Guarantee   Solidarity Budget presents: Guaranteed Basic Income (GBI) panel discussion   Washington State Basic Income Feasibility Study | WA Department of Social and Health Services   Welcoming Cities Resolution | Seattle City Council   “Seattle City Council reaffirms support for immigrants, refugees” by Daniel Beekman from The Seattle Times   “Seattle ‘Welcoming City' resolution includes plan for push back on federal orders” by Agatha Pacheco from The Seattle Globalist   Impact of Gender Affirming Care Bans On LGBTQ+ Adults | Human Rights Campaign   “Majority of LGBTQ adults feel safety threatened by gender-affirming care bans: poll” by Brooke Migdon from The Hill   “‘Kids Online Safety Act' will ‘protect' children from trans content, senator Marsha Blackburn admits” by Emily Chudy from Pink News    We are family, too — A love letter to the Black community from your trans family | Lavender Rights Project   Transcript [00:00:00] Crystal Fincher: Welcome to Hacks & Wonks. I'm Crystal Fincher, and I'm a political consultant and your host. On this show, we talk with policy wonks and political hacks to gather insight into local politics and policy in Washington state through the lens of those doing the work with behind-the-scenes perspectives on what's happening, why it's happening, and what you can do about it. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast to get the full versions of our Friday week-in-review show and our Tuesday topical show delivered to your podcast feed. If you like us, the most helpful thing you can do is leave a review wherever you listen to Hacks & Wonks. Full transcripts and resources referenced in the show are always available at officialhacksandwonks.com and in our episode notes. Well, today I am excited to be joined by Jaelynn Scott, the Executive Director of Lavender Rights Project. Welcome to the show. [00:01:02] Jaelynn Scott: Good to be with you. [00:01:04] Crystal Fincher: Well, I'm excited to have this conversation - your reputation precedes you, Lavender Rights' reputation has been talked about. We just had a guest bring you up on the show the other day talking about what wonderful work you do - that was Dr. Ben Danielson. What is Lavender Rights Project and what brought you to this work? [00:01:22] Jaelynn Scott: Oh my goodness, I love Dr. Danielson - I'm so glad he brought us up. So Lavender Rights Project is a Black trans-led organization. We're based in Seattle, we serve all of Washington, and we also do national policy work as well. And we're primarily focused on protecting Black trans people. Honestly, we're in the business of protecting all trans people from violence, period - but we use a lens of Black trans feminism to do that work. And what I mean by that - oftentimes I need to clarify - is we really believe in intersectionality, and as a praxis, and not in the way that people casually use. Like, you know, my mother's from Italy and my father's from whatever, and it's intersectional - nah. In the original term that was meant by the Combahee River Collective - when they brought it up and as others who have coined intersectionality - thinking about what are those pieces, those intersectional pieces that need to be put in place to protect the most vulnerable in our community. That, in 1977 - with the collective, right - was Black women. And I think we have more clarity on gender diversity, so we say Black trans women, Black trans femmes even to be specific. And it really is a praxis, right? It's a strategy to look at - we're not only concerned about Black trans femmes and Black trans women but we know, as the Combahee River Collective said, that if we can really protect Black trans women, Black women - if we can do that, it means all of the systems of destruction and oppression will dismantle because we have taken care of that core group that are affected by each of those intersections. So that's the work that we do, but doing trans work from that lens in particular - in three quick areas, I'll let you know quickly. So housing justice, economic justice, and really getting in the meat of violence prevention, also - those three. [00:03:19] Crystal Fincher: Well, and a lot of work is in that portfolio - a lot needs to be done. You talk about protecting the entire trans community from violence, particularly with the lens of Black trans femmes, which is critical. We're in Washington state, which is in a better position than several other states - true, and we've done some positive work on positive legislation. But there are still challenges here despite the fact that this is a blue state, a progressive area. What do you say to people who feel like - Hey, we're in Washington, it's all good. We don't need to worry about this here. We're all progressive. [00:03:56] Jaelynn Scott: Yeah, I mean, the fact is, is that it is not safe anywhere in this country and frankly in the world for trans people - not completely - and especially for Black trans people. For me personally, I'm Black first, and so we start there, right? That there is still police violence against Black communities in Washington state, that we have dismal outcomes in terms of health and housing - even here in progressive states, in Washington state. All of the progressive legislation that exists isn't quite reaching our community because of systemic oppression and because of systems that really need to be looked at and anti-Blackness. And then we add transgender to that lens. I mean, it is just the fact that - anecdotally, when I go to a grocery store, that it is hard to feel safe even there because of - my hair might not be in the right place, my makeup might not be right, and I might catch the wrong light. And it is a constant stare or a calling out of who I am and what people are projecting onto me as a trans woman. And that's the case with all of us who are visibly trans, and those of us who may be a little bit more stealth and can navigate safely. The fact is that many of us in Washington state live in fear. And so is there a modicum amount of protections in terms of legislation? Yeah, it's a bit better in terms of our access, but those freedoms aren't necessarily reaching us in the way that they need to, those protections aren't reaching us in the way that they need to protect - particularly Black trans people. And socially, it's still a mess. We are not that different - I'm from Mississippi - culturally, it's not that different than it is in Mississippi in terms of my ability to navigate socially, social spaces in Washington state. And in many ways, it's safer in Black community in the South because at least there are more of us there, and I'm able to navigate Blackness a little bit easier when there's more Black people here. So you're faced with this sort of double thing - you got us who are a smaller amount of people navigating a mostly white community, and also the general transphobia and transmisogynoir that exists across the country. And if there is a slight degree of - very, very slight degree - of it being socially more acceptable, it's not enough to secure our protection and safety. And it is still dismal. [00:06:23] Crystal Fincher: Now, you talked about the areas that you're practicing in, where you're focusing on - housing being one of them. Why is housing so important? [00:06:33] Jaelynn Scott: Yeah, so we had conversations with community, with our community members - and across the nation and also in Washington state - to really get to what are we being asked of as an organization to focus on, to really think about in the protection of Black trans people. And we determined both from research and also from those conversations, three particular areas that are absolutely necessary to guarantee our protection. And the first of those is housing. We believe in Housing First as a disruption and violence against Black trans people. We need to be able to know that our housing - and really food security - but housing is secure and we don't have to depend on others for our security. And we don't have to negotiate our livelihood, right - and our wellbeing so that we can have a place to stay at night. And so the research shows that when people are housed that the outcomes are a lot better in terms of their own security and safety. And it is absolutely critical that we focus in. It's a strange thing - we started as a legal services organization, I think seven years ago now, and we never were in housing and housing justice. But as you know, in Washington state, especially Seattle, and across the country - there's a housing crisis. And no one was actually standing up to do this work. Outcomes for trans people in general - for public housing services - is absolutely terrible. We were finding that our clients and our people, that our family - were not feeling safe in shelters, were not feeling safe by the traditional housing services agencies. And it was unacceptable, so somebody actually needed to step in. So our project is small, it's tiny - 30, maybe 32 housing units for individuals here in the Seattle area. It is permanent supportive housing - ongoing in perpetuity - they leave when they want to leave and they have ongoing supports for their health. It's open to all folks, but we'll primarily be focused on the people that we serve with our specialty. But it really is a model - and that's how I'm looking at it - it's a good model to work across the City of Seattle, King County, Washington state, nonprofits. We're partnering with a Urban Native organization, Chief Seattle Club - who actually owns, right, the land whose land this really is - and they have a lot more competency in the area. So they're providing a lot of support for us as we learn housing. And so there's this beautiful model happening - if it works, and I pray that it does, that we can then replicate across the country with other partners and other people who are interested in getting secure and well-funded housing for trans folk to protect them from violence. And I really think this model is not exclusive to Black trans community, but I think it really could be used for trans community - trans exclusive housing that is well supported by the government and well supported by community is what's needed in this moment to reduce the crisis of violence in our community. [00:09:33] Crystal Fincher: Absolutely - to reduce the crisis of violence, to help people stabilize and find housing security, which is necessary to address so many other challenges that people find in life. Now you talked about this being a model, which I think is important - and permanent supportive housing is, as you said, what research is showing to be most effective in keeping people safe and stable. How did this partnership come about? [00:10:00] Jaelynn Scott: Yeah, so initially there was a client of ours who - and a friend, a community member who we were advocating for - who had experienced some really lack of cultural competency with King County, I'll just name it. And they hired her for an event and she was targeted by right-wing media and doxxed because of how she showed up - she did a burlesque performance and they ran with it. And I think King County was really just regretful about that experience - they were hoping to empower trans folk and really show Black trans visibility. And there needed to be some healing. And they asked her - What do you need? We'll do whatever is needed to repair this. And she said - We need housing for my community. And to their credit, King County jumped on it. And so we found the right model with King County - they contacted us because we were the only Black trans-led organization in the state that was doing this work and especially in King County. They contacted us and we began discussions - how could we get into this work and find the right model that worked for Black trans folk? We identified the right program, we found the right partners - we knew we wanted to partner with either a Black or Native org, right? - to help us get this rolling and get going. And it just moved on and progressed from there. [00:11:21] Crystal Fincher: So where is this at in the process currently? Will this be opening soon? [00:11:25] Jaelynn Scott: Yeah, and by the way, I do want to name - her name was Beyoncé Black St. James - she's a fantastic community leader out of Spokane who does amazing advocacy work, but also is just a powerful and beautiful and fantastic performer. But we are in the process - we were awarded the facility, it was announced. And we are now waiting on some minor repairs that need to happen in this new building. And so we're sort of caught up in really - King County's working on getting things through their processes and government processes so that we can actually get this minor repair done and open our house. We're delayed in the opening about a year. So we really need our community to continue to encourage the county to move quickly to get this facility open, because we're just wasting money at this point with open rooms - and we have residents lined up and ready to move into the facility. [00:12:20] Crystal Fincher: Now, when you say permanent supportive housing, what does that mean for the people who will eventually be moving in? What does that look like and how will they be served? [00:12:28] Jaelynn Scott: So Ebo Barton, who's our Director of Housing Services has worked really hard to build out a network of support for our residents. So on the first half, King County will provide ongoing social services support as they do for any of their agencies. There also will be security - and we don't look at that security on-site as protecting anyone else but our residents. So there will be 24 hour security on-site to protect them from the outside and make sure that they are safe, as well as ongoing support groups for - I believe there's support for gender affirming care, and healthcare, and counseling services to heal from just the trauma of being Black and the trauma of being trans in this community - as well as getting them career support and moving on career support. There's a number of, I believe, 9 or 10 agencies who are committed to supporting our particular facility in addition to King County's ongoing services. [00:13:28] Crystal Fincher: So is most of the focus on this facility, are there any plans for others, or is it working on getting this model straight and then evaluating after? [00:13:37] Jaelynn Scott: Yeah, so we aren't a housing services org, right? So I think we see ourselves as a policy shop and really our direct services really informs what we're doing to push forward in policies. I mean, we equally do criminal legal services and we also do policy advocacy around criminal law and this intersection with trans people. And we do economic justice - we're really pushing for a guaranteed income as a sort of third pillar of support for all trans people in Washington State, quite similar to the guaranteed income in San Francisco. So we aren't a housing services organization and I don't think we're immediately planning on expanding those services. It is our hope that - King County has promised that those properties will move over and shift into the ownership of organizations. I think we just wanna stay there - continue to work in supporting that property and maybe even have those residents, if they want to, participate in the movement building and policy work that happens with our organization. So we're not seeing them as this sort of dual client versus people providing services - that they are a part of our community and they're part of the movement building effort. So I think we wanna stay there and it's a good size for us at the moment, but we do and we have been talking nationally with other Black trans community members and organizations who are hoping to do projects similarly. So we hope other people will take on the banner - and even in Seattle, we need a lot more than 32 units to take care of trans community in general. I know, and I don't wanna get ahead of the county, but there was at least a request for proposals for transitional housing services for veterans - for LGBTQ veterans focusing on trans communities - that King County is also doing, that we hope another agency will take up the banner and continue to provide for those expanded services. I know Chief Seattle Club is hoping to serve more Two-Spirit people - we will also be serving some of those folks in our facility. And so there's a number of places that we can start moving in. And really this is the right response right now to what is happening across the country. If we can take anything from these coordinated political attacks - and let me tell you that they are coming after us, not because they actually care that much about the issues - they are coming after us because they wanna get elected, because they need a boogeyman and they think that this is gonna score them political points. But what they don't know is it's drawing more attention to the issue of the crisis that is happening in trans community. And it's really bringing more support from the majority of Americans who actually have love in their heart and care for their community, and believe in the diversity of the American society, and really support LGBTQ community. And so that's - right now, it is our opportunity to in response to them, not necessarily be put on the defensive, but let's finally secure and build trans protections, trans security, trans safety in response to their disgusting actions. [00:16:31] Crystal Fincher: Absolutely, I love that. And focus on support and building, as opposed to centering the people who are just pushing fascism and hate. [00:16:42] Jaelynn Scott: Fascism, period. Period. [00:16:44] Crystal Fincher: So you said you are a policy shop and you have a lot of experience in policy. One, I'm excited to hear about the talking about a guaranteed income - every single pilot, and there have been many now, for guaranteed income has just been successful and shown that it's helped. Turns out when you give people money and let them spend it on what they need the most, that's the most effective intervention that we see. Is this something that you're advocating for locally, and in our city or state? Is this something that looks like might be possible here in Seattle? [00:17:20] Jaelynn Scott: Yeah, so there is two areas - well, a few areas. So we're doing our own very, very small - a sort of a pilot just for our community to get a sense of how this is actually serving us. We started thinking about guaranteed income because in the summer of 2020, we were doing mutual aid and we were finding that people - $50, $100, $500, every once in a while - they were becoming more dependent on that. And we didn't like the positionality of us looking like sort of the saviors of individuals instead of empowering them to have economic security. And what we found now is that there were a few, right - that were return. And so we had enough money to do about five folks - it's over the last two years - a $1,000 a month, every single month, for those people. And they, we're watching just the results - both from our surveys and our conversations with them - their economic security, their housing security, how they're thriving in their own careers. Month after month after month, we're just seeing so much improvements and they are needing less to do the GoFundMes and less seeking mutual aid - that is declining - and support in the community. And so that's sort of our - that's the piece where I say we do the support so to inform how we approach it. So we do - there's basic income, right - which is a kind of a guarantee for all. And then there's sort of guaranteed income, which I think in our understanding is really focused on particular populations that are most in need. There's a basic income approach in Washington state that, I think, there was even a bill pushed through that didn't actually make it through - I don't think it made it out of committee and it failed, and I think that will continue to come up. And we do support that, but we really do believe - that you have to start looking at who are the people who are most in need and you have to consider gender and race, economic status, pregnancy status, as well as a number of items in order to get this right. And I believe the state version was kind of a lottery system that we weren't feeling secure about. So we've been in conversation with the Transgender Cultural District in San Francisco, and they launched a - worked with the City of San Francisco as well as other agencies and nonprofits - to get a guaranteed income for trans people in the City of San Francisco. And that is, you know, there's been some lawsuits and et cetera, but that is getting launched there if it hasn't started already. But that program follows on the heels of other guaranteed income for people who are pregnant, guaranteed income for other particular populations in San Francisco that have proven effective - and at least $1,000 a month in an ongoing way. And that's what we wanna push in the City of Seattle. We're currently, I believe, and the people who are doing a Solidarity Budget are also looking at how they can do guaranteed income for particular populations. And so we're in conversation with them as well as pushing on our own for a guaranteed income for trans people. And hopefully using some of the data from the support that we provided - our organization - to prove that this is a proven method to protect your Washington and Seattle populations. [00:20:21] Crystal Fincher: Absolutely. What other policy is really important right now, or what is at the top of the list for you that you're advocating for? [00:20:29] Jaelynn Scott: Yeah, so I think right now it's guaranteed income. We use policy in a number of different ways - like the capital P, which is like the legislation - but the lowercase policy, which includes how King County is operating in relationship to providing housing to trans people. Like we see all that as a sort of movement building policy where different aspects depending on who's involved. But right now, we're really concerned about what's happening nationally. As you may know, Washington state really has a suite - what I've been calling a suite - of trans protections that have passed over the years, including an expansion of Medicare to include gender affirming care. As well as recent legislative session, there was the SHIELD law, which protects people who are seeking refuge here from extradition to other states and penalty and persecution from other states for what they do in Washington state. And finally, there is a youth gender affirming care access for people who end up in shelters who are runaways and making sure that they have access to this data and aren't turned back to dangerous living situations for seeking affirmations in their gender. And all of those are good bills - they're all at different levels of acceptance and there's lawsuits and all kinds of things happening, being pushed from outside parties who are trying to push legislation here. But they don't necessarily really address the needs of trans communities of color because they are mostly written in legislative corners, sessions with white folk who are in the legislative game. They really haven't, didn't sit down - because they're on the defensive, right? It's a quick thing. You gotta get this stuff going 'cause you're seeing like all of the sort of outlawing gender affirming care in Alabama and Georgia and et cetera, and criminalizing seeking care outside of the state - both for abortion and gender affirming care. And so to their credit - that they needed to, and they felt like they needed to respond. And I do think there needed to be a response. But there wasn't enough time to actually doing the organizing, the movement building, the conversations with communities of color to say - actually, you never had access to gender affirming care in the way that white communities have. You've never had that access, especially not in the US South. So what is it that we can do now to correct the original sin, right? So that you never find yourself there and none of our communities will find ourselves there. But what we're doing now is putting a band-aid on an issue and making sure that those people of privilege who have already had access to care, don't lose that access. So one of the ways they could have done it, right? is to say - Okay, we want to protect people seeking gender affirming care here from Texas, for example. And we wanna have this legislation up so that they can't be extradited to other states and et cetera. Okay - build a budget line item in the state budget that provides support for them, to fly them in to seek care, to make sure they have access to medical care, to make sure they have recovery services and et cetera. In addition to that, if you had really talked to communities, you would have known that none of the people who are most at risk in Texas can afford to get here to seek that care and to actually benefit from that bill. And so there was additional conversations needed. If not that, at least put out some funding and support for communities of color here to gather and come up with legislative priorities on our own that they can take the lead from instead of us following on the tail end of whatever they decided in their corners. [00:23:57] Crystal Fincher: So for people who may be legislators or policy makers listening right now, where can they start with that? How do they start with that? [00:24:06] Jaelynn Scott: Yeah, I think right now capacity building funding is absolutely necessary. So for those organizations who are trusted - there's POCAAN and PCAF and our organization, Lavender Rights Project. There is Gender Justice League. There's a number of queer and trans organizations - Creative Justice - who serve Black trans and queer people, who are brilliant and who have policymakers and movement builders and do amazing work, but they aren't as well funded as the big box nonprofits. And so we need the ability to actually hold policy - to have the staffing for it, to organize for it, to fund our people to do that work - so that when the legislative session comes up, we have the policy recommendations necessary, that we actually have boots on the ground. We're learning from other community members about what those priorities are, but we are behind the game here. We're behind the ball here. We are years and years and years behind the ball. So that capacity building around the ability to do both organizing and policy making - that's needed, critically needed - including lobbying, the ability for us to fund our own lobbyists. We need it and we need it like 30 years ago in this state. [00:25:24] Crystal Fincher: Absolutely, and makes a lot of sense. Now we're thinking about legislatively, do you think - for local leaders, city council members, mayors - locally, that they need to embark upon the same path or are there additional suggestions that you would have for them? [00:25:41] Jaelynn Scott: Yeah, I haven't - we've been thinking a lot about the State Legislature. And locally we've been thinking more around sort of some of the direct support initiatives like guaranteed income and et cetera. But I do think it's worth local politicians, councils - to figure out how can they build out a sanctuary county, city for trans people - what policies are in their power to make, what protections are in their power to make to ensure security and safety for Washington residents and others who seek care here. And let me tell you, it will work because I - the majority of the Black trans people that work in my organization come from the US South, they come from the East Coast. They come from other places where they may have felt less safe and they sought refuge here because of the promise of progressiveness of Washington state. Now that promise has mostly been empty, but they can work really hard to make sure that promise is fulfilled - because we are already starting to see that there will be a flood of refugees from other places around this country as this ball continues to drop on attacks against us and the rise of fascism in this country. So there are protections that are in the power of King County - to make sure that folks have income, to make sure they have access to employment, to make sure they have access to housing, to ensure that their laws protect them safely within their city jurisdictions - that people need to be looking at on their own and starting to work on. [00:27:14] Crystal Fincher: Now for people who aren't policy makers - they're just looking around and feeling very troubled by what they're seeing by the rise of hate and fascism, anti-trans violence. What advice would you give for how they can meaningfully help? [00:27:32] Jaelynn Scott: People, we need the voices of everyone at this moment. And the first thing is to continue to love on your LGBTQ family that's around you. And really lean into care for them in this moment - because whether or not we're saying it, a lot of us are feeling deeply traumatized, targeted and attacked at this moment. And there was a poll that was recently released - I can't remember, but I found it through the HRC, National HRC - that more and more of us are feeling less safe across the country because of what's happening. And so what can you do to extend your love and care to people. Also, as people start seeking refuge here and refuge from other states, be thinking about what can you give up? You know, we might be at the place that we were during the crisis of immigration, especially in the Trump administration, where people were starting to open up their homes to - as refugee assistance. And I think it's time to start planning that. What can we do to prepare our space for people who might need care and safety here? And I think the third thing I will say is look at and lean into Black queer and trans communities of color, Native and Indigenous Two-Spirit communities - and see the organizing that they're doing right now. Follow their lead. When they say - Hey, we need you to speak out against the Kids Online Safety Act - that's currently moving through Congress right now. And that promises to silence trans communities nationally in social media, that will almost destroy the social media and the publicity of nonprofits who do this work. And really will remove the ability of trans youth to find affirming media, to find affirming care, services, information, education, sexual health on social media. It will be destructive, and yet it has bipartisan support. Speak out, right - whenever we say this bill is being pushed in this state that's not quite working - and take the lead from communities of color, trans and queer communities of color in their legislative efforts. It's pretty easy. Follow them on social media, right? Give when they say give, take action when they say take action. Many people are often calling and saying - I want to volunteer. I want to be on the ground. I want to whatever. But when we post - Hey, we need you to call your Congressperson on this - no one calls. It's so much easier than you think. Follow, support, and listen. [00:29:56] Crystal Fincher: It does. And it makes a difference when you call and when you reach out, especially when it's to your Congressperson. They pay attention, they listen, and it is very important to do that. I appreciate that. As we move to close this interview, is there just anything that you would urge people to reflect on, or act on, or do as we move forward? [00:30:18] Jaelynn Scott: Yeah, so Black trans community, Black trans people, Black trans women, trans folk have always been here. And I think - speaking specifically to Black community at this moment - we have always been a part of culture. There have been moments when we have been silenced, where colonization has forced our history around gender diversity on the continent to be erased. And we need to have a conversation. We need to have a conversation about how much trans communities have supported who we are as a people - our role in the civil rights movement, our role in the Black Lives Matter movement - how we have always been there for Black community. And we need Black community to stand up for us in this moment too - that we are much more beautiful because of our diversity and that violence against any Black person is violence against the entire Black community. And so, yeah, we need to have conversations. But I also want us to take care to not take the lead from white right-wing neo-fascists who are concerned about the destruction of trans folk, the oppression of women, and who really cannot stand your Black skin - to let them lead the conversation, to let them take your voice, and you to be taking talking points from them. Let's have a conversation as community as we are - deeply from the place of the value for human rights, civil rights, and our value for our love ethic that we all share as Black folk. Let's sit down around that and let's sit down around gender and have a convo. And so I think that right now is what's at the top of my heart in speaking and speaking to the community that is closest to my heart. [00:32:02] Crystal Fincher: Very well said, absolutely necessary to be said. I sincerely appreciate you sharing with us on the program today - all the work that you're doing as part of the Lavender Rights Project. And thank you so much for your time today. [00:32:17] Jaelynn Scott: Thank you, Crystal. And thank you so much for this platform. This is - it's a critical moment - and this may seem small on a podcast and a brief conversation, but every single one of these matter at this moment. [00:32:28] Crystal Fincher: Thank you. Thank you for listening to Hacks & Wonks, which is produced by Shannon Cheng. You can follow Hacks & Wonks on Twitter @HacksWonks. You can catch Hacks & Wonks on every podcast service and app - just type "Hacks and Wonks" into the search bar. Be sure to subscribe to get the full versions of our Friday week-in-review shows and our Tuesday topical show delivered to your podcast feed. If you like us, leave a review wherever you listen. You can also get a full transcript of this episode and links to the resources referenced in the show at officialhacksandwonks.com and in the podcast episode notes. Thanks for tuning in - talk to you next time.

“The United States, the richest country on earth, has more poverty than any other advanced democracy. Why?” That's the question that underscores Pulitzer Prize-winning sociologist Matthew Desmond's new book, “Poverty, by America.” America is a country that purports equality as one of its highest values. Economic opportunity and the long touted American dream have driven millions to emigrate and settle here for centuries. In reality, however, gross economic inequality undergirds every facet of American life: education, the criminal legal system, health care, and housing. Affordable housing is foundational to American life. Because America is rife with poverty, it's also rife with housing inequality. This is Desmond's focus of study. Desmond's work at Princeton University's “Eviction Lab” and his 2016 book, “Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City,” continue to shape the conversation about housing and poverty today. His new book takes his exploration one step further, seeking to examine and address the roots and responses to housing insecurity and its threat to American life. Today, we are running a conversation between Desmond and the ACLU's Sandra Park, senior staff attorney for the Women's Rights Project, who also works on these issues. Together, they'll break down the complexities of American poverty and how poverty as a societal force threatens the accessibility of our civil rights and civil liberties.

Sasheer Zamata is a comedian, actress and writer who can be seen on ABC's Home Economics, Hulu's Woke, Comedy Central's Robbie, the horror comedy film Spree, and Lionsgate's romantic comedy The Weekend. She was a cast member on Saturday Night Live for four seasons, and has appeared on This American Life and Late Night with Stephen Colbert. Her stand up special Pizza Mind is available to stream online and she is one half of the weekly podcast Best Friends, with her best friend Nicole Byer. She also serves as the celebrity ambassador for the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and works with the Women's Rights Project, which seeks to break down gender biases and ensure equal economic opportunities, educational equity, and an end to gender-based violence. In THE FIRST WOMAN, Sasheer takes the stage in her second stand up special, with a new hour of laughs grounded in her experiences as a woman in America post-pandemic. She mocks companies for awkwardly trying to use feminism to sell their wares. She recounts the difficult task of snitching on a public indecency. And, she analyzes the limited history of witches, airplane pilots, and women in general. Available to view now on 800 Pound Gorilla. Show Notes Sasheer's website THE FIRST WOMAN - clip Listen to Sasheer's Podcast - BEST FRIENDS In Her Voice is a Woman and Hollywood Podcast, hosted by Melissa Silverstein (Founder of ⁠Women and Hollywood⁠ and Co-Founder of the ⁠Athena Film Festival) and produced by ⁠⁠Leonie Marsh⁠⁠. Subscribe to this podcast on Spotify or wherever you listen to your podcasts. ⁠Join Substack ⁠for Melissa's weekly curated list of content made by women. Twitter ⁠@melsil⁠ and ⁠@womenahollywood⁠ Instagram ⁠@womenandhollywood

Photo: 1919. No known restrictions on publication. @Batchelorshow #Bestof21: Reported PRC abduction of Uyghurs from Moslem countries. Nury Turkel @GordonGChang, Gatestone, Newsweek, The Hill. Nury Turkel, co-founder of the Uyghur Human Rights Project and a commissioner of the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom, @GordonGChang, Gatestone, Newsweek, The Hill (Originally posted June 9, 2021) : https://www.cnn.com/2021/06/08/middleeast/uyghur-arab-muslim-china-disappearances-cmd-intl/index.html https://www.rfa.org/english/news/uyghur/uyghur-tribunal-06072021173432.html

Photo: 1919 Lisbon.  No known restrictions on publication. @Batchelorshow #Bestof2021:  The Uyghurs are watching Washington. Nury Turkel.  @GordonGChang, Gatestone, Newsweek, The Hill. Nury Turkel, co-founder of the Uyghur Human Rights Project and a commissioner of the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom, on this: (Originally posted April  21, 2021) https://www.hrw.org/report/2021/04/19/break-their-lineage-break-their-roots/chinas-crimes-against-humanity-targeting

Photo: No known restrictions on publication. @Batchelorshow #Bestof2021: Foreign Business in China and the persecution of the Uyghurs.  @NuryTurkel @GordonGChang, Gatestone, Newsweek, The Hill.  Nury Turkel, co-founder of the Uyghur Human Rights Project and a commissioner of the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (Originally posted March 24, 2021) : https://www.cnn.com/2021/03/22/politics/us-eu-china-uyghur-sanctions/index.html

On Tuesday, June 27, more than a decade after its first introduction in a congressional committee, the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act went into effect, changing the landscape of work for all pregnant people. Before this law, many pregnant workers had to decide between protecting their jobs and protecting their health. While there have been efforts in the past to protect pregnant workers, employers have always found loopholes to avoid providing accommodations. Against their judgment and against their doctors' judgment, pregnant workers have had to lift heavy objects, stand for hours on end, and expose themselves to hazardous chemicals. This will no longer be the case thanks to national advocacy efforts, including those from us here at the ACLU. Today, we're speaking with Vania Leveille, senior legislative counsel in the ACLU's National Political Advocacy Department, who will share more about the mammoth undertaking that moved the law to its passage, and Gillian Thomas, senior staff attorney for the ACLU's Women's Rights Project, who will detail what the act looks like in practice.

Earlier this month, the Human Rights Campaign declared a national state of emergency for LGBTQ people, following "the worst year on record" for the number of anti-LGBTQ legislative proposals and wins. The ACLU mapped and tracked 491 bills this session, including two in Connecticut. Many of those proposals are aimed at gender-affirming health care. There are several protections for trans and nonbinary people in Connecticut, and in some cases, beyond the border. Connecticut's Safe Harbor Law, passed in response to the Supreme Court's overturning of Roe v. Wade in 2022, includes legal protections for people seeking gender-affirming health care from out-of-state. But advocates say the state is not immune from ideological or political attack. Diana Lombardi, the former executive director of the Connecticut TransAdvocacy Coalition, and a current member of Governor Lamont's Hate Crimes Advisory Council, notes the favorable political climate and support from "the governor on down." But "my concern here in the state of Connecticut is that pressure would be mounting to do away with our health care," she says. This hour, we hear from the ACLU's Gillian Branstetter, and independent journalist Erin Reed, who has been maintaining a monthly "legislative risk" map of the U.S. Plus, Katy Tierney, the medical director at Middlesex Health Center for Gender Medicine and Wellness, and local reporter Dawn Ennis. GUESTS: William Tong: Connecticut Attorney General Gillian Branstetter: Communications Strategist for the ACLU's Women's Rights Project and LGBTQ & HIV Project Erin Reed: Independent Journalist; Author, Erin in the Morning on Substack Diana Lombardi: Executive Director of Connecticut TransAdvocacy Coalition and member of Lamont's Hate Crimes Advisory Council Katy Tierney: Medical Director, Middlesex Health Center for Gender Medicine and Wellness Dawn Ennis: Reporter and Opinion Columnist Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The ongoing moral panic and sweeping legislative changes aimed at trans people aren't just a tremendous assault on the liberty, autonomy, and dignity of peaceful Americans owed the space to live their lives as they choose. They're also the latest example of the way ideological ideas about “traditional” and “natural” gender roles have long been a tool authoritarians use to justify and maintain social and political control.To talk about these critical issues and what we can do about them, I'm joined by Gillian Branstetter, a Communications Strategist at the ACLU's Women's Rights Project and LGBTQ & HIV Project.ReImagining Liberty is a project of The UnPopulist, and is produced by Landry Ayres. Podcast art by Sergio R. M. Duarte. Music by Kevin MacLeod. Get full access to Aaron Ross Powell at www.aaronrosspowell.com/subscribe Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As soon as a week from today, the Biden administration could implement a policy that would force people to seek asylum and wait for an answer in Mexico, or another country they passed through, with limited exceptions. The proposed change is based off of a Trump-era policy that the ACLU fought in court, and which President Biden previously condemned. It also stands in direct violation of United States asylum laws and will lead people fleeing violence and persecution to face avoidable harm. President Biden campaigned on promises to restore and strengthen the asylum process. Instead of re-committing the United States to its promise of upholding international humanitarian practices, his administration plans to replace the inhumane Title 42 policy enacted under the Trump administration with a similarly dangerous one, taken straight from the Trump administration's playbook. Baine Bookey, legal director of the Center for Gender and Refugee Studies, and Katrina Eiland, managing attorney for the ACLU's Immigrants' Rights Project, join us today to unpack this rule, the harm it will cause thousands of people, and to explain what the asylum process should look like.

Alan Gutterman recently launched the Older Person's Rights Project to advance awareness of the challenges and opportunities inherent in our increased longevity. In this podcast, he speaks with Karl Pillemer, professor in the Department of Psychology and professor of Gerontology in Medicine at Weill Cornell Medicine, about what motivates people to get involved in advocating for climate issues, overcoming ageism, being open to intergenerational activities, and rethinking approaches to bringing older adults into the fold.

Alan Gutterman, a long-term partner and senior counsel in law firms, recently launched the Older Person's Rights Project to advance awareness of the challenges and opportunities inherent in our increased longevity. In this podcast he speaks with Mick Smyer, who runs Growing Greener, Climate Action for a Warming World, and was Guest Editor of a recent Generations Journal issue on Climate Change, about how older adults can become more involved in solutions around climate change issues, rather than, as we so often see in the news, being solely passive victims of its impacts.

Gillian Branstetter (of the ACLU's Women's Rights Project and LGBTQ & HIV Project) returns to Know Your Enemy for an episode on the strange case of Ron DeSantis: what is his ideology and vision for America? And why do his political aspirations involve inflicting wanton cruelty upon LGBTQ children and adults in his home state? For our sins, we read DeSantis's new book — a campaign book, though he has not yet formally announce his presidential run —  The Courage to Be Free: Florida's Blueprint for America's Revival. (You heard it here: it sucks.) Along the way, Gillian provides an update on the conservative war on so-called "gender ideology" and "wokeness," how organizations like hers are fighting back, and why superficial expressions of sympathy for trans people by major corporations and banks — which so outrage the right — are themselves a trap and a means of evading real justice.  We also discuss Sam's New York Times piece on DeSantis as an anti-woke technocrat, an embodiment of the twin cults of expertise and meritocracy, even as he disavows and demonizes the "ruling class" and it's irksome cultural mores. Finally, we identify the violent underpinnings of DeSantis's political impulses, discussing his alleged involvement in detainee abuse at Guantanamo Bay. As Gillian summarizes DeSantis's worldview, “It's just cold efficiency and shared enemies. That's what he's selling. It's like getting a moral lecture from a gun."  Sources:Gillian Branstetter, "The Gender War Is A Forever War," The Autonomy, Mar 5, 2023.— "When Biology Needs Some Help," The Autonomy, Feb 9, 2023.Ron DeSantis, The Courage to Be Free: Florida's Blueprint for America's Revival, Feb 2023Sam Adler-Bell, "The One Thing Trump Has That DeSantis Never Will," NY Times, Apr 10, 2023.Adrian Daub, What Tech Calls Thinking: An Inquiry into the Intellectual Bedrock of Silicon Valley, Oct 2020.Zack Beauchamp, "Ron DeSantis is following a trail blazed by a Hungarian authoritarian," Vox, Apr 28, 2022. Angelo Codevilla, "America's Ruling Class," The American Spectator, Jul 16, 2010. Jasper Craven, "The Sunshine Imperium: The militarism of Ron DeSantis," The Baffler, Mar 2023.Daniel Luban, "The Belligerent: Angelo Codevilla and the ideological origins of the New Right," The Baffler, Oct 2022. Wendy Brown, In the Ruins of Neoliberalism: The Rise of Antidemocratic Politics in the West, Jul 2019.Joseph Darda, The Strange Career of Racial Liberalism, Mar 2022. Olúfẹ́mi O. Táíwò, "Identity Politics and Elite Capture," Boston Review, May 7, 2020.Michael Kranish, "DeSantis's pivotal service at Guantánamo during a violent year," Washington Post, March 19, 2023....and don't forget to subscribe to Know Your Enemy on Patreon for access to all of our bonus episodes!   

Keeping kids safe is one of our greatest responsibilities as adults. But what if the main tool we use to protect children is actually preventing everyone from getting the resources they need? Every state in the nation has mandatory reporting laws that require professions such as teachers, coaches, nurses, and more to report any suspected or observed instances of child abuse to the state. While this sounds logical, its application has effectively made a surveillance apparatus out of educators, health care, and social workers, which leaves the families most in need of help afraid to ask for it, at the risk of opening an investigation.    The pitfalls of mandatory reporting are especially evident in Pennsylvania. In the wake of the Jerry Sandusky scandal, Pennsylvania lawmakers passed sweeping reforms expanding mandatory reporting and the definition of child abuse to include low-level neglectful circumstances that often arise from poverty. Since reforms were implemented in 2014, reports have skyrocketed, but recent studies have shown that this increase has not turned up any additional victims of child abuse but has rather over-stretched the system. Within the first five years of the reforms, one million calls were made to the state's child abuse hotline. 800,000 regarded low-level neglect allegations stemming from poverty, and nine in ten were dismissed following traumatic housing searches and family questioning that disproportionately target Black and brown families.  
Here to help explain the mandatory reporting system and its consequences are Director of Client Voice at Philadelphia's Community Legal Services, April Lee, who experienced firsthand how mandatory reporting can traumatize families, and Anjana Samant, Senior Staff Attorney at the ACLU's Women's Rights Project

In the 2023 legislative session alone, Republican state legislators have introduced more than a hundred bills seeking to restrict transgender people's freedoms, rights and health care access. To put that in perspective, in the 2018 legislative session, fewer than 20 such bills restricting transgender rights were proposed.Over the weekend, at the Conservative Political Action Conference, the commentator Michael Knowles said that “transgenderism must be eradicated from public life entirely.” These bills have many different aims and often conflicting rationales, but taken together, they reveal the Republican Party's ambitions to do nothing less than what Knowles suggested.So what are these policies intended to do to the people they target? And why are there so many of them now?Gillian Branstetter is a communications strategist at the American Civil Liberties Union's Women's Rights Project and L.G.B.T.Q. and H.I.V. Project. She's been tracking and studying this wave of legislation, and she guides me through it here. We discuss the attempt by Gov. Greg Abbott of Texas to classify some forms of gender-affirming care as child abuse, why the Republican Party has united around anti-trans policy, how North Carolina's unsuccessful “bathroom bill” in 2016 transformed the modern right, what gender-affirming care actually is, how Ron DeSantis is trying to build his brand atop this fight, where one might find grounds for hope in trans politics today and much more.Mentioned:“Texas' Attempt to Tear Parents and Trans Youth Apart, One Year Later” by Brian Klosterboer“What's so scary about a transgender child?” by Emily St. James“They Paused Puberty, but Is There a Cost?” by Megan Twohey and Christina Jewett“G.O.P. State Lawmakers Push a Growing Wave of Anti-Transgender Bills” by Maggie AstorBook recommendations:Homintern by Gregory WoodsCaliban and the Witch by Silvia FedericiCan the Monster Speak? by Paul B. PreciadoThoughts? Guest suggestions? Email us at ezrakleinshow@nytimes.com.You can find transcripts (posted midday) and more episodes of “The Ezra Klein Show” at nytimes.com/ezra-klein-podcast, and you can find Ezra on Twitter @ezraklein. Book recommendations from all our guests are listed at https://www.nytimes.com/article/ezra-klein-show-book-recs.“The Ezra Klein Show” is produced by Emefa Agawu, Annie Galvin, Jeff Geld, Rogé Karma and Kristin Lin. Fact-checking by Michelle Harris, Mary Marge Locker and Kate Sinclair. Mixing by Efim Shapiro. Original music by Isaac Jones. Audience strategy by Shannon Busta. The executive producer of New York Times Opinion Audio is Annie-Rose Strasser. Special thanks to Dr. Jason Rafferty, Lisa Black, Carole Sabouraud and Kristina Samulewski.

The sports world continues to mourn American soccer journalist Grant Wahl, whose body was returned to the U.S. after he died while covering the World Cup in Qatar. Although whatever caused his sudden death remains a mystery, his family hopes that a pending autopsy will give them answers.Over half a million people have signed a petition calling for New York Governor Kathy Hochul to grant clemency to Nikki Addimando. She's been in prison since 2017 for fatally shooting her longtime partner, which she claims was self-defense.And in headlines: Iran carried out its second execution tied to the mass protests over Mahsa Amini,  China rolled back more of its strict “zero Covid” policies, and scientists have reportedly achieved a major clean energy breakthrough.Show Notes:The Atlantic: “Remembering Grant Wahl, a Champion of American Soccer” – https://tinyurl.com/5n7wxdwmNikki Addimando Clemency – https://westandwithnikki.com/Survived + Punished – https://survivedandpunished.org/Restoration of Rights Project: 50-State Comparison | Pardon Policy & Practice – https://tinyurl.com/3fshtj45What A Day – YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@whatadaypodcastCrooked Coffee is officially here. Our first blend, What A Morning, is available in medium and dark roasts. Wake up with your own bag at crooked.com/coffeeFollow us on Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/whataday/For a transcript of this episode, please visit crooked.com/whataday

It's back to school season! And, this week we are digging into the wild world of dress codes. Clothes, like most things, have the power we give them. Sometimes they are a way to craft or express identity and sometimes they are just pieces of fabric stitched together to help us get through our days. In school, certain kinds of clothes are given more power and more scrutiny than others. In school, certain kinds of clothes and style can get you in trouble. At the ACLU, we believe that school dress codes are tricky and they can be ripe venues for the discrimination and censorship of young people. In this episode we will hear from Kayla, a track athlete originally from Albany High School who found herself and her teammates suspended for their dress code violation. We'll also chat with Linda Morris, a staff attorney with the ACLU's Women's Rights Project who will break down why we got involved.

In a landmark decision in the case of Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization, the Supreme Court has voted to overturn both Roe v. Wade and Planned Parenthood v. Casey, eliminating a 50-year precedent and the constitutional right to an abortion. We expect half of the states across the country to ban abortion either immediately or in the coming days, weeks or months. Pregnant people in these states will now be forced to carry their pregnancies to term. This decision was expected in some ways, a draft opinion for the case was leaked in May, revealing the intent to overturn the right to access an abortion in the U.S. but I'm not sure anything could truly prepare us for the reality we are now facing. So much is at stake. Joining us to help us break down the decision and discuss what we all can do in response are Jen Dalven, Director of the ACLU's Reproductive Freedom Project, Ria Tabacco Mar, Director of the ACLU's Women's Rights Project, and Louise Melling, Deputy Legal Director and Director of Ruth Bader Ginsburg Center for Liberty at the ACLU. To donate to support our fight against this attack on reproductive autonomy and all the attacks that follow, please visit aclu.org/keepfighting. To join our new abortion activist training RSVP at aclu.org/AbortionActivist.

As Americans contemplate living in a country where Roe versus Wade is overturned, a very different story is playing out in many parts of Latin America. In recent years, countries throughout the region have relaxed abortion restrictions. Alicia Yamin, senior fellow for the Global Health and Rights Project at Harvard Law School, joins Ali Rogin to discuss what's changed and why. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

On this special episode of CAFE Insider, Joyce Vance interviews Lee Gelernt, the Deputy Director of the ACLU's Immigrants' Rights Project.  Gelernt is one of the country's leading civil rights lawyers. During the Trump administration, he filed lawsuits challenging the White House's most draconian immigration policies, including the ban on individuals from certain Muslim-majority countries and the family separation policy at the border. Now, Gelernt is actively litigating a case against the Biden administration for its use of a Trump-era public health policy to expel migrants at the border.  To hear Joyce's full conversation with Gelernt, where he discusses the status of the Trump administration's border separation policy and reflects on national security law in the wake of 9/11, become a member of CAFE Insider and get the first two weeks free: www.cafe.com/insider This podcast is brought to you by CAFE Studios and Vox Media Podcast Network.  Tamara Sepper – Executive Producer; Adam Waller – Senior Editorial Producer; Matthew Billy – Audio Producer; Sam Ozer-Staton – Editorial Producer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices