Civil Rights / Public News Service

Wednesday, March 19, 2025

Federal cuts put election security in jeopardy, AZ Secretary of State takes action

Adrian Fontes, Arizona Secretary of State, said he was not shocked but disappointed when he found out the Trump administration had cut funding for …

Research shows students' sense of belonging improves academic outcomes, increases continuing enrollment in school and is protective for mental health. (Monkey Business/Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, March 19, 2025

Immigrant children face increased cases of bullying across TX

As the immigration debate continues, many children of immigrants in Texas who are American citizens are caught in the middle. An elementary school …

Changes to Arkansas' abortion ban clarifies doctors acting in good faith would not be prosecuted for saving the life of a pregnant person. (Sikov/Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, March 19, 2025

New findings: Arkansas abortion ban could impact potential workforce

As members of the Arkansas Legislature debate changing the wording in the state's abortion ban, a new study showed states with strict abortion laws …

More than one in 10 LGBTQ adults in the U.S. workforce are employed in the public sector, and nearly half are LGBTQ people of color, according to UCLA's Williams Institute. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, March 17, 2025

Utah lawmakers could do away with pride flags in schools, government buildings

Utah Gov. Spencer Cox could sign a bill that would ban LGBTQ+ pride flags from Utah's public schools and government buildings. The bill's …

Advocates for Minnesota's immigrant population recently protested ICE enforcement in Rochester. (Photo courtesy of COPAL).

Monday, March 17, 2025

MN Latino advocates band together as deportation fears persist

Social and economic disruptions are among the impacts reported by Minnesota Latino support organizations as they monitor the Trump administration's ma…

In West Virginia, 11,000 people are incarcerated and another 9,200 are on probation or parole, according to data from the Prison Policy Initiative. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Monday, March 17, 2025

Report: West Virginia’s prison population on the decline

West Virginia is among just ten states whose prison population declined between 2019 and 2023, according to a new report from the Prison Policy …

Eliseo Santana, the Gulf Coast Region manager for the Alianza Center, which serves the Puerto Rican and Hispanic communities, showcased the first-aid kits they distribute after hurricanes. (Trimmel Gomes)

Monday, March 17, 2025

Hispanic veteran demands respect amid immigration crackdown

As the Trump administration continues to implement aggressive immigration policies, many Hispanic residents in Florida, a key voting bloc for Trump…

One of several major concerns expressed in a statement signed by nearly 1,000 American political scientists is the Trump administration's transferal of some federal responsibilities to people who are

'Democracy is not a business,' warns MT political scientist

Nearly 1,000 political scientists from across the U.S., including Montana, have signed a statement expressing how they feel the Trump …

There currently are 330,000 unaffiliated voters in New Mexico, making up nearly 24% of the electorate.(Adobe Stock/karenfoleyphoto)

NM lawmakers consider bill for 'open primaries' in future elections

To cast a primary election ballot in New Mexico, voters must declare a political party. But that could change if lawmakers pass Senate Bill 16 this …

Tennesseans with disabilities advocate for essential services and defend their rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act. (Tennessee Disability Coalition)

TN Disability Coalition hosts 'Liberty Not Limits' day on the Hill

Tennessee's Disability Day on the Hill is an opportunity for people living with a disability to unite, and engage in the legislative process…

Mail-in and civilian absentee ballots must be received by the county election office no later than 8:00 P.M. on May 20th. On election day, polls will be open from 7:00 A.M. to 8:00 P.M (Annap/AdobeStock)<br /><br />

Getting word out to PA voters about voter registration

With Pennsylvania's primary election set for May 20, a nonpartisan group is working to raise awareness about voter registration. Over 8.7 million …

Attorney for rural MI college expected lawsuits over ‘Dear Colleague’ letter

An attorney for a small, rural Michigan college said she expected lawsuits over the "Dear Colleague" letter schools received last month from the U.S…

In 2022, Pennsylvania's K-12 public schools served more than 1.57 million students across nearly 2,700 schools in 499 districts. (JackF/Adobe Stock)

PA teachers union reacts to DEI lawsuit against Dept. of Education

The American Federation of Teachers and the American Sociological Association are suing the Trump administration over threats to defund schools it bel…

On March 7, 1965, police and state troopers brutally attacked civil rights marchers on the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma. Known as Bloody Sunday, the violence left many injured and sparked national outrage, fueling the fight for voting rights. (Nate Blunt/Adobe Stock)

Alabama teens use art to honor Bloody Sunday and push for change

Sixty years ago this weekend, young activists marched across the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, demanding their right to vote and changing history in …

On March 7, 1965, police and state troopers brutally attacked civil rights marchers on the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Ala. Known as Bloody Sunday, the violence left many injured and sparked national outrage, fueling the fight for voting rights. (Adobe Stock)

GA performance honors Bloody Sunday, spotlights today’s challenges

Sixty years ago this weekend, young activists marched across the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama, demanding their right to vote and changing …

About 2.3% of the population in Tennessee lives with developmental disabilities, or around 160,000 individuals across the state. (Adobe Stock)

TN disability rights advocates concern over impact of Section 504 rollback

Advocates for people with disabilities in Tennessee are concerned about the potential impact of a lawsuit challenging Section 504 of the Rehabilitatio…

University campuses are being told to create best practices for faculty and staff to assist immigrant and international students. (Sabrina/Adobe Stock)

Changes in U.S. immigration policy affect AR college campuses

Arkansas colleges and universities are trying to ensure learning is not disrupted because of executive orders by the Trump administration. President …

In 2023, about $4.2 million in settlement funds were disbursed to U.S. communities affected by discrimination, according to the National Fair Housing Alliance. (Adobe Stock)

HUD pulls federal Fair Housing grants in Montana, across U.S.

Since the Fair Housing Act was established in 1968 to make discrimination in housing illegal, nonprofits around the country have helped investigate …

People applying for asylum face what is called an

Immigration courts offer many barriers, few solutions

As the Trump administration's deportation efforts continue, more people find themselves in immigration court. Immigration law is complicated…

The Texas House of Representatives has passed a bill to require all Texas prisons to have air conditioning by 2029 but the prison system only has to comply if the state provides the funding. (pict rider/Adobe Stock)

Faith leaders call out inhumane heat conditions in TX prisons

Only 30% of prisons in Texas have central air conditioning and faith leaders and advocates for those incarcerated are raising concerns about inhumane …

First- and second-generation immigrants comprise nearly a third of all students enrolled in higher education in the U.S. (Drobot Dean/Adobe Stock)

How WA campuses can prepare for ICE

On President Donald Trump's second day in office, his Secretary of Homeland Security rescinded a Biden-era rule barring Immigration and Customs …

Raye Montague was honored with a United States dollar coin released by the United States Mint in January as part of a set honoring innovators and innovations from Arkansas, Michigan, Florida and Texas. (Photo Courtesy UALR)

AR engineer honored with U.S. coin

March is Women's History Month and an Arkansas native has made history by being honored with a $1 coin from the U.S. Mint. The late Raye Montague …

Notably, one poll found nearly half of people who hold anti-abortion views are supportive of medical aid-in-dying legislation. (Adobe Stock)

Maryland medical aid-in-dying bill may pass after a decade

Advocates are urging Maryland lawmakers to support a bill that would approve medical aid in dying for people who are terminally ill. A poll last …

Iowa has long been a popular destination for immigrants seeking jobs in the meatpacking industry. Some estimates say as much as 25% of the workforce in meatpacking plants are migrants. (Adobe Stock)

Court ban latest chapter in Iowa's quest to tighten immigration laws

It's been about a month since a federal judge upheld a court ruling that blocks an Iowa immigration bill from taking effect. It's the latest action …

Efforts to take law enforcement out of transportation for mental health patients is part of a broader effort to change North Carolina's behavior health system. (Kristina Blokhin/Adobe Stock)

NC moving away from police transporting people in mental health crisis

North Carolina is investing $20 million to move the transportation of people experiencing mental health crisis away from the responsibility of law enf…

International students, who make up more than 5% of all U.S. higher education students, may be impacted by a federal policy change that newly allows ICE to make arrests on campuses. (Adobe Stock)

Higher ed experts advise campuses on how to prepare for ICE

On President Donald Trump's second day in office, his Secretary of Homeland Security rescinded a Biden-era rule barring Immigration and Customs …

In 2024, the FBI and U.S. Postal Inspection Service investigated suspicious packages sent to election offices in Missouri and 15+ other states. (INT888/Adobe Stock)

MO House panel takes up key election bills

The Missouri House Committee on Elections is reviewing key legislation that could shape the state's voting process. Proposals include expanding …

Immigration and Customs Enforcement is responsible for operating, running and overseeing detention centers nationwide, and has often been criticized for detainee treatment and conditions. (danielfela/Adobe Stock)

MI teachers union guides colleges on response to ICE inquiries

Following President Donald Trump's executive order lifting Immigration and Customs Enforcement restrictions in protected areas, the American …

In 2024, the Justice Department found conditions at three Mississippi Department of Corrections facilities - Central Mississippi Correctional Facility, South Mississippi Correctional Institution, and Wilkinson County Correctional Facility - violated the 8th and 14th amendments to the U.S. Constitution. (Adobe Stock)

Faith leaders call out inhumane heat conditions in U.S. prisons

As spring approaches, faith leaders and advocates are raising alarms about inhumane heat conditions in U.S. prisons, especially in southern states …

Indigenous people are incarcerated at a rate four times higher than white people.(Framestock/Adobe Stock)

WA legislators weigh voting rights for incarcerated people

More than 14,000 incarcerated people in Washington are not able to vote and two bills in Olympia aim to change it. One bill would make voting more …

An estimated 60% of Virginians have a valid passport. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Bill would disenfranchise VA rural voters, married women

House Republicans have reintroduced the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility or SAVE Act. Backers say it's meant to ensure only citizens register …

Produce at an upcoming farmers market will come directly from Catawba Trail Farm in Durham, N.C. (Volodymyr Kyrylyuk/Adobe Stock)

NC farmer's market, hike mark Black History Month

An urban farm in North Carolina is celebrating Black History Month this weekend with a farmers market and historic group hike. Urban Community …

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., came to Memphis, Tenn., to support the sanitation workers' strike on April 3, 1968, the day before his assassination. (Gerald Zaffuts/Adobe Stock)

MLK III on legacy, building connections for dignity, respect, civility

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

The scene from outside Minnesota's State Capitol on Monday as another round of national protests was held in response to controversial actions of President Donald Trump's administration. (Courtesy of u/Buck_Thorn/Reddit)

Protesters: Trump administration actions 'cast aside democracy'

In many U.S. cities, President's Day was used to sound the alarm over actions by the Trump administration. Minnesota protesters braved subzero …

Rosenwald Schools served rural Black communities across 15 southern states, from Maryland to Texas. (Adobe Stock/AI)

The little-known history and disappearing architecture of Rosenwald Schools

By Kim Kobersmith for The Daily Yonder.Broadcast version by Brett Peveto for South Carolina News Service for the Daily Yonder-Public News Service Coll…

More than 11,500 scholars were served in CDF Freedom Schools over 36 states and nearly 200 program sites during 2023. (Rawpixel.com/Adobe Stock)

Ohio advocates push for inclusive policies during Black History Month

As Black History Month continues, advocacy groups in Ohio are pushing for policies that benefit children from all backgrounds. They emphasize the …

Advocates for surveillance cameras point to a Swedish nonprofit organization, which learned through a series of randomized experiments 20-25% less crime is committed when they are present. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Do rest stop cameras in Ohio increase safety or infringe on privacy?

By Hevin Wilkey / Broadcast version by Farah Siddiqi reporting for the Kent State-Ohio News Connection Collaboration. Some Ohio legislators want to …

Attorneys representing an undocumented father in Lubbock said he faces deportation proceedings after a traffic stop by police. (Thanyalak/Adobe Stock)

Northwest TX father faces deportation

A northwest Texas family is waiting to hear from agents with Immigration and Customs Enforcement after a recent traffic stop. Jose is in the country …

Most of the 50 people detained in a recent Denver raid have no criminal charges pending, according to the Colorado Rapid Response Network, and at least two people detained are U.S. citizens. (Adobe Stock)

Rapid response network monitoring ICE raids in Colorado

As President Donald Trump ramps up deportation efforts, immigrant advocates have mobilized a rapid response network to protect their neighbors…

Florida immigrant advocacy groups are intensifying efforts to help undocumented individuals navigate encounters with Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers. (David Peinado/Pexels)

Florida immigrant advocates intensify efforts to support affected communities

Immigrant advocates in Florida are ramping up efforts to help families navigate President Donald Trump's new immigration orders, which have increased …

New Mexico's immigrants represent only 9% of the state's population but 11% of the state's workers. (Dejan/Adobe Stock)

ABQ hosts 'know your rights' sessions for immigrants, business owners

The City of Albuquerque and local business partners have launched a "Know Your Rights" campaign to help immigrants navigate the Trump administration's…

Immigrants make up 9.7% of Pennsylvania's workforce and play a vital role in strengthening the state's economy in various ways. (Pressmaster/Adobe Stock)

Educators voice concerns about PA immigrant student protections

Immigration policy changes under the Trump administration are instilling fear in Pennsylvania schools, as educators and advocates warn of their …

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

TX teachers prepare to protect immigrant students

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

Approximately one in 12 children in Oregon lives with at least one undocumented family member. (Manny DaCunha/Adobe Stock)

OR schools, advocates react to possible ICE raids

Oregon's largest school district has affirmed it will continue to enforce Oregon's sanctuary laws by not providing information to Immigration and Cust…

In 1974, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled the U.S. Constitution generally permits states to strip people convicted of felonies of their right to vote. (Pexels)

MS advocates fight on after Supreme Court upholds voting ban

Mississippi voting rights advocates said their fight is not over, even after the U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear a case challenging the state's …

About 13% of the state's residents were born in another country and 16% of residents are native-born Americans with at least one immigrant parent, according to the American Immigration Council. (Adobe Stock)

Education advocates respond to possible immigration raids in AZ schools

Arizona's largest high school district has stated it will not voluntarily help the Trump administration with its immigration promises by declaring its…

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

Dismantling DEIA initiatives may harm PA disability rights

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

The Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASHLA) says Black History Month is celebrated in February because both Frederick Douglas and Abraham Lincoln were born during this month. (Adobe Stock)

MLK III on creating a legacy, Black History Month

Bloomington is among the Indiana communities kicking off Black History Month over the weekend. Historian Carter G. Woodson launched what was …

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Civil Rights

Federal cuts put election security in jeopardy, AZ Secretary of State takes action

Immigrant children face increased cases of bullying across TX

New findings: Arkansas abortion ban could impact potential workforce

Utah lawmakers could do away with pride flags in schools, government buildings

MN Latino advocates band together as deportation fears persist

Report: West Virginia’s prison population on the decline

Hispanic veteran demands respect amid immigration crackdown

'Democracy is not a business,' warns MT political scientist

NM lawmakers consider bill for 'open primaries' in future elections

TN Disability Coalition hosts 'Liberty Not Limits' day on the Hill

Getting word out to PA voters about voter registration

Attorney for rural MI college expected lawsuits over ‘Dear Colleague’ letter

PA teachers union reacts to DEI lawsuit against Dept. of Education

Alabama teens use art to honor Bloody Sunday and push for change

GA performance honors Bloody Sunday, spotlights today’s challenges

TN disability rights advocates concern over impact of Section 504 rollback

Changes in U.S. immigration policy affect AR college campuses

HUD pulls federal Fair Housing grants in Montana, across U.S.

Immigration courts offer many barriers, few solutions

Faith leaders call out inhumane heat conditions in TX prisons

How WA campuses can prepare for ICE

AR engineer honored with U.S. coin

Maryland medical aid-in-dying bill may pass after a decade

Court ban latest chapter in Iowa's quest to tighten immigration laws

NC moving away from police transporting people in mental health crisis

Higher ed experts advise campuses on how to prepare for ICE

MO House panel takes up key election bills

MI teachers union guides colleges on response to ICE inquiries

Faith leaders call out inhumane heat conditions in U.S. prisons

WA legislators weigh voting rights for incarcerated people

Report: Bill would disenfranchise VA rural voters, married women

NC farmer's market, hike mark Black History Month

MLK III on legacy, building connections for dignity, respect, civility

Protesters: Trump administration actions 'cast aside democracy'

The little-known history and disappearing architecture of Rosenwald Schools

Ohio advocates push for inclusive policies during Black History Month

Do rest stop cameras in Ohio increase safety or infringe on privacy?

Northwest TX father faces deportation

Rapid response network monitoring ICE raids in Colorado

Florida immigrant advocates intensify efforts to support affected communities

ABQ hosts 'know your rights' sessions for immigrants, business owners

Educators voice concerns about PA immigrant student protections

TX teachers prepare to protect immigrant students

OR schools, advocates react to possible ICE raids

MS advocates fight on after Supreme Court upholds voting ban

Education advocates respond to possible immigration raids in AZ schools

Dismantling DEIA initiatives may harm PA disability rights

MLK III on creating a legacy, Black History Month