Executive Order on White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity for the Hispanic Community: On September 13th, the President signed an executive order ordering policy and opportunity advancements for the Hispanic community. The order details accessibility and equity issues around education, health, utilities, employment, and pay. To address these issues an Executive Director will be designated for the Initiative, a working group will be formed from senior officials from multiple departments and agencies, and a Presidential Advisory Commission will provide advice to the President.
(Source: The White House)
Parents Of Children With Disabilities Join The Legal Battle Over Masks In Schools: Child administrative provisions have been dren with disabilities are guaranteed access to inclusive public education, but with the battle over mask mandates overtaking the country, families are having to choose between their child's health and their education. In nearly a half a dozen states, families are filing lawsuits to battle for the safety of their disabled children.
"Gov. Lee doesn't take into account that not all children are going to survive this decision . . . He's making a broad strokes decision for every child in Tennessee."
(Source: NPR)
New study of 'Buckhead City' adds fuel to debate: A private study has concluded that Buckhead City is "financially viable" without much explanation--and inspires the question of how de-annexing Buckhead (and its tax base) would impact Atlanta's budget. This move may inspire other neighborhoods to decide to break away from Atlanta, presenting a concerning precedent and potential future.
(Source: AJC)
The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Releases Issue Brief On The LGBTQI Afghan Refugee Crisis: The Taliban's Afghanistan takeover in August leaves LGBTQI Afghans vulnerable. With a deadline issued by the Taliban for foreign troops to withdraw, countries accepting refugees are prioritizing women and LGBTQI people (among others). HRC issued a 10-point action plan to the White House.
(Source: HRC)
The Department of Justice (DOJ) Is Investigating Georgia's Prison System For Civil Rights Violations: Staff shortages are allegedly leading to violence and sexual abuse in Georgia prisons, particularly against gay and trans inmates. At least 26 people died in 2020 in Georgia prisons by suspected or confirmed homicide, and a reported 18 homicides so far in 2021.
(Source: Department of Justice & NPR Audio)
- Related: A Fight to Expose the Hidden Human Costs of Incarceration: Law professor Andrea Armstrong realized there was no database tracking (suspicious) inmate deaths in Louisiana prisons... so she made one. (Source: The New Yorker)
-Kate Billard