disparities

Sen. Dan Sullivan (R-Jonesboro) explains Senate Bill 71, which would do away with state affirmative action programs, to the Senate State Agencies and Governmental Affairs Committee on March 7, 2023. (Screen shot)

Arkansas legislator says ending ‘state-sponsored discrimination’ is aim of his bill

BY: - March 8, 2023

Legislation that criminalizes government affirmative action programs in Arkansas heads to the full Senate after a panel approved it Tuesday. Senate Bill 71 by Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan of Jonesboro would do away with programs that encourage state agencies, public schools and colleges to hire people of color and women. The bill would make it […]

In this February 2021 photo, protestors hold signs that read "hate is a virus" and "stop Asian hate" at an anti-racism rally in New York City's Washington Square Park. On Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2023, the White House announced a multi-agency effort to fight anti-Asian American hate in the wake of the brutal stabbing of an 18-year-old Indiana University student. (Photo by Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images)

Days after Indiana attack, White House vows to fight hate against Asian Americans

BY: - January 17, 2023

WASHINGTON— The White House on Tuesday announced a multi-agency strategy to help combat anti-Asian American hate, promote language access and improve governmental data collection for the Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander community. “This unprecedented plan builds on the administration’s broader equity agenda,” White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said during Tuesday’s press briefing. […]

Supporters of Abbey Lynn Steele stand outside the Pennington County Jail on Dec. 6, 2022. (Courtesy photo)

‘An addict and treated like a criminal’: Native woman’s death sparks questions

BY: - December 19, 2022

In May of 2021, Abbey Lynn Steele gave birth to her first child, a baby boy. A urine test showed methamphetamine in his system. Steele, who turned 19 that month, also tested positive for meth. The drug’s detection in the baby’s urine assured that Steele would not keep full custody under South Dakota law. Its […]

COMMENTARY

317,793 arrests for marijuana possession in 2020 despite the growing legalization movement

BY: - November 21, 2022

More than 300,000 people were arrested for cannabis possession in 2020, FBI records show. Meanwhile, the drug is being legally sold for a profit in 19 states. That arrest number may sound high, but arrests have actually been going down each year since 2010 as more states legalize medical or recreational use of the drug. […]

‘Abortion absolutely is healthcare’: U.S. House panel told as GOP pursues nationwide ban

BY: - September 29, 2022

A nationwide abortion ban would widen disparities in healthcare and drive up the maternal mortality rate, particularly among Black women, physicians and advocates told a U.S. House panel on Thursday. “Women’s progress has always been inextricably linked with the ability to control our own bodies,” Jocelyn Frye, the president of the National Partnership for Women […]