McFeely: Despite discriminatory law, the games will go on in SD
FARGO—Worry not, North Dakota State and Minnesota State University Moorhead sports fans who want to travel to Sioux Falls, S.D., for postseason tournaments. South Dakota’s legislature might have legalized discrimination against same-sex couples, but the NCAA apparently doesn’t think the fine folks to our south went too far.
It’s all about degrees of discrimination and who it directly affects, it would appear. And South Dakota’s Senate Bill 149—which allows adoption agencies to refuse to place children with same-sex couples based on “religious belief or moral conviction”—doesn’t meet the threshold.
The Summit League basketball tournaments will go on!
“We have had no discussions at our meetings relative to SB149,” Summit League commissioner Tom Douple said via e-mail. “It could be discussed in the future.”
The NCAA events Sioux Falls hosts will go on!
“As long as it doesn’t directly pertain to the actual event, the athletes or people coming to the event, the NCAA will not get involved. That is how we understand it,” said Sioux Falls Sports Authority executive director Bryan Miller. His organization makes bids, oversees and helps run the tournaments hosted by Sioux Falls.
The Summit League basketball tournaments will go on! “We have had no discussions at our meetings relative to SB149,” Summit League commissioner Tom Douple said via e-mail. “It could be discussed in the future.” The NCAA events Sioux Falls hosts will go on! “As long as it doesn’t directly pertain to the actual event, the athletes or people coming to the event, the NCAA will not get involved. That is how we understand it,” said Sioux Falls Sports Authority executive director Bryan Miller. His organization makes bids, oversees and helps run the tournaments hosted by Sioux Falls. by Sioux Falls.
Two black women sue Fox News, claiming racial discrimination
Two black women have filed a lawsuit against Fox News Channel, its parent company 21st Century Fox and a former senior executive at the cable network alleging racial discrimination.
Tichaona Brown and Tabrese Wright worked in the payroll department for the cable news channel and allege that for years they were subject to racial slurs and insults by Judith Slater, the longtime comptroller of Fox News
In a complaint filed in New York State Supreme Court in Bronx County, the two said they “suffered yearslong relentless racial animus at the hands of their white supervisor.” Slater, the suit alleges, peppered her conversations with Brown and Wright with remarks about racist stereotypes, creating a hostile work environment.
Anti-racism march gathers various groups against discrimination
Marchers are hitting the streets of Vancouver to send a message against racism. The event has been put on by a diverse array of groups united against discrimination of all forms.
The Coalition Against Bigotry is made up of the likes of Black Lives Matter, the South Asian Network For Secularism and Democracy, and the Vancouver Pride Society, just to name a few. Organizers say recent trends, both at home and abroad, only highlight the need to do more to fight the problem.
“We’ve marched in the city for a number of years, off and on,” points out Imtiaz Popat with the coalition. “But we’ve seen this incredible resurgence of racism, and more importantly, the resurgence of fascist, ultra right-wing groups here in Metro Vancouver.”
He warns Canada is not immune to discrimination. “We’re seeing a whole bunch of racist slurs, people openly being racist in the city, people yelling at women wearing hijabs…and people are unashamedly being racist,” Popat claims.
The Coalition Against Bigotry is made up of the likes of Black Lives Matter, the South Asian Network For Secularism and Democracy, and the Vancouver Pride Society, just to name a few. Organizers say recent trends, both at home and abroad, only highlight the need to do more to fight the problem. “We’ve marched in the city for a number of years, off and on,” points out Imtiaz Popat with the coalition. “But we’ve seen this incredible resurgence of racism, and more importantly, the resurgence of fascist, ultra right-wing groups here in Metro Vancouver.” He warns Canada is not immune to discrimination. “We’re seeing a whole bunch of racist slurs, people openly being racist in the city, people yelling at women wearing hijabs…and people are unashamedly being racist,” Popat claims.
New Legislation to Prevent Discrimination in Filling City of Oakland Job Vacancies
While the Trump Administration’s stance on marijuana is uncertain, the national trend is anything but. California is now one of 8 states that have legalized adult use of marijuana, and is one of 28 states that have legalized it for medical purposes. Growing acceptance of marijuana is certainly good for the economy, and it also has far-reaching social implications.
Historically, the “war on marijuana” has disproportionately targeted people of color, especially African Americans. For example, in 2015, African American arrests were “down” to 71 percent of all marijuana arrests, but Asian and Latino arrests were up to 6.95 percent and 16.31 percent respectively, as compared to 3.02 percent White arrests. This inequitable treatment goes well beyond the criminal justice system—it can also impede employment, housing, and other opportunities.
One way of decreasing employment disparities for communities of color and addressing the disproportionate impacts of the war on drugs in those communities is to prohibit employment discrimination based on past non-work-related cannabis use. In light of the passage of Prop 64, I recently authored legislation declaring that past non-work-related cannabis use shall not be considered as grounds for rejection in the selection process for any City of Oakland job, except for positions where such consideration is legally required. The Finance Committee unanimously passed my Resolution, which will go on to full Council.
It makes no sense to exclude people from employment for engaging in conduct that is widely accepted, permitted, and regulated by the City of Oakland, and which Californians have made clear is no longer a crime. Eliminating this discriminatory practice also ensures we are including all possible qualified applicants for City of Oakland job vacancies. In a time where federal policy decisions can feel out of our grasp, and great social injustices are a serious concern, it is right to fight for and celebrate local policies that align with our values. By making sure we have the greatest pool of applicants to fill our jobs, we can better provide public services, while also ending the use of job exclusions that are discriminatory.
What a change to the racial discrimination act really means
Was Harmony Day the right day to suggest changed to the Racial Discrimination Act?
Malcolm Turnbull was shouted down in Question Time when he said changes to race-hate speech laws would strengthen the act.
“I believe all Australians are absolutely opposed to racism in any form,” Malcolm Turnbull said
“The suggestion that those people who support a change to the wording of Section 18C are somehow or other racist is a deeply offensive one.”
Section 18C deals with offensive behaviour “because of race, colour or national or ethnic origin” in Australia.
Mr Turnbull said the language in the contentious section of the Racial Discrimination Act has lost credibility and will be replaced.
Under the changes approved at a joint party room meeting in Canberra on Tuesday the words “offend, insult and humiliate” will be changed to “harass and intimidate”, making claims harder to prove. Mr Turnbull said he expects there will be many critics and opponents to the change, but it was an issues of values. “Free speech is a value at the very core of our party, it should be at the core of every party,” he said. Under the changes approved at a joint party room meeting in Canberra on Tuesday the words “offend, insult and humiliate” will be changed to “harass and intimidate”, making claims harder to prove. Mr Turnbull said he expects there will be many critics and opponents to the change, but it was an issues of values. “Free speech is a value at the very core of our party, it should be at the core of every party,” he said. Under the changes approved at a joint party room meeting in Canberra on Tuesday the words “offend, insult and humiliate” will be changed to “harass and intimidate”,
New Haven firefighter applicant alleges discrimination
NEW HAVEN, Conn. (AP) — A former Branford firefighter convicted of federal embezzlement charges has filed a complaint with the state alleging New Haven illegally rescinded a conditional employment offer after learning about his past criminal charges.
The New Haven Register (https://bit.ly/2n9IEUe ) reports that a Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities complaint filed by Andrew Konspore said the city violated state statute when it withdrew its conditional offer of employment in September.
Konspore alleges this was done despite his having proper certification and ranking highly in his application for firefighter. He pleaded guilty to charges in 2006 that were unrelated to his work as a Branford firefighter.
NEW HAVEN, Conn. (AP) — A former Branford firefighter convicted of federal embezzlement charges has filed a complaint with the state alleging New Haven illegally rescinded a conditional employment offer after learning about his past criminal charges. The New Haven Register (https://bit.ly/2n9IEUe ) reports that a Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities complaint filed by Andrew Konspore said the city violated state statute when it withdrew its conditional offer of employment in September. Konspore alleges this was done despite his having proper certification and ranking highly in his application for firefighter. He pleaded guilty to charges in 2006 that were unrelated to his work as a Branford firefighter. NEW HAVEN, Conn. (AP) — A former Branford firefighter convicted of federal embezzlement charges has filed a complaint with the state alleging New Haven illegally rescinded a conditional employment offer after learning about his past criminal charges. The New Haven Register (https://bit.ly/2n9IEUe ) reports that a Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities complaint filed by Andrew Konspore said the city violated state statute when it withdrew its conditional offer of employment in September. Konspore alleges this was done despite his having proper certification and ranking highly in his application for firefighter. He pleaded guilty to charges in 2006 that were unrelated to his work as a Branford firefighter.
This week in history: International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination is observed annually on March 21st. On that day in 1960, police opened fire at a peaceful demonstration against the apartheid pass laws in the Sharpeville township of Gauteng Province, South Africa. The Sharpeville massacre occurred when the PAC (Pan Africanist Congress) organized a protest in which black Africans burned the required pass books which restricted them from going into certain areas. What had started as a peaceful protest soon became violent when South African police starting firing. Sixty-nine black people were killed and 178 wounded by police during the violence.
News of the slaughter immediately spread around the world. The name Sharpeville became a rallying cry of resistance to apartheid.
In South Africa, Human Rights Day is a public holiday celebrated on this day each year as a means of permanently memorializing the Sharpeville Massacre.
The United Nations General Assembly called on the international community to redouble its efforts to eliminate all forms of racial discrimination. The International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination was adopted on December 21, 1965, and went into effect in January 1969.
The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination is observed annually on March 21st. On that day in 1960, police opened fire at a peaceful demonstration against the apartheid pass laws in the Sharpeville township of Gauteng Province, South Africa. The Sharpeville massacre occurred when the PAC (Pan Africanist Congress) organized a protest in which black Africans burned the required pass books which restricted them from going into certain areas. What had started as a peaceful protest soon became violent when South African police starting firing. Sixty-nine black people were killed and 178 wounded by police during the violence. during the violence
A quarter of mothers ‘suffer work discrimination’
ONE in four young mothers have suffered discrimination after their employer found out they were pregnant, a new study reveals.
A survey of mothers aged 16 to 24 also found that two out of five had been asked in job interviews about how having children would affect their ability to work.
The Young Women’s Trust said its poll of over 300 women showed that most believed employers’ attitudes towards pregnant women or mothers with young children played an important role in looking for work.
One in four had requests to work flexibly turned down.
Young Women’s Trust chief executive Dr Carole Easton said: “The level of discrimination that Young Women’s Trust has uncovered against young mothers who are in work or looking for jobs is shocking.
ONE in four young mothers have suffered discrimination after their employer found out they were pregnant, a new study reveals. A survey of mothers aged 16 to 24 also found that two out of five had been asked in job interviews about how having children would affect their ability to work. The Young Women’s Trust said its poll of over 300 women showed that most believed employers’ attitudes towards pregnant women or mothers with young children played an important role in looking for work. One in four had requests to work flexibly turned down. The Young Women’s Trust said its poll of over 300 women showed that most believed employers’ attitudes towards pregnant women or mothers with young children played an important role in looking for work. One in four had requests to work flexibly turned down. The Young Women’s Trust said its poll of over 300 women showed that most believed employers’ attitudes towards pregnant women or mothers with young children played an important role in looking for work. One in four had requests to work flexibly turned down.
How Some Silicon Valley Women Are Trying to Solve Sexism
In recent weeks, sexism in the tech industry has come under the spotlight again. For the Atlantic’s April cover story, writer Liza Mundy explored the issue of gender bias and discrimination in Silicon Valley, from the boys’ club atmosphere of startups to problems at tech giants.
Last year’s “Elephant in the Valley” study surveyed more than 200 senior-level women in Silicon Valley and found that 60% had reported experienced unwanted sexual advances. The ability to carefully reject such an advance is “a pretty important skill that I would bet most successful women in our industry have,” investor Susan Wu told the Atlantic.
The same report found that 66% of the women surveyed felt “excluded from key social/networking opportunities because of gender.” Tumblr product manager and former Facebook employee Bo Ren told the Atlantic, “These backdoor conversations are happening in settings that women are not invited to. The whole boys’-club thing still applies.”
In recent weeks, sexism in the tech industry has come under the spotlight again. For the Atlantic’s April cover story, writer Liza Mundy explored the issue of gender bias and discrimination in Silicon Valley, from the boys’ club atmosphere of startups to problems at tech giants. Last year’s “Elephant in the Valley” study surveyed more than 200 senior-level women in Silicon Valley and found that 60% had reported experienced unwanted sexual advances. The ability to carefully reject such an advance is “a pretty important skill that I would bet most successful women in our industry have,” investor Susan Wu told the Atlantic. The same report found that 66% of the women surveyed felt “excluded from key social/networking opportunities because of gender.” Tumblr product manager and former Facebook employee Bo Ren told the Atlantic, “These backdoor conversations are happening in settings that women are not invited to. The whole boys’-club thing still applies.”
Black employee accuses debt collection firm of discrimination
A black Houston man is suing a commercial debt collection firm, alleging employment discrimination and retaliation.
Damian Robinson filed a complaint Jan. 31 in Harris County District Court against Greenberg, Grant & Richards Inc. alleging violation of the Texas Labor Code.
According to the complaint, on Aug. 9, 2016, Robinson was terminated from his employment, leading to loss of income, humiliation, worry and embarrassment.
The plaintiff alleges the defendant subjected him to adverse employment actions in connection with compensation, privileges and other terms and conditions of employment, made disparaging remarks about people of color, retaliated against him and terminated his employment for filing a charge with the EEOC.
A black Houston man is suing a commercial debt collection firm, alleging employment discrimination and retaliation. Damian Robinson filed a complaint Jan. 31 in Harris County District Court against Greenberg, Grant & Richards Inc. alleging violation of the Texas Labor Code. According to the complaint, on Aug. 9, 2016, Robinson was terminated from his employment, leading to loss of income, humiliation, worry and embarrassment. The plaintiff alleges the defendant subjected him to adverse employment actions in connection with compensation, privileges and other terms and conditions of employment, made disparaging remarks about people of color, retaliated against him and terminated his employment for filing a charge with the EEOC. A black Houston man is suing a commercial debt collection firm, alleging employment discrimination and retaliation. Damian Robinson filed a complaint Jan. 31 in Harris County District Court against Greenberg, Grant & Richards Inc. alleging violation of the Texas Labor Code. According to the complaint, on Aug. 9, 2016, Robinson was terminated from his employment, leading to loss of income, humiliation, worry and embarrassment. The plaintiff alleges the defendant subjected him to adverse employment actions in connection with compensation, privileges and other terms and conditions of employment, made disparaging remarks about people of color, retaliated against him and terminated his employment for filing a charge with the EEOC.