Author: GDaniels

Felon Disenfranchisement

GDaniels Civil Rights, Voting Rights , , , ,

In Maryland and Virginia, former felons have the ability to vote, with some restrictions. For example, in Virginia, they must complete probation or parole.  Nonetheless. 40,000 persons in Maryland and more than 200.000 persons in Virginia now have access to the ballot box.  These measures, however, may be met with litigation that could affect their ability to vote in the 2016 election. Read the New York Times article here.

DOJ says NC law violates civil rights laws

GDaniels Civil Rights , , , , ,

The Department of Justice (DOJ) sent a letter to North Carolina Governor Pat McCrory stating that House Bill 2, which among other things, requires persons to use the bathroom of their birth, violates two civil rights laws-Title VII (employment discrimination) and Title IX (sex discrimination).  Read more here.

Interestingly, HB2 was hastily passed, much like  NC’s restrictive voting law  passed in 2013 after Shelby v. Holder that removed same day registration, limited early voting, and instituted  a restrictive voter id requirement.

Jefferson Davis Descendant Delivers Powerful Speech for Removal of the Confederate Flag

GDaniels Civil Rights ,

A descendant of Confederate President Jefferson Davis made a tearful plea for the removal of the Confederate flag from the grounds of the state capitol.  Rep. Jenny Horne asked South Carolina lawmakers to do something “meaningful.”  After more than 13 hours of debate, the body voted to take the flag down and place it with other Civil War relics.     Read and watch here:  http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/morning-mix/wp/2015/07/09/south-carolina-rep-jenny-horne-on-her-historic-and-surprisingly-personal-speech-it-needed-to-be-done/    Let’s hope and watch for other meaningful legislative actions that make the lives of South Carolinans safer and better.

NC Voting Rights Challenge

GDaniels Civil Rights, Voting Rights , ,

The challenge to North Carolina’s restrictive voting rights law is set to begin next week.  Many believe that the decision could have vast implications for other states.  However, what is most likely to happen after the trial  is an appeal and we could be a year or more away from an impactful decision.  Read more here:  http://www.thecharlottepost.com/news/2015/07/09/local/naacp-nc-square-off-on-voting-rights-with-national-implications/ Continue reading →