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
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.
Civil rights lawsuit filed against Uber
Civil rights case involving disabled riders and Uber drivers, read more here:
Civil Rights Challenges in the 21st Century
Here’s an interesting article found in the Washington Post that discusses new millennium housing discrimination on sites, like AirBnB. A recent study showed that racial sounding African American names could determine, in some circumstances, whether a room/house was available for rent. Read more here:
New and more restrictive laws are in pla
New and more restrictive laws are in place in some Super Tuesday states. http://ow.ly/YWuKn
Maryland legislature restores the right
Maryland legislature restores the right to vote to more than 40,000 citizens. #VotingRights
http://ow.ly/Y8fYb
The “Every Student Succeeds Act” Could Leave Some Behind
The ESSA has many civil rights leaders concerned that states will overlook disadvantaged students. 
A Voting-Rights Debate Uses High-Minded
A Voting-Rights Debate Uses High-Minded Rhetoric to Mask Bare-Knuckled Politics http://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2015/05/one-person-one-vote/394502/
USSC will hear two BIG voting rights cas
USSC will hear two BIG voting rights cases today that an change EVERYTHING!! http://ow.ly/VChZZ
Mizzou Names New President
After months of unrest, student protests, and a presidential resignation, The University of Missouri has appointed Michael Middleton as the interim president of the university. Middleton is no stranger to the university or the fight for Civil Rights. In 1968, Middleton became the third black student to graduate from the University’s law school. Shortly after graduation. Middleton started his legal career in the Civil Rights Division of the Justice Department. His professional and personal experiences may be just what the University needs.
Voting Rights Act Could be Revived in Time for 2016 Elections
House Democrats are campaigning for changes to the Voting Rights Act to ensure that every eligible American has access to a ballot. These changes would re-implement a “pre-clearance” protocol for elections in states that have over 15 voting rights violations. To date, no Republicans have signed on to the bill but House Democrats are campaigning for Republicans to hold a hearing or vote on the bill. Without these changes or others like it, many Americans could be shutout from the ballot.
A Few Bad Apples Could Spoil it for the Bunch- Congressman Threatens to take Millions of Dollars from HUD’s Budget
A HUD audit revealed that roughly 297 families are living in HUD housing but making more than the federal income limits. Congressman David Jolly threatened to cut $104 million from HUD’s budget if the agency did not fix the “problem.”
South Carolina Resource Officer Caught on Tape Dragging a Student Across Classroom
The Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division will look into an incident between a white male resource officer and black female student that occurred in a South Carolina high school. The video shows the resource officer dragging the student across the classroom, after the student refused to leave the classroom.
The Million Man March: Then and Now
On October 10, 2015, thousands upon thousands of people gathered in the nation’s capital to continue the movement for justice for all. Hear from three people who participated in the first Million Man March as they comment on the significance of the movement in their lives.
Supreme Court term has important civil r
Supreme Court term has important civil rights issues, including affirmative action and voting rights. http://ow.ly/SUIGC
Civil Rights Today 