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At six months pregnant, H (the woman's name is retracted) decided to leave her abusive husband after discovering he was also violent towards her child. However, her attorney informed her that Missouri law prevents pregnant women from finalizing a divorce. Defeated, H returned to her abusive home, enduring more violence. For safety, she slept on the basement floor with the dogs. The law requiring disclosure of pregnancy in divorce cases effectively bans pregnant women from divorcing. This law, originally intended to secure custody and support arrangements post-birth, now creates significant barriers for abused pregnant women. H's divorce was delayed until three months after her second child's birth, prolonging her exposure to abuse. Similar laws exist in Texas and Arkansas. Advocates argue these laws can facilitate reproductive coercion, where abusers control pregnancy outcomes to maintain power. H experienced this when her husband raped her, resulting in pregnancy. Democratic representative Ashley Aune introduced House Bill 2402 to allow judges more discretion in granting expedited divorces in pregnancy cases. The bill has yet to be voted on. Missouri's restrictive reproductive health laws, including a near-total abortion ban, exacerbate these issues. Advocates are working to put a constitutional amendment on the ballot to legalize abortion until fetal viability. Homicide is a leading cause of pregnancy-related deaths in Missouri, predominantly affecting Black women, often perpetrated by current or former partners. Advocates emphasize that enabling pregnant women to finalize divorces can save lives and help them regain control. In Missouri, the law preventing pregnant women from finalizing divorces, even in cases of violence, is a glaring example of how the system can fail those most in need. This law, while perhaps well-intentioned, traps women like H in abusive situations, denying them the right to safety and autonomy. By preventing pregnant women from leaving violent partners, Missouri is effectively prioritizing bureaucratic processes over human lives. We'll continue to follow this story for more updates as they come out. Link: The Guardian

Dorothy Jean Tillman II, a Chicago teen, began her college journey at age 10. By 17, she had earned a doctoral degree in integrated behavioral health from Arizona State University, becoming the youngest person to achieve this.  Also nicknamed "Dorthy Jeanius," her education path included associate's, bachelor's, and master's degrees. Known as "Dorothy Jeanius" by family and friends, she was inspired by her grandmother, former Chicago Alderwoman Dorothy Tillman. Tillman started college courses at the College of Lake County, Illinois, and earned an associate's degree in 2016. She then earned a bachelor's in humanities from Excelsior College in 2018 and a master's from Unity College in 2020 before entering Arizona State's Behavioral Health Management Program in 2021. Most of her coursework was completed online, but she attended her Arizona State commencement in person and addressed her graduating class. "I didn't have the everyday school things like homecoming dances or spirit weeks or just school pictures and things like that ... that kind of create unity with my peers," Tillman said though she finds time to participate in activities like dance and choreography. Tillman founded the Dorothyjeanius STEAM Leadership Institute, offering summer camps for young people in arts and STEM. Tillman plans to expand her institute, engage in public speaking, and fundraise for the camp. Her mother, Jimalita Tillman, praised Dorothy's grace and determination in balancing social activities with her educational goals. Associate professor Leslie Manson described her as a true leader, hoping she inspires other students. "It's a wonderful celebration, and we hope ... that Dorothy Jean inspires more students," Manson said. "But this is still something so rare and unique." Link: NBCNews

An Associated Press investigation found that officers often violated guidelines intended to safely restrain and subdue people, leading to hundreds of deaths. These violations typically involved using dangerous restraint techniques or excessive use of Tasers. Key findings include: Restraint Violations: Officers frequently pinned individuals face down, restricting their breathing, often continuing even after handcuffing. Taser Misuse: In many cases, Tasers were used excessively, far beyond the recommended duration or number of shocks. Misapplied Force: Some violations were due to officers misinterpreting situations, prematurely using force, or continuing to use force even when the person was under control. Impact on Vulnerable Individuals: Many who died were on drugs or had medical conditions, making them more susceptible to the effects of misapplied force. Over a decade, AP reviewed over 1,000 deaths where force other than firearms was used. In nearly half, medical officials cited police actions as a contributing factor, although best practices adherence was often unclear due to poor documentation. Officers often claimed they weren't trained on proper guidelines, or departments didn't have updated policies. The investigation highlighted the need for federal directives to establish consistent standards for use of force, as current guidelines from national policing organizations are not always followed or enforced at the local level. The findings of the Associated Press investigation reveal a deeply troubling pattern of police misconduct and negligence. Officers violating safety guidelines during encounters, resulting in hundreds of preventable deaths, is unacceptable and highlights a systemic issue in law enforcement. This is not just a matter of poor training or outdated policies; it's a matter of life and death for vulnerable individuals. Link: AP News

Five years ago, Paulana Lamonier aimed to transform lives in NYC by teaching 30 Black people to swim. A former collegiate swimmer, Lamonier recognized the impact of swimming on her own life and wanted to share its benefits, particularly with Black children and adults. Her initiative, Black People Will Swim, emerged in 2019 with the goal of making swimming accessible and affordable. "Swimming has claimed so many lives of Black people," she said. "We deserve to have a space to learn without feeling discriminated against, without feeling as if we have to break the bank to learn this life skill. And, most importantly, it's really a community." The program addresses racial disparities in swimming, noting that Black children are significantly more likely to drown than their white peers. With this mission, Lamonier's business rapidly expanded. Initially teaching around 300 students annually, Black People Will Swim now instructs 300 people every six weeks. Despite challenges such as limited access to indoor pools, the program thrives, keeping costs around $30 per session, significantly lower than similar programs. Lamonier left her career to focus on swimming instruction full-time, supported by an all-Black staff. The program operates from York College in Queens, an area with limited public pool access. This choice underscores the broader issue of segregated and privatized pools in the U.S., which has historically limited swimming opportunities for Black communities. Lamonier's vision extends beyond swimming lessons. She plans to launch a swimwear line and expand to other multicultural programs. Her ultimate goal is to establish a dedicated swim school that fosters a supportive environment and creates a pathway for aquatic professionals. "We see the importance of having Black hair salons. We see the importance of having Black clothing lines, right?" she said. "It is vital for us to have our own swim school, where people can come get affordable swim lessons for people who look like them and most importantly, create that pipeline for aquatic professionals." Link:  NBCNews

The Shenandoah County School Board in Virginia voted 5-1 to restore the names of Confederate military leaders to two public schools, reversing a 2020 decision that had removed these names following the national racial reckoning spurred by George Floyd's murder. Each of the schools will revert to their previous names: Mountain View High School to Stonewall Jackson High School, and Honey Run Elementary School to Ashby-Lee Elementary School. This decision was influenced by the Coalition for Better Schools, a conservative group advocating to honor the "community's heritage." "These racist symbols only serve to uphold revisionist history and the belief that white supremacy remains morally acceptable," SPLC chief of staff Lecia Brooks said in a statement at the time. "This is why we believe that all symbols of white supremacy should be removed from public spaces." This 2020 change was part of a broader movement to eliminate Confederate symbolism, which has been a source of sociopolitical division nationwide. Opponents of the restoration, including over 50 individuals who spoke at the board meeting, argue that reinstating these names fails to respect the diverse school community. One Black student expressed distress over having to represent a school named after a figure who fought to uphold slavery. "I am a Black student, and if the names are restored, I would have to represent a man that fought for my ancestors to be slaves," one student said in a direct appeal to the board members, later adding: "I think it is unfair to me that restoring the names is up for discussion." The decision by the Shenandoah County School Board to restore names of Confederate leaders to public schools is a regressive action that harms our community and contradicts the values of equality and respect. This move, under the guise of honoring heritage, actually perpetuates a legacy of racism and oppression. Link: NBCNews

In Florida, a practice known as "pay-to-stay" burdens former inmates with debts accrued for their time in prison. Florida prisoners are charged $50 daily for their entire sentenced duration, even if they are released early. "We think it's unconstitutional," Lisa Foster, Co-Executive Director of the Fines & Fees Justice Center, told WFTS Tampa Bay. "It's not proportionate either to the underlying offense or to a person's financial circumstances." This results in overwhelming debt for many, as highlighted by Shelby Hoffman, who incurred a $127,000 bill for a 7-year sentence despite serving only 10 months. Despite rebuilding her life, obtaining a degree, and planning a career in case management, Hoffman's debt prevents her from moving forward. "I've been out of prison 7.5 years at this point," Hoffman added. "When I have trekked so hard to get a track record that I have now, and you are imposing something that I can't pay off in a lifetime, so I am stuck . . . I have a family now, I have a daughter, a wonderful husband, I have a home, I have all these accomplishments I've worked so hard, so hard to maintain." Hoffman, now seven and a half years out of prison, has established a stable family life and achieved significant personal milestones. Yet, the pay-to-stay fines persist, trapping individuals like her in financial turmoil long after their release. Critics argue that these fines serve little purpose other than punishing former offenders further, questioning the constitutionality and proportionality of the practice. This financial burden is inefficient for revenue collection as it predominantly targets low-income individuals who cannot fulfill their debts. Despite significant opposition and the evident personal impacts on people like Hoffman, pay-to-stay laws remain largely unchallenged across most states. Link: Reason

In Fort Walton Beach, Florida, the mother of Senior Airman Roger Fortson, a Black U.S. Air Force member, mourned his fatal shooting by deputies during a press conference. The deputies had mistakenly entered Fortson's apartment while responding to a disturbance call and shot him after seeing he was armed. "My baby was shot up," said Chantimekki Fortson at a news conference on Thursday in Fort Walton Beach, where her son, Senior Airmen Roger Fortson, was living when he was killed. The attorney Ben Crump, representing Fortson's family, labeled the incident as an "unjustifiable killing" and criticized the deputies for claiming self-defense. "For whatever reason, they thought he was a bad guy, but he was a good guy. He was a great guy. He was an exceptional guy," Crump said. "They took a patriot from us." The sheriff's office has yet to disclose the identities or races of the involved deputies, with the shooting under investigation by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the local State Attorney's Office. Fortson, who had joined the Air Force after high school, was a special missions aviator in the 4th Special Operations Squadron. He was alone during the incident, armed with a legally owned gun, and on a video call with a friend when the deputies arrived. This case is particularly poignant given recent instances of fatal shootings involving Black individuals at home by police under questionable circumstances. This includes Botham Jean and Atatiana Jefferson, both of whom were killed by officers who responded incorrectly or excessively to non-threatening situations. Fortson's death adds to the ongoing discourse on racial injustices and police conduct. The tragic death of Senior Airman Roger Fortson, shot by deputies who mistakenly entered his apartment, is a painful reminder of the dire consequences of police missteps and systemic racial biases. As we mourn another life unjustly taken, we must not grow complacent or desensitized to these recurrent injustices. We will continue to follow this story for more as our thoughts are with the Fortson family. Link: ABCNews

Alanah Poullard, a 16-year-old from Jennings, Louisiana, is making headlines as she graduates high school and prepares for college. Accepted into 60 colleges nationwide, Poullard has also amassed over a million dollars in scholarships. "It's happening so fast it feels like I just started my first year of high school, like my first day of high school, and now to say I'm graduating is just a shock," Poullard said. Her academic journey has been marked by a passion for medicine, highlighted by an internship at the American Academy of Medicine and Surgery at the University of California. Adding to her achievements, Poullard gained viral fame as a child when she met former President Barack Obama—a moment that has stayed with her over the years. Poullard's excitement about her achievements is palpable as she recalls the joy and disbelief of receiving her college acceptance. Despite her young age, she offers sage advice to other aspiring students, emphasizing the value of community service over perfect grades. Looking ahead, Poullard plans to attend Louisiana State University to major in microbiology. "Just because you don't have a high A-C-T score or your grades might not be that good, you can still apply to that school if you want to," Poullard said. "I guarantee you when you have a long list of community services that you've done, that's going to say a lot about you as a person." Her ultimate goal is to become a trauma surgeon, following her undergraduate studies. Poullard's story is not just one of academic success but also of inspiration, showing that determination and community involvement can pave the way to achieving one's dreams.

It is with profound sadness that we acknowledge the passing of Dr. Cyril Wecht, a renowned forensic pathologist and the Know Your Rights Camp Autopsy Initiative’s first Forensic Pathologist Coordinator. Dr. Wecht's extraordinary contributions to forensic science and his unwavering commitment to uncovering the truth have left an indelible impact on the world. Know Your Rights Camp worked closely with Dr. Wecht and relied on his insight and guidance during the creation of the Autopsy Initiative, which provides free secondary autopsies to victims’ families who have lost their loved ones due to an in-custody death. When Know Your Rights Camp launched the Autopsy Initiative, Dr. Wecht explained, “I am extremely enthusiastic about this truly unique program. The opportunity to have unbiased second autopsies performed by independent,  experienced forensic pathologists in police-related deaths will provide victims’ families with  knowledge that the true facts of any such case have been thoroughly analyzed and prepared for  appropriate utilization whenever deemed necessary.” As the Forensic Pathologist Coordinator for the Autopsy Initiative, Dr. Wecht brought his vast knowledge and experience to emphasize the importance of forensic science in the pursuit of justice. His guidance and support have been invaluable, and his legacy will continue to inspire our work in assisting victims’ families to obtain clarity on their loved one’s true cause of death. We extend our heartfelt condolences to Dr. Wecht's family, friends, and colleagues. While we mourn his loss, we also celebrate his remarkable life and the monumental impact he has had on the field of forensic science. Thank you, Dr. Wecht, for your extraordinary service. With deepest respect and gratitude, Know Your Rights Camp

Last year in Houston, Texas, our founders Colin (@kaepernick7) and Nessa (@nessnitty) really got into the heart of some tough issues in this episode of the KYRC Podcast. They shared their vision for the camp too - how it's all about opening doors, sharing resources, and fostering a sense of togetherness. The choice to hold it at the Legacy School of Sport Sciences wasn't just by chance; there's a deep meaning behind it. Colin dove deep into the essence of the Know Your Rights Camp by shining a light on its crucial role in nurturing future leaders. This includes stories from New York and New Orleans, where camp alumni are now stepping up to lead. Watch the episode here: Listen to the episode here:

On March 29th, a significant decision by a Federal District Court Judge in Connecticut allowed the lawsuit, Monk v. United States, against the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to proceed. Conversations of reparations for Black veterans come after many were faced with housing, education, and disability benefits discrimination since the G.I. Bill was established post-World War II. Conley Monk Jr., a plaintiff, faced numerous rejections for various veteran benefits spanning over four decades, reflecting a systemic bias that his father also encountered post-World War II. Judge Stefan R. Underhill ruled against the government’s claim that the court lacked jurisdiction, allowing the case to continue based on allegations of racial discrimination and its psychological impacts. This makes Monk v. United States a pivotal federal reparations case that has surpassed a motion to dismiss—a rarity in U.S. history. “My father fought at Normandy. My brother fought in Vietnam. My sister and another brother as well as myself served. And we will not stop fighting until VA treats all veterans equally,” said Garry Monk, Executive Director, National Veterans Council for Legal Redress. “Today is an important moment in the struggle for justice for Black veterans, whose service and sacrifice VA has ignored for generations.” Richard Brookshire of the Black Veterans Project described the case as crucial for addressing the long-standing racial injustices within the VA, which he claims have perpetuated economic losses for Black veterans and their families. Michael Wishnie of Yale Law School highlighted the Black Veterans Project's role in bringing to light the discriminatory practices of the VA. Garry Monk emphasized the ongoing fight for equal treatment by the VA, while Daniele Anderson hopes the case prompts wider recognition of the systemic barriers faced by Black veterans. Daniel Walker pointed out that the decision marks a significant step in acknowledging and addressing historical injustices faced by Black veterans, viewing it as a move towards broader justice and recognition of their struggles. Link: Black Veterans Project

Hana Taylor Schlitz's life is marked by a poignant journey from a remote village in Ethiopia to soon becoming the youngest graduate in Texas Woman's University's history, at age 16, with a major in Sociology. Having lost her mother shortly after birth to tuberculosis (TB), Hana's survival and academic achievements underscore the importance of robust health systems and international support. "In 2008, in a small, remote village in Southern Ethiopia, she held me for a fleeting moment—our first and last together. Shortly after my birth, she succumbed to tuberculosis (TB), a treatable disease that cruelly robbed us of a future together." Despite her early health challenges, Hana's adoption into a loving family, led by her mother, Dr. Myiesha Taylor, provided the care she needed to thrive. Hana's personal triumphs serve as a call to action against TB, which still claims countless lives globally. With TB rates resurging in the United States, Hana advocates for stronger public health measures and international cooperation to eradicate the disease. "I often find myself pondering the fate of countless children who, unlike me, do not escape the grip of TB," said Schlitz. How many potential Nelson Mandelas, Albert Einsteins, Marie Curies, or Malala Yousafzai have been lost to a disease that we have the means to treat and prevent?" Her academic pursuits reflect her commitment to social change, aiming to shed light on the complex intersections of society, health, and disease. Hana's story is a testament to resilience and the transformative power of opportunity, urging us all to champion a future where every child can fulfill their potential. Link: Newsweek

A new study by the nonpartisan education watchdog Available to All highlights the persistence of segregation in K-12 public schools in the United States, despite the upcoming 70th anniversary of the Brown v. Board of Education decision. The study reveals that school attendance zones and selective admission policies often legally exclude students of color and low-income families from elite public schools, effectively reinstating levels of segregation reminiscent of 1968. These policies are frequently embedded in state laws and exploited by school officials to favor certain demographics, sometimes even leading to criminal prosecution of low-income families who attempt to enroll their children in more desirable schools outside their designated zones. For instance, a top-ranked school in Tampa, Florida, maintains an exclusionary zone that aligns with historic redlining maps, barring many nearby low-income children. The study also critiques the reliance on residential addresses for school assignments, which supports "educational redlining," allowing affluent families access to better-resourced schools. This systemic inequality extends to the availability of advanced programs and college preparatory classes, as demonstrated by a stark contrast between two schools in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Available to All recommends legislative changes to protect the enrollment rights of families and urges school districts to de-emphasize geographical boundaries. The study analyzed state education laws across several categories to assess their impact on school segregation and access. Link: Axios

In 2022, the wealth disparity between white families and those of Black and Hispanic descent in the United States escalated to over $1 million, setting a historic high, as reported by the Urban Institute. The average wealth for white households soared to approximately $1.3 million, while Hispanic and Black families averaged around $227,000 and $211,000, respectively. This significant gap, observed for the first time in both Black and Hispanic communities, highlights deep-rooted inequalities in wealth accumulation, heavily influenced by systemic racial issues. The disparity is also evident in homeownership rates, where white families have seen a growth from 64.9% in 1960 to 73.1% in 2022. In contrast, Black homeownership increased only modestly from 38.2% to 44.3%, and although Hispanic and Asian homeownership rates reached their peak in 2022, they still fell short of white homeownership levels. The report identifies homeownership as the main avenue for building wealth in the U.S., yet notes it remains disproportionately low for Black families due to longstanding discriminatory housing policies. Moreover, the income gap persists with white men born between 1960 and 1964 earning on average $2.9 million across their careers, significantly more than their Black and Hispanic counterparts, who earned less than $1.8 million and $1.7 million, respectively. The report suggests implementing policy changes like modifying the mortgage interest tax deduction and considering reparations to mitigate these disparities, emphasizing that such measures could help reduce the wealth gap and promote economic equity. “In a nation that professes that those who work hard and play by the rules should be rewarded with social and economic upward mobility, these persistent disparities are a stark reminder that, as a society, we have not achieved this goal,” the report said. Link: NBCNews

The City of Stockton has agreed to a $6 million settlement with the family of Shayne Sutherland, who died in police custody in 2020. During his arrest by the Stockton Police Department (SPD) in October of that year, Sutherland's breathing was restricted, leading to his death. Initially deemed accidental by the San Joaquin County Coroner's Office, an independent autopsy later identified positional asphyxiation as the cause of death. "Things need to change because this is horrible. Nobody ever wants to lose their child, especially in this way," said Karen Sutherland, Shayne Sutherland's mother. "Knowing how my son died and suffering and begging for his life and calling out for me." The incident was captured partially on bodycam footage released by the SPD. Since the tragic event, Sutherland's family has been advocating for changes to police practices, urging the adoption of the 1995 Department of Justice guidelines. These guidelines recommend that handcuffed individuals should be promptly moved off their stomachs and placed in a recovery position to ensure their safety. Reacting to the incident and the resulting settlement, a spokesperson for the SPD expressed sympathy for the loss and emphasized the department's commitment to officer training and community collaboration to prevent such tragedies in the future. Loved ones of individuals who have been killed while under incarceration or police custody interested in learning more about the Autopsy Initiative can find more information at Knowyourrightscamp.org/autopsyinitiative. Link: Fox40

U.S. Border Patrol agents have been found using the derogatory term "tonk" to describe unauthorized migrants in government communications, often in contexts that allude to violence and mistreatment. The term, thought to originate from the sound of hitting a migrant's head with a flashlight, was used in emails and texts from 2017 to 2020. Despite its condemnation by officials in Washington, the usage of this slur remains common among agents, even as some casually joked about the serious harm or death of migrants, including children. The discovery of these communications, disclosed through the Freedom of Information Act, marks another troubling insight into the culture within the Border Patrol, a culture that often shows contempt for migrants. This contempt was also evident in the way agents referred to COVID-19 as the "Tonk flu" and made light of protective measures against the virus. Border Patrol's official stance, as stated by a Customs and Border Protection spokesperson, is that derogatory language is unacceptable, and any such incidents are referred to the Office of Professional Responsibility for investigation. However, the emails suggest a persistent tolerance and occasional endorsement of such attitudes within the agency, even as some agents expressed a form of right-wing defiance against more politically correct or humane approaches to their duties. The pervasive use of "tonk" within the agency highlights deep-seated issues of racism and dehumanization that contradict official policies and public statements by the agency's leadership. Link: Huffington Post

A former Riverside County sheriff's correctional deputy, Jorge Oceguera-Rocha, was implicated in a major drug trafficking investigation linked to the Sinaloa cartel, culminating in his arrest with 104 pounds of fentanyl pills in his private car. This arrest was part of "Operation Hotline Bling," a broader initiative that led to 15 arrests and substantial drug seizures, including 376 pounds of methamphetamine, 37.4 pounds of fentanyl, 600,000 fentanyl tablets, 1.4 kilograms of cocaine, and seven firearms. "During the course of the investigation, agents developed information regarding a corrupt Riverside County Correctional Deputy … ultimately assisting in the arrest of the deputy while he was in possession of 104 pounds of fentanyl pills," the release said. The operation, announced on April 25 by the DEA and Riverside Police, targeted cartel activities in Riverside County, netting drugs worth $16 million. Despite Oceguera-Rocha's pivotal role in trafficking narcotics while off duty, there was no explicit confirmation of his direct involvement with the Sinaloa cartel. Oceguera-Rocha, 25, from Banning, pleaded not guilty to felony drug possession charges and resigned following his arrest. The DEA highlighted the operation's impact, noting the seized fentanyl could produce 10 million lethal doses, highlighting the opioid's role as the leading cause of death among Americans aged 18 to 45. A federal grand jury has since charged six individuals in a related conspiracy, revealing a network of stash houses and distribution through local post offices. Link: Press Enterprise

Tennessee lawmakers passed a bill allowing school staff to carry concealed handguns on school grounds, a response to a tragic shooting in Nashville that claimed six lives. The Tennessee House approved the legislation with a 68-28 vote following its passage in the GOP-controlled Senate. The bill aims to enhance school security by creating a deterrent, according to Republican state Rep. Ryan Williams. Faculty and staff opting to carry firearms must undergo at least 40 hours of annual training tailored to school settings. "This is what we're going to do. This is our reaction to teachers and children being murdered in a school. Our reaction is to throw more guns at it. What's wrong with us?" Bo Mitchell said on the House floor. During the House proceedings, protestors voiced their opposition loudly, chanting accusations of responsibility for the violence. Democratic state Rep. Bo Mitchell criticized the bill, highlighting the irony of introducing more firearms as a solution to gun violence in schools. Governor Bill Lee, a Republican, has not indicated whether he will sign the bill, which he can allow to become law without his signature. This measure aligns with a broader trend; the Giffords Law Center notes that at least 26 states permit school staff to carry firearms under certain conditions. Link: NBCNews