Search Results

The University of Utah's women's basketball team encountered a series of racial hate crimes in Idaho, leading to their relocation for hotels at the NCAA Tournament. Coach Lynne Roberts reported incidents targeting the team's diverse athletes in Spokane, prompting a move from Coeur d'Alene to a safer hotel. "Racism is real and it happens and it's awful," Roberts told reporters. "For our players, whether they are white, Black, green, whatever — no one knew how to handle it. And it was really upsetting. And for our players and staff to not feel safe in an NCAA tournament environment, it's messed up." Utah's deputy athletics director, Charmelle Green, described an alarming incident where individuals in trucks hurled racial slurs at the team. Charmelle Green, the Deputy Athletics Director of Utah and an African American, reported to KSL News in Salt Lake City that the team, including band members and cheerleaders, were en route to a nearby restaurant for a meal when an individual in a white truck approached the group. The driver then loudly revved the engine and shouted a racial slur before quickly driving off. "We all just were in shock, and we looked at each other like, did we just hear that?" Green said. "We kept walking, just shaking our heads, like, 'I can't believe that. "I got emotional and started to cry. I was just numb the entire night." In a statement, Gonzaga University officials acknowledged the situation in a social media post where they showed support for the team. "Hate speech in any form is repugnant, shameful and must never be tolerated. We worked hard to secure the opportunity to serve as the host institution, and our first priority is and must be the safety and welfare of all student-athletes, coaches, families and supporting staff." Give us your thoughts in the comments Link: NBCNews

Coco Gauff has become the first U.S. tennis player to officially secure her place on the Olympic field for her debut in Paris, thanks to accumulating sufficient points to ensure she will be one of the top four U.S. women's singles players by the end of the Olympic qualifying period, concluding after the French Open in early June. Celebrating her 20th birthday, Gauff returns to Delray Beach, Florida, aiming to contribute to the community that supported her journey. "I want to pour into the communities that poured into me," Gauff told NBC News. "Tennis is something I always will promote. But I want to promote sports and other extracurricular activities in general, because I think everybody needs an outlet in their life." Tennis Association focuses on enhancing access to tennis courts nationwide, starting with refurbishing Pompey Park courts, where she trained as a child. This initiative, fueled by a $3 million grant, mirrors Gauff's commitment to sports and community engagement, honoring her family's impactful legacy in civil rights and education in Delray. "The more access you allow children to get to these [courts] — and the more children that are playing — is the greater the probability of the next great champion coming along," Gauff said. Gauff's ambitions for 2024 include winning another Grand Slam and an Olympic medal, reflecting her deep family ties, inspirations from Serena and Venus Williams, and her broader aspirations beyond tennis. Give us your thoughts in the comments Link: NBCNews

Attorneys representing Eldred Joe, a 30-year-old man severely beaten by an officer at Marlboro County Detention Center, demand the release of the incident video. Joe suffered head and body injuries during processing, enduring 12 hours handcuffed, requiring surgeries and hospitalization. Officer Morgan Elridge Ridges allegedly struck Joe's head, attempted to apply a "spit mask," and punched him. Marlboro County Sheriff's Office dismissed Ridges after reviewing surveillance footage, leading to SLED's investigation and Ridges' subsequent arrest for assault and misconduct. Civil rights attorney Bakari Sellers urges public accountability, emphasizing the need for transparency. Sheriff Larry McNeil, since taking office after his predecessor's indictment, suspended Ridges and referred the case to SLED for an independent investigation. However, he cites legal constraints preventing the public release of the video. The victim's family has been invited to view it. Joe's attorneys are considering legal action. Let us know your thoughts in the comments. Link: WPDE

The family of Ryan Gainer, a 15-year-old autistic boy shot by San Bernardino County sheriff's deputies outside his Apple Valley home, has filed a wrongful death claim against the county. This claim indicates plans to sue over allegations of assault, battery, false imprisonment, negligence, and emotional distress. "Under no circumstances should a 15-year-old autistic boy with a gardening hoe be shot and killed without taking the time to calm the boy down before using deadly force," John Burris, a civil rights attorney who is among those representing the family, said in a prepared statement. "The police conduct was unreasonable." Ryan, holding a gardening hoe mistaken for a weapon, was shot despite not presenting a clear threat. The incident, deeply protested by family, friends, and community members, has intensified concerns about police force use, especially against individuals with autism . At the time, Ryan was distressed over a household dispute, and his family had called 911 for assistance, later attempting to cancel the request when Ryan calmed down. However, deputies arrived and fatally shot Ryan as he approached the door with the hoe. The shooting was captured on body camera footage, with deputies claiming it was a split-second decision in line with their training. "He was a super intelligent, kind, generous, respectable, thoughtful, funny, goofy, charismatic person, who always saw the good in people," his family wrote on a GoFundMe page dedicated to collecting funds for funeral expenses. Ryan was shot while holding a gardening hoe mistaken for a weapon, which has raised significant concerns over the use of police force. The case has ignited debate on the police's handling of vulnerable people, with the family and community protesting the shooting and seeking justice for Ryan's death, which they argue was unnecessary and a result of hasty police action. We'll continue to follow this story as more information comes out. Our thoughts are with Ryan Gainer's family. Link: LA Times

In #Washington, a legislative effort led by Republicans aims to halt diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives within U.S. medical schools. Representatives Greg Murphy from North Carolina and Brad Wenstrup from Ohio introduced a bill that seeks to prohibit federal funding for medical institutions engaging in DEI practices. Named the Embracing Anti-Discrimination, Unbiased Curricula, and Advancing Truth in Education Act, or EDUCATE Act, the bill, championed by Murphy, targets the elimination of race-based mandates and DEI pledges within the medical educational sphere. Murphy, with nearly 35 years of surgical experience, criticized the current state where medical tools and student commitments are being politicized. "I come here today as a surgeon of nearly 35 years. As someone who has devoted his entire life, both here and as well as abroad, in taking care of patients of a large minority of individuals who do not look like me," said Murphy. "Prescription pads and scalpels are now being weaponized in some paces in this nation, students are forced to sign a DEI pledge." The bill also aims to cut federal financial support, including student loans, to medical schools that adhere to these practices. At a news conference, Stanley Goldfarb, chairman of Do No Harm, echoed the sentiment, arguing that the focus on politics undermines the quality of medical training, ultimately jeopardizing patient care by prioritizing political advocacy over medical proficiency. The future of the bill, including its reception for bipartisan support in the House or potential Senate co-sponsors, remains uncertain. The proposed EDUCATE Act, backed by Republican lawmakers in Washington, D.C., represents a departure from justice, equity, and inclusion principles within medical education. Framed as an effort to safeguard against politicization and ensure unbiased curricula, this bill instead threatens to undermine efforts to address systemic inequities and promote diversity in medical schools. Link: Fox San Antonio

In #Oregon, a lawsuit alleges a tragic event where 24-year-old Derrick Clark Jr., a Black man, was fatally shot in the back by police officers following a pursuit. The incident occurred on June 18, 2022, after Clark failed to stop for a traffic violation. Despite Clark running away without pointing his discarded gun at the officers, he was shot eight times. Shockingly, the lawsuit claims that officers did not provide medical aid to Clark; instead, they mocked him, detonated explosives near him, and allowed a dog to attack his body. This conduct occurred in Clackamas County, where Black individuals comprise only 1.4% of the population. The updated lawsuit details a horrific scene where officers allegedly neglected Clark for over two hours, contributing to his death by failing to offer necessary medical assistance. Clackamas County officials have not commented on the allegations. The family's lawsuit, initially filed in December, was updated with these details to address defendants' concerns about vagueness. We'll continue to follow this story for updates. Link: AP News

The Portland City Council has approved the formation of a new Public Order Team within the Portland Police Bureau, along with a 6% salary increase for officers joining the team. This move, arising from a bargaining agreement between the city and the police union, aims to bolster "public event management" and "community safety." The team, expected to consist of around 40 members, will undergo 96 hours of specialized training focusing on crowd psychology and effective communication with protesters. This initiative follows the disbandment of a previous response team in 2021, after members resigned amid criticisms of excessive force during 2020's racial justice protests. The disbandment and subsequent charges against officers highlighted issues within the department, such as unclear oversight and heavy reliance on tear gas and pepper spray. The new team's formation has met with skepticism from residents concerned about past police conduct and the efficacy and accountability of this revamped unit. Paul Frazier, a Portland resident, told the council he had little trust in a department that allowed tear gas to drift into neighboring homes during a 2020 protest. "How has anything changed?" he said. "How will we measure the success of this team, and what will the accountability look like to City Council and to the citizens of Portland?" The training and assembly of the team are scheduled to be completed by June, with a focus on addressing past criticisms and adapting to recent state laws on crowd management. This move risks perpetuating the same patterns of violence and abuse that led to the disbandment of the previous response team amidst widespread criticism of police brutality. The allocation of resources towards reconstituting a specialized unit within police fails to address the root causes of social unrest and reflects a continued reliance on coercive tactics rather than meaningful dialogue and community-based solutions. Let us know your thoughts in the comments section. Link: Seattle Times

In #Massachusetts, six juveniles were charged with involvement in a racially charged online bullying incident, which featured abhorrent language, threats of violence against people of color, and a simulated slave auction. This episode unfolded through a #Snapchat conversation among students from Southwick, nearly 104 miles southwest of #Boston, on February 8-9. Hampden District Attorney Anthony Gulluni announced the charges following an investigation initiated on February 15 upon becoming aware of the incident. The Massachusetts State Police Detective Unit led the inquiry, resulting in charges of threatening to commit a crime against all involved juveniles. Additionally, two were charged with interference with civil rights, and one of those also faced charges for witness interference. "Hatred and racism have no place in this community. And where this behavior becomes criminal, I will ensure that we act, and act with swift resolve, as we did here, to uncover it and bring it to the light of justice," Gulluni said. "There is no question that the alleged behavior of these six juveniles is vile, cruel, and contemptible." District Attorney Gulluni emphasized that hatred and racism would not be tolerated, committing to bringing such criminal behavior to justice. He has personally met with the victims and their families, promising that the perpetrators will be punished accordingly. The offensive chat, attributed to 8th-grade students at Southwick Regional School, included racist comments, violence towards people of color, racial slurs, derogatory imagery, and the mock slave auction targeting two juveniles. School authorities were alerted on February 9, leading to immediate and subsequent suspensions under state law. Additionally, initiatives are underway to enhance empathy and community strength against hate, involving new curricula and programs to combat bigotry, racism, and bullying. We recognize that such behavior is rooted in deep-seated structures of oppression that perpetuate harm and inequality. The mock slave auction on Snapchat, along with the use of abhorrent language and threats of violence against people of color, highlights the urgent need to address systemic racism and discrimination. Link: NBCNews

Alabama Governor Kay Ivey signed a bill limiting the teaching of "divisive concepts" and restricting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs in public schools, universities, and state agencies. The legislation, pushed through by the GOP-controlled state legislature, bars sponsorship or requirement of DEI programs and prohibits punishing individuals for not endorsing such concepts. Defined as divisive are teachings suggesting any race, color, religion, sex, ethnicity, or national origin is inherently superior or inferior. The bill also mandates that public college and university students use bathrooms aligning with their biological sex at birth. Set to take effect on October 1, this move by Ivey aims to "protect" Alabama's educational institutions while opposing taxpayer-funded DEI initiatives that she perceives as liberal political movements. Civil rights groups and PEN America have condemned the legislation, likening it to Florida's "Stop Woke Act" and arguing it further intensifies the politicization of educational spaces. Proponents, however, argue it aims to foster unity and return higher education to its foundational principles of academic integrity. While the bill restricts state-funded DEI programs, it does not prohibit such initiatives entirely if they are privately funded. Governor Kay Ivey's recent signing of the bill restricting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs in Alabama's public schools represents a regressive step that undermines efforts to address systemic inequalities and promote inclusive education. By framing DEI initiatives as "divisive concepts" and imposing restrictions on their teaching, this legislation perpetuates a harmful narrative that erases the lived experiences and struggles of marginalized communities. Give us your thoughts in the comments Link: ABC News

The Kentucky House voted to significantly cut funding for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs at public universities. This decision, made by a 68-18 vote, marks a shift in the state's approach to DEI initiatives, aligning with a broader Republican effort across various states to limit these programs. The bill, revised by the House to adopt a stricter stance than the original Senate version, now awaits the Senate's approval. This legislative action proposes the elimination of DEI offices and roles, the prohibition of race-based scholarships, and the barring of academic requirements that include "discriminatory concepts" as defined by the legislation. Furthermore, it aims to prevent public universities from establishing degrees necessitating coursework that the bill deems inappropriate, emphasizing the dismantling of what proponents call "misguided DEI bureaucracies." Proponents, like Republican state Rep. Jennifer Decker, argue that the bill will foster an inclusive and welcoming atmosphere by ending what they see as divisive and discriminatory DEI practices. Critics, however, including Democratic lawmakers, argue that the bill threatens the inclusivity and support systems crucial for students from underrepresented backgrounds, including racial minorities, LGBTQ individuals, disabled students, and those from rural or low-income areas. They warn that the legislation could lead to economic boycotts, a decline in student enrollment from Kentucky, challenges in athletic recruitment, and a stifling of academic freedom. The bill's opposition also points to the potential negative impact on Kentucky's reputation and educational quality, particularly in light of recent national debates over affirmative action and DEI initiatives. Link: NBCNews

In Mississippi, six former white officers were sentenced for illegally entering a home and torturing two Black men, Michael Corey Jenkins and Eddie Terrell Parker. Brett McAlpin, a former deputy, received around 27 years, while Joshua Hartfield, a former Richland police officer, was sentenced to 10 years. This incident involved beatings, the use of stun guns, and assaults with a sex toy, culminating in a mock execution by shooting one victim in the mouth. The other officers involved received varied sentences: Christian Dedmon was sentenced to 40 years for his role in this attack and another incident; Hunter Elward received over 20 years; Jeffrey Middleton and Daniel Opdyke were each sentenced to 17.5 years. U.S. District Judge Tom Lee, who sentenced the officers, described their actions as "egregious and despicable" following a racist tip about the victims staying with a white woman. The officers' brutal assault included racial slurs, physical and psychological torture, and a concocted cover-up involving false charges and planted drugs. A culture of corruption within the sheriff's office was highlighted, with claims that such behavior was encouraged. Despite the officers' guilty pleas and subsequent sentencing, Rankin County Sheriff Bryan Bailey, under whose leadership the deputies operated, was reelected without opposition after claiming the officers had gone rogue. Jenkins and Parker have filed a $400 million civil lawsuit against the department, demanding Bailey's resignation. Link: CBSNEWS

Four years following nationwide protests against systemic racism and police brutality, with activists advocating to "defund the police," #Arizona is taking legislative steps to prevent such measures within the state. A bill currently under consideration by the state Senate seeks to prohibit cities and towns from reducing their #police operating budgets below the previous year's levels. Should a city reduce police funding, the state treasurer would withhold an equivalent amount of state funds from the city until the cuts are reversed. The bill's sponsor, Republican Rep. David Marshall from Snowflake, emphasizes the bill as a preventative measure against the defunding movement, citing crime increases in cities that have reduced police budgets. Although no Arizona cities have attempted to defund their police departments, Marshall describes the bill as proactive, designed to address issues before they arise. The bill, similar to a previous session's attempt but with minor adjustments, allows some flexibility for cities facing specific financial constraints. Critics argue the bill threatens local governance by undermining the autonomy of cities to manage their budgets according to their needs. Concerns are raised about the potential requirement for across-the-board budget cuts in other departments if police funding is reduced. Supporters, however, argue it is necessary to maintain public safety and deter crime. The bill is moving forward to the full Senate for consideration, highlighting a continuing debate over police funding and the balance between state oversight and local control. We vehemently oppose this legislative move, which not only stifles local autonomy but also perpetuates the status quo of over-policing and underinvestment in marginalized communities. Link: AZ Mirror

In Fayetteville, officials have agreed to offer legal support to police officers implicated in a brutality lawsuit stemming from a 2020 arrest incident. Sheila Lee, aged 56, filed a lawsuit against multiple Fayetteville police officers, the former Police Chief, and the Mayor, alleging police misconduct during a traffic stop four years prior. The lawsuit accuses the officers of physically assaulting Lee, resulting in severe injuries, including knocked-out teeth and humiliation in public. Additionally, it alleges an officer punched Lee, causing her to bleed; when she spit out blood, they covered her head with a "spit mask," further complicating her breathing and communication. The city council has unanimously decided to provide the officers with legal representation and has expressed interest in making the body cam footage public. Councilman Mario Benavente highlighted the potential for ongoing legal challenges against the city, even with legal support for the officers. Lee is seeking an undetermined amount of damages, with the lawsuit calling for a jury trial. The decision on whether the case will proceed to court is pending, under the advisement of the city council and interim city attorney. The decision by Fayetteville officials to offer legal support to police officers embroiled in a brutality lawsuit only shows the entrenched system of protection and impunity within police agencies. By extending legal assistance to the accused officers, the city council perpetuates a culture of impunity that undermines accountability and erodes public trust in police. Link: WRAL

Former Mississippi sheriff deputies Daniel Ready Opdyke and Christian Lee Dedmon were sentenced to federal prison for torturing and abusing two Black men, Michael Jenkins and Eddie Parker, in a racist attack. Opdyke received 17.5 years, while Dedmon got 40 years. The incident occurred in January 2023, when Opdyke and Dedmon, along with four other officers, stormed Jenkins and Parker's home without a warrant. Both Opdyke and Dedmon pleaded guilty to multiple felony charges, including civil rights conspiracy, deprivation of rights under color of law, discharge of a firearm during a crime of violence, conspiracy to obstruct justice, and obstruction of justice. Dedmon received a higher sentence for firing his gun twice during the incident in an attempt to intimidate the victims alongside another separate incident where he led the torture of a White man, Alan Schmidt. They assaulted the victims with stun guns, forced them to ingest liquids, and hurled racial slurs. Dedmon fired his gun, injuring Jenkins severely. The officers did not provide medical aid, instead planting evidence and filing false reports. The victims endured physical and emotional trauma, with Jenkins still struggling to speak and eat. Opdyke expressed remorse, acknowledging his participation in excessive force. "I was a coward. I deeply regret all the pain and suffering I caused you," Opdyke said to Parker. "I could have tried to stop it but I didn't." Elward and Middleton, also involved, received prison sentences, while McAlpin and Hartfield await sentencing. The victims and their families expressed the profound impact of the attack, with Jenkins' father suggesting harsh punishment for the perpetrators. U.S. District Judge Tom Lee condemned Opdyke's active involvement and handed down a lengthy sentence. We'll continue to follow this case for more. Link: NBCNews

The family of Immanueal Jaquez Clark-Johnson, a 30-year-old man shot in the back by #Portland police officer Christopher Sathoff, is suing the city and the officer. On Nov. 19, 2022, the #police responded to an armed robbery report and mistakenly identified Clark-Johnson's vehicle as matching the suspect's. "The police then left him to lay on the concrete parking lot, writhing in pain and bleeding out, for 26 minutes before providing any medical attention," the lawsuit said. He died in the hospital five days later. The family alleges violations of Clark-Johnson's Fourth Amendment rights, excessive force, and negligence in providing care post-shooting. Contrary to police reports, Clark-Johnson and another individual, both Black men, were misidentified as suspects described as white. The lawsuit highlights discrepancies in police actions, including preventing bystanders from aiding Clark-Johnson and a delay in medical response, suggesting timely medical intervention could have saved his life. This case also references a history of similar incidents involving Portland police and calls for accountability and damages. A grand jury previously cleared Officer Sathoff of criminal wrongdoing, but the lawsuit seeks a jury trial to address the claims of unjustified use of force and the city's responsibility. "At the end of the day, it is important to have a jury weigh in on how it is that this family can be compensated and whether the city needs to be held accountable," said Juan Chavez, Director of the Civil Rights Project at the Oregon Justice Center. Link: KGW

C.J. Rice, a man convicted of a 2011 shooting in #Philadelphia, has been declared legally innocent and freed after more than 12 years in prison. The Commonwealth of #Pennsylvania dropped all charges against him following a motion from District Attorney Larry Krasner. Rice's defense counsel successfully petitioned for his release, aiming to have his criminal record expunged. "For me personally, I'm glad to see this wrong righted," Rice told #CNN. "Can't call it a mistake. Because the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania's judicial system had at least five separate times to correct this specific situation, and chose not to act in the interest of justice. Either the court did not review the case as the public trust endowed the court the ability to do so, or the Pennsylvania Courts did review the case and chose to allow a clear injustice to stand for as long as no one else knew what was going on. For that, the Pennsylvania Court system is blameworthy and not worthy of any confidence. Nonetheless, my comment to any DA, state, prosecutor, commonwealth who has an innocent person behind bars, let them free!" Rice maintained his innocence throughout, highlighting flaws in the judicial system, including ineffective counsel and a lack of evidence tying him to the crime. Key to his exoneration was the revelation that crucial phone records supporting his alibi were never pursued by his attorney. The case also shed light on systemic issues such as unreliable eyewitness testimony and inadequate police investigations. Rice's release marks a rare victory against wrongful convictions, with legal experts and advocates emphasizing the need for changes to address such injustices. We echo Rice's sentiments in holding the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania's courts accountable for their failure to deliver justice. Rice's exoneration exposes systemic issues, from ineffective legal representation to the disregard for crucial evidence, which perpetuate wrongful convictions and deprive individuals of their freedom. Link: CNN

Civil rights attorney Ben Crump has filed a $25 million federal wrongful death lawsuit on behalf of Darryl Tyree Williams' family. Williams died after Raleigh police officers deployed a Taser on him multiple times outside a sweepstakes parlor in January 2023, leading to sudden cardiac arrest. The lawsuit names the city of Raleigh, Police Chief Estella Patterson, and six officers as defendants. "He was no threat to [the] RPD officers that chased him and racially profiled him," Crump said. Despite Williams' pleas about his heart condition, officers continued to use the Taser, even after subduing him. The autopsy listed Taser use, cocaine intoxication, and physical exertion as contributing factors. Crump argues that cocaine in Williams' system doesn't justify the officers' actions. Emancipate NC Attorney Dawn Blagrove emphasized that legal action was a last resort for accountability. "We have no doubt this lawsuit is strong," Attorney Dawn Blagrove with Emancipate NC said. "We take no joy in this; there's no doubt the city of Raleigh has turned a blind eye to negligence over and over again." The Raleigh Police Department refrained from commenting on the pending litigation, asserting that the officers involved are still employed. This case sheds light on alleged police negligence and excessive force, prompting legal action to hold accountable those involved in Williams' tragic death. We stand in solidarity with Williams' family as they pursue justice through the federal wrongful death lawsuit. Link: WRAL

An appeals court has overturned the conviction of former DeKalb County police officer Robert "Chip" Olsen, who was previously found guilty of several charges for fatally shooting a naked and unarmed military veteran, Anthony Hill. The incident occurred on March 9, 2015, when Olsen responded to a call about Hill behaving erratically at an apartment complex in Chamblee, #Georgia. Upon arrival, Olsen encountered Hill, who allegedly ran towards Olsen's patrol car. Olsen drew his gun and shot Hill shortly after ordering him to stop. Olsen claimed self-defense, stating he feared for his safety as Hill allegedly attacked him. Despite Olsen's defense, a jury found him guilty of aggravated assault, violation of oath, and making a false statement but not guilty of felony murder. He was sentenced to 20 years in prison. However, the Court of Appeals of Georgia overturned Olsen's conviction, citing improper evidence presentation regarding the police department's Use of Force Policy. The court ruled that the policy conflicted with Georgia's self-defense law. The DeKalb County District Attorney's Office expressed disagreement with the decision and intends to appeal to the Georgia Supreme Court, emphasizing their commitment to holding Olsen accountable for Hill's death. Let us know your thoughts in the comments. Link: Fox5Atlanta