Detective files discrimination claim against Seattle police
March 18, 2023 GMTSEATTLE (AP) — A Black woman who has worked for decades as a Seattle police officer filed a $10 million claim with the city against its Police Department on Friday, alleging racial and gender discrimination.
Lawyer: Black Iowa football players at risk under Ferentz
March 8, 2023 GMTThe attorney representing a dozen former Iowa football players who settled their racial discrimination lawsuit with the university's athletic department for over $4 million — half of which is coming from taxpayer funds — said Tuesday that Black Hawkeyes players will continue to be at risk of harassment “as long as Kirk Ferentz is in charge."
Groups accuse Alabama of discrimination in wastewater funds
March 7, 2023 GMTMONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) — Environmental organizations filed a civil rights complaint against Alabama on Monday, accusing the state of discriminating against minority communities in how it distributes funding for wastewater infrastructure, including money for families who need help dealing with raw sewage in their yards.
Alaska rights commission limits LGBTQ discrimination cases
March 6, 2023 GMTANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) — Alaska's human rights commission has reversed an earlier policy and now is only investigating LGBTQ discrimination complaints related to workplace discrimination and not for other categories like housing and financing.
Iowa football settles race bias lawsuit using taxpayer money
March 6, 2023 GMTIowa taxpayers will pay $2 million to help the University of Iowa athletic department settle a lawsuit brought by former football players who allege racial discrimination existed in coach Kirk Ferentz's program, a state board decided in a vote Monday.
Californians await key decisions from reparations task force
March 5, 2023 GMTSACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — Nearly two years into the California reparations task force’s work, the group still has yet to make key decisions that will be at the heart of its final report recommending how the state should apologize and compensate Black residents for the harms caused by slavery and discrimination.
Transgender pastor claims bias, sues Lutheran denomination
March 3, 2023 GMTThe Rev. Megan Rohrer, who was elected as the first openly transgender bishop of one of the largest Christian denominations in the country in May 2021, has filed a lawsuit alleging that he was forced out from his post after enduring several months of discrimination and harassment.
Michigan Senate votes to protect LGBTQ rights
March 1, 2023 GMTLANSING, Mich. (AP) — Michigan senators voted Wednesday to expand the state’s civil rights law to include the LGBTQ community and prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.
Seattle becomes first U.S. city to ban caste discrimination
February 22, 2023 GMTSEATTLE (AP) — The Seattle City Council on Tuesday added caste to the city’s anti-discrimination laws, becoming the first U.S.
Seattle may become the first U.S. city to outlaw caste
February 20, 2023 GMTOne of Kshama Sawant’s earliest memories of the caste system was hearing her grandfather — a man she “otherwise loved very much” — utter a slur to summon their lower-caste maid.
The Seattle City Council member, raised in an upper-caste Hindu Brahmin household in India, was 6 when she asked her grandfather why he used that derogatory word when he knew the girl’s name.
Lawsuit over school ban on Black Lives Matter shirts dropped
February 17, 2023 GMTSPRINGFIELD, Ga. (AP) — A federal judge agreed Friday to dismiss a lawsuit that had accused a Georgia school district of racial discrimination, including for barring students from wearing Black Lives Matter T-shirts.
Japan PM apologizes to LGBTQ activists over ex-aide’s remark
February 17, 2023 GMTTOKYO (AP) — Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida met with representatives of LGBTQ groups Friday and offered an apology over discriminatory remarks made by his former aide that sparked nationwide outrage and calls for the government to ensure equal rights.
US envoy confident Japan will ban LGBTQ discrimination
February 16, 2023 GMTTOKYO (AP) — U.S. Ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel said Wednesday he has “full confidence” that the Japanese government will take the necessary steps to ban discrimination against LGBTQ people.
LGBTQ people have been campaigning for the government to adopt an anti-discrimination law after an aide to Prime Minister Fumio Kishida told reporters he wouldn’t want to live next to LGBTQ people and that citizens would flee Japan if same-sex marriages were allowed.
Roslyn Pope, author of ‘Appeal for Human Rights,’ dies at 84
February 13, 2023 GMTATLANTA (AP) — Roslyn Pope, a college professor and musician who wrote “An Appeal for Human Rights,” laying out the reasons for the Atlanta Student Movement against systemic racism in 1960, has died.
Walz makes Juneteenth a holiday; bans hair discrimination
February 3, 2023 GMTST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Juneteeth will become a state holiday in Minnesota, under a bill signed by Gov. Tim Walz on Friday in a state where it's now illegal to discriminate on the basis of hair texture or style.
Minnesota football players’ discrimination lawsuit dismissed
January 31, 2023 GMTMINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A federal judge has dismissed a lawsuit filed by nine former University of Minnesota football players who were accused of sexual assault in 2016 in a case that roiled the school's football program.
French prime minister unveils plans to tackle racism
January 30, 2023 GMTPARIS (AP) — Name it, act on it, sanction it.
That is the focus of a new drive against racism, anti-Semitism and discrimination of all kinds that was announced Monday by French Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne.
Welsh Rugby Union CEO quits amid discrimination allegations
January 29, 2023 GMTCARDIFF, Wales (AP) — The chief executive of the Welsh Rugby Union quit Sunday amid allegations of a toxic culture at the organization.
Steve Phillips had resisted calls for his resignation, which came after a documentary aired allegations of misogyny, sexism, racism and homophobia at the governing body in Wales.
Seattle could broaden anti-discrimination law to add caste
January 27, 2023 GMTSEATTLE (AP) — Seattle City Councilmember Kshama Sawant wants to add caste to the city’s anti-discrimination policy, saying discrimination takes place throughout the U.S. based on the South Asian practice of assigning people their social status at birth.
Judge tosses ex-police chief’s suit against Charlottesville
January 24, 2023 GMTCHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (AP) — A federal judge has dismissed a former Virginia police chief’s $10 million wrongful termination lawsuit saying she didn’t have sufficient evidence of discrimination, conspiracy or malice.
Dutch Senate expands constitutional ban on discrimination
January 17, 2023 GMTTHE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) — The Dutch Senate on Tuesday approved an amendment to the country's constitution, expanding its first article to specifically ban discrimination based on sexual orientation or disability, a move hailed as historic by rights groups.
Mississippi agency denies NAACP’s water discrimination claim
January 8, 2023 GMTJACKSON, Miss. (AP) — A Mississippi environmental regulator has denied claims that the state agency he leads discriminated against the capital city of Jackson in its distribution of federal funds for wastewater treatment.
Youngkin seeks probe of delayed awards at elite high school
January 3, 2023 GMTFALLS CHURCH, Va. (AP) — Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin called Tuesday for an investigation of a prestigious high school, after some parents there said they were never notified of academic commendations awarded to their children.
Mass shootings compound loss felt by marginalized groups
December 30, 2022 GMTATLANTA (AP) — Pulse was more than a safe space for Brandon Wolf and his friends. The nightclub was a haven for members of Orlando, Florida's LGBTQ community — a place to be themselves without fear.
Netanyahu government: West Bank settlements top priority
December 28, 2022 GMTJERUSALEM (AP) — Benjamin Netanyahu’s incoming hard-line Israeli government put West Bank settlement expansion at the top of its priority list on Wednesday, vowing to legalize dozens of illegally built outposts and annex the occupied territory as part of its coalition deal with ultranationalist allies.
Israeli doctors reject Netanyahu allies’ anti-LGBTQ remarks
December 27, 2022 GMTJERUSALEM (AP) — Israel’s largest medical center and health care workers from hospitals around the country have spoken out against remarks by allies of Benjamin Netanyahu calling for a law to allow discrimination against LGBTQ people in hospitals and businesses.
Netanyahu rebukes far-right ally for anti-LGBTQ comments
December 25, 2022 GMTJERUSALEM (AP) — Designated Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a rare rebuke of his new coalition allies on Sunday for saying they would advance laws allowing discrimination against LGBTQ people, pledging there would be no harm to their rights by his upcoming government.
Transgender worker denied coverage alleges discrimination
December 16, 2022 GMTCONCORD, N.H. (AP) — A transgender woman in New Hampshire filed a discrimination complaint Friday against the manufacturing company where she works as a machinist, challenging its exclusion of gender-transition health coverage.
Ashland Housing Authority settles discrimination lawsuit
December 15, 2022 GMTASHLAND, Ala. (AP) — The U.S. Justice Department announced Thursday that it has settled a discrimination lawsuit accusing an Alabama housing authority of steering residents to different low-income communities based on race.
California reparations task force dives into what is owed
December 15, 2022 GMTOAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — After more than a year delving into history and studies to make its case for reparations to California descendants of enslaved Black people, a first-in-the-nation task force began deliberations Wednesday to quantify how financial compensation might be calculated and what might be required to prove eligibility.
Grand Rapids police face 2 more discrimination charges
December 14, 2022 GMTMichigan's civil rights watchdog announced two charges of discrimination against the Grand Rapids Police Department on Wednesday, further heightening scrutiny of the department following an officer's killing of a Black motorist in April.
Peru’s ex-president faced bigotry for impoverished past
December 10, 2022 GMTLIMA, Peru (AP) — When Pedro Castillo won Peru’s presidency last year, it was celebrated as a victory by the country’s poor — the peasants and Indigenous people who live deep in the Andes and whose struggles had long been ignored.
Pennsylvania panel updates anti-discrimination regulations
December 8, 2022 GMTHARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — A state panel on Thursday narrowly approved new definitions of sex, religious creed and race in Pennsylvania's anti-discrimination regulations, with three members appointed by Democrats in favor and two Republican appointees voting no.
Ex-Idaho cop tied to white supremacy alleges discrimination
December 8, 2022 GMTBOISE, Idaho (AP) — A retired longtime police captain whose ties to a white supremacist group have prompted an in-depth investigation of potential racism at the Boise Police Department filed a discrimination complaint against the city in November.
Jackson County to pay $5.3 million for age discrimination
December 6, 2022 GMTKANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Jackson County will pay $5.3 million to settle a lawsuit filed by a former sheriff's deputy who said he was fired because of his age and health conditions.
The county legislature voted Monday to pay the money to Doug Caster, who was fired in December 2015 when he was 59 years old.
Justices spar in latest clash of religion and gay rights
December 6, 2022 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court 's conservative majority sounded sympathetic Monday to a Christian graphic artist who objects to designing wedding websites for gay couples, the latest collision of religion and gay rights to land at the high court.
Both sides see high stakes in gay rights Supreme Court case
December 3, 2022 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court is being warned about the potentially dire consequences of a case next week involving a Christian graphic artist who objects to designing wedding websites for same-sex couples.
Hockey Canada: 900-plus cases of on-ice discrimination
December 2, 2022 GMTMore than 900 documented or alleged incidents of on-ice discrimination like verbal taunts, insults and intimidation happened in Hockey Canada across all levels and age groups during the 2021-22 season.
Ex-employee files discrimination complaint vs. Canucks
November 28, 2022 GMTVANCOUVER, British Columbia (AP) — A former member of the Vancouver Canucks’ coaching staff has filed a complaint with the British Columbia Human Rights Tribunal, alleging she was fired because of her sex, mental illness and physical disability.
Missouri Supreme Court weighs fate of death row inmate
November 28, 2022 GMTKevin Johnson might not be facing imminent execution if he was white, attorneys speaking on his behalf told the Missouri Supreme Court on Monday.
Meanwhile, Gov. Mike Parson announced he will not grant clemency.
FIFA charges Ecuador over fan chants at World Cup opener
November 22, 2022 GMTDOHA, Qatar (AP) — Discriminatory chants allegedly by Ecuador fans at the World Cup opening game led FIFA to open the first disciplinary case of the tournament on Tuesday.
Jury rejects discrimination suit by former prosecutor
November 22, 2022 GMTPHILADELPHIA (AP) — A federal court jury has rejected a discrimination lawsuit by a veteran former Philadelphia homicide prosecutor over his 2018 termination by District Attorney Larry Krasner.
New Zealand to decide on lowering voting age from 18 to 16
November 21, 2022 GMTWELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — New Zealand lawmakers will take a vote on whether to lower the national voting age from 18 to 16, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said Monday.
Her announcement came hours after the country's Supreme Court ruled that not allowing 16- and 17-year-olds to vote amounted to age discrimination.
Mothers of LGBTQ children join forces in Latin America
November 20, 2022 GMTBUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP) — Fabu Olmedo is so nervous about clubs and restaurants in Paraguay that before a night out she often contacts one to make sure that she'll be let in and won't be attacked or harassed.
Black residents allege discrimination at film studio town
November 18, 2022 GMTATLANTA (AP) — A group of Black residents have filed a lawsuit claiming racial discrimination in a housing development associated with the Georgia film studio used to shoot well-known movies and television shows.
Judge blocks DeSantis law on barring ‘woke’ education
November 17, 2022 GMTTALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — A federal judge in Florida on Thursday blocked a law pushed by Gov. Ron DeSantis that restricts certain race-based conversations and analysis in colleges.
Police detective awarded $4M in sex discrimination lawsuit
November 11, 2022 GMTBOSTON (AP) — A jury has awarded more than $4 million to a former Massachusetts police detective who said in a lawsuit that she was subjected to demeaning and sexist comments at work and rebuked for speaking up about dangerous conduct by other officers during the search for a Boston Marathon bombing suspect.
Nevada passes sweeping version of Equal Rights Amendment
November 10, 2022 GMTRENO, Nev. (AP) — Nevada voters have adopted what is widely considered the most comprehensive state version of the Equal Rights Amendment in the nation, a sweeping update that puts protections in the state Constitution for people who have historically been marginalized.
Rights group: Labor abuses widespread at World Cup stadiums
November 10, 2022 GMTMigrant laborers who built Qatar's World Cup stadiums often worked long hours under harsh conditions and were subjected to discrimination, wage theft and other abuses as their employers evaded accountability, a rights group said in a report released Thursday.
Voters to decide Nevada version of Equal Rights Amendment
November 9, 2022 GMTRENO, Nev. (AP) — Nevada voters on Tuesday will decide to adopt or reject what is widely considered the most comprehensive state version of the Equal Rights Amendment, a sweeping update that would put protections in place for people who have historically been marginalized in the state Constitution.
Designer ready for high court fight on excluding gay couples
November 8, 2022 GMTLITTLETON, Colo. (AP) — A Christian web designer who contends her religious beliefs prevent her from making wedding websites for gay couples said Monday that her legal battle in the U.S. Supreme Court next month is about protecting everyone’s right to free speech.
Teacher asks court to restore suit on trans student pronouns
November 4, 2022 GMTRICHMOND, Va. (AP) — Lawyers for a high school French teacher who was fired after he refused to use a transgender student's pronouns argued before the Supreme Court of Virginia Friday that the school violated his constitutional right to speak freely and exercise his religion.
Black medical worker gets $3M in racial discrimination case
November 4, 2022 GMTBANGOR, Maine (AP) — A federal jury has awarded $3 million to a former Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center worker who said racial discrimination led to his firing.
Attorneys for David Ako-Annan, who is Black, said the damages represented the largest sum awarded for a racial discrimination case in Maine.
Man who won gay rights case at SCOTUS agrees to settlement
November 4, 2022 GMTATLANTA (AP) — A Georgia county has agreed to settle a lawsuit brought by a man whose case was one of three that led to a U.S. Supreme Court ruling that said civil rights law protects gay, lesbian and transgender people from discrimination in employment.
Croatia soccer body fined by UEFA for racist fan incidents
November 4, 2022 GMTNYON, Switzerland (AP) — Croatia’s soccer federation was punished by UEFA on Friday for “racist and discriminatory behavior” by fans at the team’s last game before traveling to the World Cup.
US appeals court: Beauty pageant can bar trans contestants
November 4, 2022 GMTBOISE, Idaho (AP) — A federal appellate court on Wednesday said a national beauty pageant has a First Amendment right to exclude a transgender woman from competing because including her could interfere with the message the pageant has said it wants to send about "what it means to be a woman.”
Pope urges end to death penalty as he arrives in Bahrain
November 3, 2022 GMTAWALI, Bahrain (AP) — Pope Francis urged Bahrain authorities on Thursday to renounce the death penalty and ensure basic human rights are guaranteed for all citizens as he arrived in the Sunni-led kingdom that has been accused by rights groups of systematic discrimination against its Shiite majority.
Grocer Giant settles US claim of discrimination in hiring
November 1, 2022 GMTThe U.S. Department of Justice said Monday reached a settlement with Giant Co. after finding that the grocer discriminated against non-U.S. citizens in hiring.
The Justice Department began investigating late last year after a non-citizen reported that Giant refused to accept documents that gave her permission to work in the U.S.
Japan’s capital begins same-sex partnership recognition
November 1, 2022 GMTTOKYO (AP) — Japan's capital, Tokyo, began issuing certificates recognizing same-sex couples on Tuesday, becoming the largest municipality to do so in a country in which same-sex marriage is not allowed.
3 Maryland State Police officers file discrimination lawsuit
October 26, 2022 GMTGREENBELT, Md. (AP) — Three Maryland State Police officers have filed a proposed federal class-action lawsuit against the department, alleging widespread racial discrimination in the agency.
USPS honoring late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg with stamp
October 24, 2022 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. Postal Service is honoring the late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg as “an icon of American culture” with a stamp in the new year.
Judge rules for California baker over same-sex wedding cake
October 23, 2022 GMTBAKERSFIELD, Calif. (AP) — A California judge has ruled in favor of a bakery owner who refused to make wedding cakes for a same-sex couple because it violated her Christian beliefs.
The state Department of Fair Housing and Employment had sued Tastries Bakery in Bakersfield, arguing owner Cathy Miller intentionally discriminated against the couple in violation of California’s Unruh Civil Rights Act.
DC real estate firms to pay $10M for housing discrimination
October 21, 2022 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — A trio of real estate companies will pay $10 million for illegally discriminating against renters using government housing vouchers in the nation's capital, in what Washington Attorney General Karl Racine said was the largest civil penalty in U.S.
Nevada voters weigh state version of Equal Rights Amendment
October 20, 2022 GMTRENO, Nev. (AP) — Nevada voters are deciding whether to adopt an Equal Rights Amendment in their state constitution, a sweeping update that would guarantee equal rights to people who have historically been marginalized.
Justice: Hotel sued for denying rooms to Native Americans
October 19, 2022 GMTSIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — The U.S. Department of Justice sued the owners of a Rapid City, South Dakota hotel on Wednesday, alleging that they violated the civil rights of Native Americans by trying to ban them from the property.
Marshall resurrects men’s indoor, outdoor track teams
October 19, 2022 GMTHUNTINGTON, W.Va. (AP) — Marshall is resurrecting its men's indoor and outdoor track and field teams after a nearly two-decade absence.
Marshall's Board of Governors approved the move Wednesday.
Feds: Mississippi rental company fined for discrimination
October 18, 2022 GMTJACKSON, Miss (AP) — The owners of a Mississippi apartment rental company have agreed to pay damages to four prospective tenants who helped uncover a pattern of racial discrimination by their employee that violated federal law, the U.S.
Federal government sues Georgia county over firing of 2 men
October 14, 2022 GMTATLANTA (AP) — A federal lawsuit filed Thursday accuses Georgia's Bartow County of violating the Civil Rights Act of 1964 when it fired two Black men two years ago.
U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan of the Northern District of Georgia said the county, which is about 45 miles (72 kilometers) north of Atlanta, subjected former employee Carlen Loyal to a racially hostile work environment and retaliated against former employee Bobby Turner before dismissing them both.
Realtors apologizing for past discrimination, urging change
October 14, 2022 GMTST. LOUIS (AP) — When Abdul-Kaba Abdullah decided to sell his home two years ago, he listed the neatly-kept, four-bedroom house at $175,000 based on presale evaluations.
But once a buyer made an offer, an appraiser valued the home at only $150,000, and the bank wouldn’t give a loan for the original asking price.
EPA: Racial disparity in Louisiana’s ‘Cancer Alley’
October 13, 2022 GMTNEW ORLEANS (AP) — The Environmental Protection Agency said it has evidence that Black residents in an industrial section of Louisiana face an increased risk of cancer from a nearby chemical plant and that state officials have allowed air pollution to remain high and downplayed its threat.
Wash. fruit company sued over discrimination, retaliation
October 13, 2022 GMTSELAH, Wash. (AP) — A fruit company in central Washington is accused in a federal lawsuit of discriminating against an employee based on her sex, and retaliating against her and her husband.
European court tells Swiss to end discrimination against men
October 12, 2022 GMTGENEVA (AP) — Switzerland is grappling with how to respond to a ruling from Europe's top human rights court that Swiss law unfairly discriminates against men — because widowers receive lower state allocation payments than widows do.
England willing to be penalized for World Cup armband
October 10, 2022 GMTMANCHESTER, England (AP) — England is prepared to face FIFA punishment by wearing the “OneLove” anti-discrimination armband at the World Cup.
Ten European nations have committed to promote inclusion and campaign against discrimination this season.
Boise settles federal gender discrimination lawsuit
October 8, 2022 GMTBOISE, Idaho (AP) — An Idaho city has settled a federal discrimination lawsuit with a former library employee who said they were harassed and discriminated against because they are non-binary and transgender, the Idaho Statesman reports.
Virginia judge: Discriminatory policing suit can go forward
October 6, 2022 GMTRICHMOND, Va. (AP) — A lawsuit against a Virginia town that alleges its police department has operated in a way that led to unlawful racial discrimination and violated individuals' constitutional rights can move forward, a judge ruled Thursday.
New S Korea gov’t seeks to abolish gender equality ministry
October 6, 2022 GMTSEOUL, South Korea (AP) — South Korea’s new conservative government said Thursday it will push to abolish a gender equality ministry and create a new agency with broader responsibilities, one of President Yoon Suk Yeol’s campaign promises that roiled March’s hotly contested election.
Colorado baker fighting ruling over gender transition cake
October 6, 2022 GMTDENVER (AP) — The Colorado baker who won a partial Supreme Court victory after refusing on religious grounds to make a gay couple's wedding cake a decade ago is challenging a separate ruling he violated the state's anti-discrimination law by refusing to make a cake celebrating a gender transition.
Pakistan launches anti-harassment hotline for trans people
September 30, 2022 GMTISLAMABAD (AP) — Pakistan on Friday launched a hotline for transgender people in an effort to protect them from discrimination and harassment, a senior government official said.
Trans people in Pakistan are considered outcasts by many, especially in conservative areas in the country, where they are often sexually abused, assaulted and even murdered.
UN body faults ‘piecemeal’ work to end racial discrimination
September 30, 2022 GMTGENEVA (AP) — Recent initiatives in places like the Americas and Europe to end discrimination against people of African descent are mostly “piecemeal” and more efforts are needed to dismantle entrenched racism, the U.N.