JOBS POLICIES, ANALYSIS, AND RESOURCES
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The Teacher’s Protests of 2019 Continued
Brief #32—Education Policy Summary The nationwide teacher-led demonstrations continue to materialize with greater tenacity and vigor. Day after day this week, the streets of major cities across the country drew a similar portrait of streets lined of protesting...
Say Goodbye to Surprise Medical Bills! Well, Not Entirely
Brief #48—Health Policy Summary Donald Trump and his administration have taken proactive steps to solve the nationwide issue of surprise hospital fees. Starting this month, Trump has mandated that hospitals publicly reveal prices for their services. These online...
The Economic Aftermath of a Government Shutdown
Brief #33—Economic Policy Policy Summary After more the four long weeks, the longest government shutdown in the history of our nation has ended. This past Friday saw Donald Trump sign into a bill that would temporarily reopen the government and allow most furloughed...
Trump’s Wall Explained
Brief #62—Immigration Policy Summary Before President Trump took office there were 654 miles of barrier; 354 miles to block individuals walking across the border and 300 miles of anti-vehicle fencing that cost roughly $7 Billion during the Bush Administration....
Federal District Court Issues Ruling Prohibiting Citizenship Status Question on 2020 National Census Questionnaire
Brief #75—Civil Rights Policy SummaryArticle 1, Section 2 of the United States Constitution states "Representatives...shall be apportioned among the several States...according to their respective numbers. The actual Enumeration shall be made...within every subsequent...
Trump and Destruction of the American Mind
Donald Trump completes two years as president, and one characteristic of his term has been disdain for scientific evidence, historical perspectives, educated opinions and traditional alliances. These attitudes are not Trump’s own and the presidency represents...
Democrats’ Green New Deal Gains Momentum amid Shutdown
Brief #54—Environment Policy Summary New York governor Andrew Cuomo announced Thursday that his new executive budget would focus on diminishing the state’s dependence on fossil fuels and promoting a clean energy economy. The governor is the latest in a long line of...
The Many Global Agreement Withdrawals of the Trump Administration
Brief #55—Foreign Policy President Trump’s campaign was defined by the complete rejection of international cooperation and multilateral agreements. According to Trump’s mindset, in every deal the United States was either being cheated or doing the cheating, and his...
Court of Appeals Issues Ruling Prohibiting Elected Officials From Banning Online Critics on Social Media Platforms
Brief #74—Civil Rights Policy Summary Phyllis Randall is an elected official and holds the position of Chair for Loudon County, Virginia, Board of Supervisors. In this role, Ms. Randall opened a Facebook page titled "Chair Phyllis J. Randall's" Facebook page which...
Will Raising Minimum Age To Purchase Guns to Twenty – One Make A Difference?
National Protest Action
February 28, 2018
Summary
On February 14, 2018, a school shooter opened fire at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida and killed seventeen people. The accused gunman, nineteen – year old Nikolas Cruz, was taken into custody and is awaiting trial. After the shooting numerous companies took action to distance themselves from and reduce business ties with the National Rifle Association (NRA), a non – profit group that is seen as an obstacle to enacting gun restriction legislation. While most companies eliminated discounts and benefits available to NRA members, the retail stores Walmart and Dick’s Sporting Goods announced that they were raising the age limit to purchase guns from their stores from eighteen to twenty – one. Dick’s Sporting Goods also announced that they would no longer sell high capacity magazines at all. LEARN MORE, LEARN MORE
Analysis
The actions taken by Walmart and Dick’s Sporting Goods are admirable steps to combat the number of school shootings in America. But raising the age limit to twenty-one to purchase a gun from their stores does not completely address the issue. An editorial in the Richmond Times Dispatch on March 3, 2018 calculated that the average age of a spree killer in America was thirty – five years. In the October 1, 2017 shooting in Las Vegas, Nevada the shooter Stephen Paddock was a sixty-four year old man and reportedly owned more than forty guns. The shooter in the Orlando nightclub shooting was a twenty-nine year old Afghani man. And in the Sandy Hook school shooting, Adam Lanza was a twenty – year old but had easy access to weapons because of his mother who was described as a “gun enthusiast.” Having the minimum age to purchase a gun would not have applied to these shooters except Adam Lanza although he still had easy access to weapons because of his mother.
Would raising the age limit to purchase guns really have an effect on reducing mass shootings? Schools are not the only places that have had to deal with gun violence. There have been incidents at concerts, a movie theater, military bases and even at an outdoor Congresswoman event in Arizona. The ages of these shooters are outside the range of eighteen to twenty-one years old. While the actions of Walmart and Dick’s Sporting Goods is a step in the right direction, what is needed to combat these incidents is to not merely place restrictions within a certain age range but to look at all of these incidents together and look for more common threads than age and location of the shooting. The epidemic of mass shootings in America have not been isolated only to schools and the shooters have not always been under the age of twenty-one. LEARN MORE, LEARN MORE
Engagement Resources
- Brady Campaign To Prevent Gun Violence – non – profit group advocating an end to gun violence.
- Every Town For Gun Safety – non – profit group looking to end gun violence and build safer communities.
- Coalition To Stop Gun Violence – coalition group on issues of guns in America.
This brief was compiled by Rod Maggay. If you have comments or want to add the name of your organization to this brief, please contact rod@usresistnews.org.
Companies Distance Themselves From National Rifle Association (NRA) In Wake of Shooting at Parkland Florida High School
National Protest Action
February 26, 2018
Summary
On February 14, 2018, seventeen students at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida were killed when a shooter opened fire at the school. In the aftermath of the tragedy, a debate on gun control in the United States emerged with arguments for more gun control and restrictions and arguments that opposed many of those proposals. The National Rifle Association (NRA), which bills itself as a civil rights organization that strives to protect the Second Amendment, were accused of trying to undermine legislative proposals that could be implemented to reduce incidents of school and mass shootings in America. In response to a perceived inability to influence state and federal legislators to enact more restrictive gun laws because of the political influence of the NRA, numerous companies decided to distance themselves and reduce their business associations with the NRA. LEARN MORE
Analysis
In recent years, the United States has experienced an increasing number of fatal shootings with numerous fatalities at places of learning and in the workplace. In the aftermath of these tragic shootings, there have been discussions on what can be done to prevent incidents in the future but nothing of substance has been implemented at the federal or state level. The NRA has traditionally been at the forefront of opposing gun restriction legislation and has been very effective at influencing politicians. The tragedy at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School appears to be different because of events that have transpired that did not occur after other shootings in years past. Likely because of a CNN town hall meeting video of Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL) meeting with school survivors, most of America saw the anger in the students about why nothing was being done. And in a surprising move, numerous companies decided to cut ties with the NRA because of the perceived influence they have in defeating gun restriction legislation. At last count, twenty-four companies have decided to cut ties or reduce business associations with the NRA after the shooting in Parkland, Florida. There have been four medical services companies that have reduced business ties. Six travel service companies, including two airline carriers and a number of car rental companies, have followed suit. In addition, two banks and four companies in the insurance industry, some of whom provided gun insurance to NRA members, have also announced they will discontinue benefits to NRA members. (See the specific list of companies in Engagement Resources below).
This is remarkable because these types of incidents did not happen after mass shootings in years past. What has been put on display is the anger of high school students and citizens and companies who are simply fed up with the lack of progress at the state and federal level to keep guns out of the hands of dangerous individuals. The hope is that America has now finally turned the corner. It remains to be seen what will happen but with companies now willing to distance themselves from the NRA and an upcoming student protest march planned for later in March that a more open and honest dialogue about gun control can occur without the discussion being twisted and manipulated by the interests of the NRA. LEARN MORE, LEARN MORE
Engagement Resources
- March For Our Lives – online petition and webpage for info on March 24, 2018 march to end gun violence and school shootings in America today. Started by survivors of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting.
- Brady Campaign To Prevent Gun Violence – non – profit group advocating an end to gun violence.
- Every Town For Gun Safety – non – profit group looking to end gun violence and build safer communities.
- Coalition To Stop Gun Violence – coalition group on issues of guns in America.
- Listing of Companies That Have Reduced Business Ties With the NRA – sorted by category:
- Health Services Companies: MetLife, Teledoc, Starkey Hearing Technologies and Paramount RX
- Insurance Companies: Chubb, Securian Financial Group, MetLife and Lockton
- Banks: First National Bank of Omaha and Republic Bank
- Travel Services: Enterprise, Hertz, Allied Van Lines, North American Van Lines, Avis, Budget, TrueCar, Delta Airlines and United Airlines
- Software: Symantec and Lifelock
This brief was compiled by Rod Maggay. If you have comments or want to add the name of your organization to this brief, please contact rod@usresistnews.org.
Trump Administration Sues California Over Sanctuary Policies
March 6, 2018
Summary
On Tuesday, March 6, Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced that the Trump administration is suing the State of California, its Governor Jerry Brown (D), and its Attorney General Xavier Becerra (D), over three recently passed pieces of legislation, referred to as “sanctuary laws,” that have “made it impossible for federal immigration officials to do their jobs and deport criminals who were born outside of the United States” (New York Times). Specifically, the lawsuit seeks to render the Immigration Worker Protection Act (AB 450), Assembly Bill 103, and the California Values Act (SB 54) unconstitutional. The lawsuit was filed in Federal District Court in Sacramento.
Analysis
California has the largest immigrant population in the United States as of 2012, according to the Pew Research Center, so it is no wonder that the state has gone to greater lengths than others to protect the rights and interests of its immigrant residents through the passage of sanctuary laws. These laws, however, contradict and threaten the populist, nationalist, hateful rhetoric and political action spearheaded by Trump and Sessions. By putting the federal government at odds with the State of California, the Trump administration continues to polarize government at all levels, fostering an increasingly toxic and dangerous political climate.
In this particular instance, the California Values Act, which was signed into law by Governor Brown in October of 2017, seems to have been the straw that broke Trump’s back, for he threatened to pull Immigration Customs and Enforcement (ICE) officials from the state following the bill’s passage. This lawsuit could be an indication of precedent: when Trump doesn’t get his way, he sues.
For the most part, federal judges have been crucial in blocking some of Trump’s most outlandish immigration policy, particularly as it pertains to the phase-out of DACA. As the litigation unfolds, Californians and non-Californians alike in favor of progressive (and quite frankly—fair) immigration policies will vigorously advocate for these policies to remain in place. In the event that the ruling is in favor of the plaintiff (Trump), the results could be devastating, leading to the deportation of thousands of people across California. Should the ruling be in favor of the defendants, however, it will signify to the President and his administration that the country is losing tolerance for unfounded hate.
Engagement Resources
- Show Your Solidarity with the Immigrant Legal Resource Center: The Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ILRC) is a national nonprofit resource center that provides immigration legal trainings, technical assistance, and educational materials, and engages in advocacy and immigrant civic engagement to advance immigrant rights. You can support the center by donating or attending one of their virtual or in-person trainings.
- Act with America’s Voice: America’s Voice is a progressive immigration reform nonprofit that advocates for full and equal rights of all immigrants. The organization runs numerous campaigns, maps incidents of hate against people of color, and assists with voter registration, amongst other activities essential to promoting equity for immigrant lives in the United States. You can make a contribution to America’s Voice here.
- Support the New Americans Campaign: The New Americans Campaign is a national, nonpartisan network of immigrant organizations, legal service providers, faith-based organizations, faith-based organizations, immigrant rights groups, foundations, and community leaders. A project by the Immigration Legal Resource Center, the campaign is committed to connecting lawful permanent residents to trusted legal assistance. Click here to support the campaign.
This brief was compiled by Allie Blum. If you have comments or want to add the name of your organization to this brief please contact allie@usresistnews.org.
Trump’s White House Opioid Summit: Indication of Continued Inaction
March 6, 2018
Summary
On Thursday, March 1, 2018, the White House held an Opioid Epidemic Summit to discuss possible solutions for the current public health emergency. In true Trump fashion, there was much discussion of possible policy implementations, but little action. Trump notably suggested that a capital charge should be set up for fentanyl traffickers and heroin drug dealers, similar to the death penalty set up in Singapore. Secretary of Health and Human Services, Alex Alzar, encouraged states to use medication assistance programs or “wavers” provided through federal programs like Medicaid. In addition, Housing and Urban Development Secretary, Ben Carson, made efforts to continue to discuss how communities could provide more housing and resources for those suffering from addiction. The strongest action came from Attorney General Jeff Sessions, who filed a statement of interest in suing opioid manufacturers and distributors. To do this, he set up a Prescription Interdiction and Litigation Task Force. Other cabinet secretaries discussed strategies to close the supply chain of fentanyl from China and Mexico. This would mostly encourage China and Mexico to make fentanyl illegal in their countries as well. Ultimately, the summit reviewed multiple policy options, but there is still little action from the administration on the crisis.
Analysis
Since Trump declared the opioid crisis a public health emergency in October of 2017, there has been very little successful action on preventative measures and combatting the effects of the crisis. The medication assistance “waiver” program suggested by HHS Secretary Alzar has only been filed by five different governors. This is due to Trump’s suggestions to cut Medicaid programs which have greatly decreased states’ interest in forming a reliance on the medication assistance programs. Closing off the supply chain from Mexico and China could help with decreasing the amount of fentanyl trafficked, but only 1,485 pounds of fentanyl were seized by Customs and Border Protection officials from border and postal service intersection, compared to individual US distributors where as much as 141 pounds were seized from two traffickers. As for AG Sessions’ Task Force on Litigation, that appears to have been the most effective means of eradicating online trafficking sites like Alpha Bay and holding manufacturers and distributors accountable. Even so, it’s unclear how effective this policy will be since opioid manufacturers and distributors have provided close to $4 billion dollars in advocacy and lobbying in Congress for pharmaceutical companies profiting off of the current crisis. Litigating these conspirators will not stop them from advocating for the distribution of these drugs in the beginning of the supply chain. Additionally, Sessions has made comments negating the role of Big Pharma in the opioid crisis, and blaming medical marijuana instead for much of the problems.
No new policy has been implemented since 2017 from the White House or the Department of Health and Human Services, and it appears that will remain the status quo.
Engagement Resources
- NLC Opioid Action Report -Learn more about the National League of Counties and Cities report on community engagement and action for leaders on combating the opioid crisis.
- As always, contact your state’s elected officials and voice your concerns.
This brief was compiled by Sophia Adams. If you have comments or want to add the name of your organization to this brief please contact sophia@usresistnews.org.
EPA Announces Remedy for West Lake Landfill Superfund Site
EPA West Lake Landfill Superfund Site Press Release and Corrected Proposal
February 6, 2018
Summary
EPA Secretary Pruitt announced a proposed remedy for the West Lake Landfill in North Saint Louis County calling the site a top priority for the EPA. The project, named “Excavation Plus,” will remove most of the radioactive material that poses a public health threat and place a permanent cap and engineered cover system for long-term health and safety. “Excavation Plus” will take 5 years to complete and includes digging to a depth of 16 feet to remove the waste. This decision came after much public criticism of the EPA and local agencies on their apparent unwillingness to find a solution to a problem that has only become more alarming over time. Westlake was established as a solid waste landfill in the early 1970s before standards or permits were required for such entities. In 1973, Westlake became radiologically contaminated when uranium processing waste was dumped on site, but it was not declared a Superfund site until 1990 when radioactive materials were confirmed on both the surface of the landfill and areas below (7 to 12 feet or deeper). Even then it was deemed as only requiring “further monitoring.” In 2008, the EPA placed a cap on the landfill hoping to stave off the spread of the contamination and prevent fumes in the surrounding area. In December of 2010, officials discovered a smoldering underground fire about 1,000 feet from the nuclear waste site, and emergency plans were created in the event that this fire reached the radioactive waste. Residents were confused and alarmed by this news, as well as the accompanying increase in fumes and odors from the landfill. “Excavation Plus” is a long-awaited excavation to remedy public health threats and prevent further damage.
Analysis
The Westlake Landfill has long been a complicated site, but the introduction of the fire put a timetable on disaster. However, it is not as simple as removing waste or putting out a fire. Removing the waste is a costly and time-consuming process that may release a higher level of toxins into the air and groundwater, posing risks to workers and residents. In March of 2013, over two years after the discovery of the fire, the “area of high subsurface temperatures” was measured at a depth of up to 150 feet and over an area of hundreds of yards, inching closer to the radioactive waste location. This was the tipping point for many locals. Residents of the surrounding areas rallied together to support each other and protest inaction from the government on multiple levels. A fire break was built in response to a lawsuit filed in 2013. There was a push for a more long-term solution. Now 600 feet from the fire, the current plan will remove 70% of the waste at a depth of 16 feet. Residents are concerned that partial removal will not be enough, and the public comment period has been extended to address concerns.
Engagement Resources
- Read more about the History of the Westlake Landfill
- Read the Full Proposal or submit Public Comment through April 23. 2018
- Watch the HBO Documentary about the community response to Westlake in Atomic Homefront
This brief was compiled by Megan Toney. If you have comments or want to add the name of your organization to this brief please contact megan@usresistnews.org.
Department of Education Releases Notice to States: Stop Regulating Student Loan Servicers
March 11, 2018
Summary
On Friday, March 9, the U.S. Department of Education released a notice to stop states from regulating federal student loan servicers. The notice states, “Recently, several States have enacted regulatory regimes or applied existing State consumer protection statutes that undermine these goals by imposing new regulatory requirements on the Department’s Direct Loan servicers, including State licensure to service Federal student loans.” The notice also states that the federal government is the only entity that has the authority to provide oversight to their contractors.
The notice specifically names a Massachusetts lawsuit filed by state Attorney General Maura Healey, against the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency, commonly known as FedLoan Servicing, as an example of states overstepping federal authority. The federal government intervened on behalf of the loan servicer in this case although it is still ongoing.
Other states that have implemented their own regulations include California, Connecticut and the District of Columbia; they all require federal student loan servicers to obtain a license to operate in the state, meaning the state’s local agencies have the authority to monitor and investigate the loan servicers. New York, New Jersey, and Illinois are in the process of implementing similar practices.
Analysis
The Department of Education’s federal student loan servicers handle roughly $1 trillion in student loan debt. Between September of 2016 and August of 2017, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau received 12,900 complaints about these student loans; over 9,000 of these complaints were directly related to loan servicer issues. These complaints are why states have been implementing their own regulations to monitor federal student loan servicers.
In October of 2017, 25 state attorneys general sent a letter to Education Secretary Betsy DeVos, defending their right to protect their residents from the “fraudulent and abusive practices” of student loan servicers. The letter signed by Democrat and Republican attorneys general alike states, “State enforcement agencies have long been at the frontlines in protecting their citizens from fraud, deceptive conduct; and unfair business practices, including by financial service companies, debt collectors, and others. Indeed, such actions reflect fundamental states’ rights and fall squarely within the historic police powers reserved to the states.”
In response to the Department of Education’s new notice, many of the attorney generals that signed the letter spoke out against the notice. California Attorney General Xavier Becerra said in a tweet addressed to Betsy DeVos, “Betsy Devos, with today’s announcement, is attempting to exempt private contractors that service federal student loans from complying with state law. This is suspicious, unprecedented & most importantly, without any legal basis under federal law.”
Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey also tweeted about the new notice. “Secretary DeVos can write as many love letters to the student loan industry as she wants, we will not shut down our investigations or stand by while these companies rip off students and families.”
The National Consumer Law Center also released a press release in response to the new notice. In the press release Persis Yu, a staff attorney and director of the National Consumer Law Center’s Student Loan Borrower Assistance Project, said, “Servicers and collectors who mistreat student loan borrowers and steer them into inappropriate payment plans should not be above the law. . . States have a critical role to play in protecting student loan borrowers. With the Education Department inappropriately siding with servicers over borrowers, the role of states is now more critical than ever.”
Meanwhile, organizations representing student loan servicers, are pleased with the contents of the notice. The Student Loan Servicing Alliance, a non-profit, membership organization of student loan servicers and software providers in the Federal Family Education Loan Program and Federal Direct Loan Program, also released a press release in response to the notice. In the release they say, “The Department’s guidance is not just good law, it is good policy. Clear, uniform student loan servicing guidance from the federal government will help borrowers avoid the frustrations of an inconsistent patchwork of policies from individual states.”
There is currently no law that explicitly states the Department of Education has the authority to stop states from regulating student loan servicers. This notice will likely go to the courts to determine who has legal authority to regulate federal student loan servicers.
Engagement Resources
- National Consumer Law Center—A nonprofit that works with other nonprofits, legal services organizations, private attorneys, policymakers, and federal and state government and courts to stop exploitative practices.
- Student Debt Crisis—A nonprofit dedicated to reforming student debt and higher education loan policies.
This brief was compiled by Rebecca Leclerc. If you have comments or want to add the name of your organization to this brief please contact, rebecca@usresistnews.org.
Alzar’s Proposed ACA Change Increases “Junk Insurance” and Insurance Premiums for Nation’s Sickest
March 4, 2018
Summary
On Tuesday, February 20th, Secretary of Health and Human services, Alex Alzar announced a proposed rule to offer more “short term, limited duration health insurance.” This proposed rule would shorten the maximum time period of all Affordable Care Act (ACA) health care insurance plans from 12 to 3 months. This would increase the presence of short term insurance plans in the ACA marketplace giving more options to Americans who can’t commit to a longer plan like college students taking a semester off or people in between jobs. In a continued effort to undermine the ACA, this change is one of many coming from Trump’s October 2017 Executive Order 13813, “Promoting Healthcare Choice and Competition Across the United States.” The Executive Order is an attempt to reverse and dismantle the ACA’s protections for marketplaces, and ensuring quality plans for individuals not able to afford more expensive plans. The latest change would create more options for cheaper insurance, but not ensure those plans’ quality. LEARN MORE
Analysis
Part of ensuring quality plans under the ACA that include vital benefits meant limiting the existence of these short term plans. This new change will allow for more insurance carriers to offer cheaper plans that exclude important benefits–the reason most of these people need more extensive insurance plans in the first place. It is predicted that between 100,000 and 200,000 of those insured on the 12 month long plan will switch to these lower quality, shorter plans. This will also likely increase the cost of premiums for those that need more extensive coverage, those already burdened by higher medical expenses. After a federal comment period, this law will take place sometime in April or early May. Some states, like California, that prefer the longer coverage have already proposed legislation to prevent this change. LEARN MORE
Engagement Resources
- NCHC – Learn more about the National Coalition on Healthcare and how they focus on ensuring healthcare reform for vulnerable populations and what this proposal would mean for the country’s sickest.
- As always, contact your state’s elected officials and voice your concerns.
This brief was compiled by Sophie Adams. If you have comments or want to add the name of your organization to this brief please contact sophie@usresistnews.org.
Trump Institutes New Sanctions Against North Korea
February 2nd, 2018
Summary
On February 23rd, in the final minutes of an 80-minute speech, President Trump offhandedly mentioned a new set of sanctions against North Korea. What Trump called the “heaviest sanctions ever imposed on a country before” targeted 27 entities and 28 vessels in North Korea, China, and Singapore accused of helping the North Korean government fund its weapons program. They specifically target sea trade, which has been exploited thus far as a difficult to trace source of income. Trump ominously threatened that a failure of the sanctions to solve the North Korean crisis would trigger “phase 2” which may be “ very, very unfortunate for the world”. While the increase in sanctions pushes us closer to a full economic blockade, Treasury Secretary Mnuchin clarified that we would petition China and other countries to inspect suspicious vessels rather than involving the US military.
Analysis
The Trump administration’s hope is that by blocking trade they can starve the North Korean government, forcing them to end their nuclear program. Thus far North Korea has been able to skirt many of these restrictions. Recorded Future, a private digital intelligence firm, estimated that the country has earned somewhere between $15 and $200 million through cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin. The Institute for Science and International Security reported in December that 49 countries have violated UN resolutions regarding North Korean trade restrictions. North Korea also evades restrictions by changing the names of ships. Chinese banks are another major source of income to the country. Many have been accused of laundering money to help fund North Korea’s nuclear program, yet they have been largely avoided by sanctions.
The world witnessed allusions towards a potential for peace during the Winter Olympics, but the Trump administration seem to be failing to share the enthusiasm. The White House only agreed to pursue talks with North Korea after pressure from South Korean President Moon Jae-in. President Moon’s administration, which began this year and has taken a more friendly approach towards North Korea, has caused strain between South Korea and the United States. Trump doesn’t seem to be in any hurry to surround himself with much expertise in the region, considering over a year into his presidency he has yet to appoint an ambassador to South Korea. His previous pick, Victor Cha, was withdrawn after expressing disapproval towards the Trump administration’s suggestion of attacking North Korea before they can attack us. After the news broke Cha published an op-ed decrying this prospect. This is part of a longstanding approach by the Trump administration, preferring hard-nosed militarism and aggression over diplomacy, cooperation, proficiency, and judgment.
Engagement Resources
- Read a USResist Summary of the Trump Administration’s Use of Sanctions: Here is the full summary, which covers sanctions against Iran, Syria, and North Korea.
- Support the International Peace Bureau: The IPB is a peace federation founded in 1981 with the expressed priorities of disarmament and reallocation of military expenditure. Consisting of 300 member organizations across 70 countries, the IPB is building an international movement to reduce unnecessary conflict among states. You can support by donating or applying to become a member.
This brief was compiled by Colin Shanley. If you have comments or want to add the name of your organization to this brief please contact colin@usresistnews.org.
Increase in Racial Harassment Complaints to the Department of Education
March 4, 2018
Summary
The civil rights division of the US Department of Education has seen a substantial increase in the number of racial harassment complaints they’ve received during 2017. Over the last nine years the Department’s civil rights division has never seen more than 600 racial harassment complaints in a year, until 2017 when 675 were filed. This is an almost 25% increase over 2016 and is the biggest climb in reported racial harassments since 2009. The data was released after a Huffington Post inquiry. This new data comes at a time when the Department of Education has announced they will be scaling back investigations into civil rights violations in public schools and universities.
Analysis
A Southern Poverty Law Center report released in November of 2016 after the presidential election, surveyed over 10,000 teachers, school counselors and administrators on the impact the election had on students. The study reported that 8 in 10 respondents saw heightened anxiety on the part of marginalized students, including immigrants, Muslims, African Americans and LGBT students. It was also reported that 4 in 10 respondents heard derogatory language directed at students of color, Muslims, immigrants and people based on gender or sexual orientation.
In another report, titled the Year in Hate and Extremism, released by the Southern Poverty Law Center on February 21, 2018, a rise in black nationalist hate groups was reported. In 2016 there was 183 chapters of black nationalist hate groups growing to 233 chapters in 2017. They also saw neo-Nazi groups grow from 99 groups in 2016 to 121 in 2017. As Catherine Lhamon, chair of the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights told the Huffington Post, “Our schools are places that encapsulate and reflect the national climate as well. It is distressingly unsurprising that there might be an uptick in racial harassment complaints coming to OCR.”
Engagement Resources
- Southern Poverty Law Center—A nonprofit that fights hate and bigotry, and seeks justice for the most vulnerable members of society.
- ACLU—A nonprofit that works to preserve and extend constitutionally guaranteed rights to people that have historically been denied these rights because of their race.
- YWCA—A nonprofit organization that works to eliminate racism, empower women, and promote peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all.
This brief was compiled by Rebecca Leclerc. If you have comments or want to add the name of your organization to this brief please contact, rebecca@usresistnews.org.
Trump Threatens to Pull ICE Officers Out of California
February 22, 2018
Summary
On Thursday, February 22, the Washington Post reported that a very frustrated Trump threatened to pull Immigration Customs and Enforcement (ICE) officials from the state of California as punishment for the “lousy job” the state has been doing to crackdown on illegal immigration per administration standards.
Last December, California Governor Jerry Brown (D) signed the California Values Act into law. This law prohibits local officials from inquiring about the status of one’s immigration, but does not infringe upon the ability of ICE officials to do their jobs. Trump finds this policy to be problematic, as he finds “sanctuary city” related policies to be problematic.
Analysis
While this isn’t the first and certainly won’t be the last of Trump’s outlandish threats and claims related to immigration policy, it is nevertheless concerning that he continues to casually spew rhetoric that would endanger the lives of American citizens, immigrants and non-immigrants alike. The tone that he has set for political incorrectness has trickled down to every level of government, in communities, in schools, and even in some workplaces. As we continue to advocate for fair and equal treatment of our immigrant communities, we must remain vigilant and respond appropriately to the claims Trump makes.
Engagement Resources
- Act with America’s Voice: America’s Voice is a progressive immigration reform nonprofit that advocates for full and equal rights of all immigrants. The organization runs numerous campaigns, maps incidents of hate against people of color, and assists with voter registration, amongst other activities essential to promoting equity for immigrant lives in the United States. You can make a contribution to America’s Voice here.
- Support the New Americans Campaign: The New Americans Campaign is a national, nonpartisan network of immigrant organizations, legal service providers, faith-based organizations, faith-based organizations, immigrant rights groups, foundations, and community leaders. A project by the Immigration Legal Resource Center, the campaign is committed to connecting lawful permanent residents to trusted legal assistance. Click here to support the campaign.
- Stay Up to Date with the National Immigration Forum: The National Immigration Forum is a DC-based nonprofit that leads the nation in constructive conversation and advocacy for the value of immigrants and immigration. The Forum is currently running a program called Immigration 2020, a multi-constituency effort to ensure that new Americans have the opportunities, skills, and status they need to contribute to the United States and realize their maximum potential. Join the organization’s email list to stay up to date on all things related to immigration policy.
This brief was compiled by Allie Blum. If you have comments or want to add the name of your organization to this brief please contact allie@usresistnews.org.