By: Bria Burgamy In July 2016, San Diego Unified School District (“the District”) began discussions with the Council on American-Islamic Relations (“CAIR”) to create an anti-Islamophobia initiative (“the Initiative”) in its schools. According to a presentation given at a District board meeting, the Initiative intended to “provide resources and strategies to support students during…Ramadan”; “review … Continue reading San Diego Unified School District Settles Case Following Backlash Against Anti-Islamophobia Initiative
Civil Rights
PSA: New Scam Targets Hispanic Community Threatening to Bring Victims to Court if They Don’t Pay for Items Alleged Ordered
This is a public service announcement. Earlier this month, a woman entered the San Diego superior court looking for a fictional courtroom. She had been told earlier by an unknown individual over the phone that she owed money for items she allegedly ordered and unless she paid $2,500, they would bring her into court. This … Continue reading PSA: New Scam Targets Hispanic Community Threatening to Bring Victims to Court if They Don’t Pay for Items Alleged Ordered
President Trump wants to define transgender out of existence, but we cannot let him define us.
By: Ken Jensen On October 24, 2018, President Trump stated his administration was “seriously” considering changing the way it treats transgender people under the law. Given his history of statements which never come to fruition, one could dismiss it. The effort this administration to negate any effort to define gender identity in any manner besides … Continue reading President Trump wants to define transgender out of existence, but we cannot let him define us.
PIAC Gun Control Series: Possible Legislative Actions
By: Ridgeway Woulfe Thus far in our Gun Control Series, we have discussed why there is a need for gun control solutions and we have discussed who can provide these solutions. Now we address what gun control legislation could actually look like. These methods are not guaranteed to withstand Constitutional challenges. Banned Gun Types One … Continue reading PIAC Gun Control Series: Possible Legislative Actions
The First Amendment: Has it been Weaponized?
By: Robert Bryson Shortly after the Citizens United and Janus decisions, detractors began heaping criticism upon the Supreme Court for “weaponizing” the First Amendment. Indeed, Justice Kagan makes that very argument in her dissent: “It [the majority] does so by weaponizing the First Amendment, in a way that unleashes judges, now and in the future, … Continue reading The First Amendment: Has it been Weaponized?
California Ends Cash Money Bail System: Ends a Pay-to-Play System of Justice
By: Robert Bryson In the United States, bail refers to a system wherein a suspect is conditionally released from custody upon the surrender of payment of money or pledge of property to the court. The funds are then refunded when the suspect returns to court for their trial. If the suspect fails to return, the … Continue reading California Ends Cash Money Bail System: Ends a Pay-to-Play System of Justice
Who is America according to “Who is America”
By: Ridgeway Woulfe America is undoubtedly in the midst of a painful identity crisis. Childish Gambino released a summer hit entitled “This is America,” where he deftly gives his perception on America. In the video, the happy-go-lucky music and lyrics providing a sense of joy. At points throughout the song, the joyful music gives way … Continue reading Who is America according to “Who is America”
Supreme Court Promotes a Double Standard for Religious Animus: Muslims to Christians
By: Ridgeway Woulfe Last week, we explored the double standard the Supreme Court created by its Masterpiece Cake and its decision to uphold Trump’s nation-based immigration ban (apparently not a Muslim ban, as he routinely stated). In Masterpiece Cake, the Supreme Court held that a Commission’s animus toward a Christian baker was enough to find … Continue reading Supreme Court Promotes a Double Standard for Religious Animus: Muslims to Christians
Supreme Court Promotes a Double Standard for Religious Animus: Presidents to State Commissions
By: Ken Jensen In her dissent to the majority opinion upholding Trump’s travel ban, Justice Sotomayor identifies a compelling contradiction with the Court’s previous opinion regarding gay wedding cakes. In Masterpiece Cakeshop, Ltd. v. Colorado Civil Rights Comm'n, the Court decided whether a baker could refuse to design or bake a cake for a same-sex … Continue reading Supreme Court Promotes a Double Standard for Religious Animus: Presidents to State Commissions
PIAC’s Supreme Court Review: Masterpiece Cake, Ltd. v. Colorado Civil Rights Comm’n.
By: Ken Jensen After reading the Court’s opinion in Masterpiece Cakeshop, Ltd. v. Colorado Civil Rights Comm'n, 138 S. Ct. 1719 (2018), I am struck with how our society is still confused with respect to sexual orientation. The Court struck down the Colorado Civil Rights Commission’s actions to assess a cakeshop owner’s reasons for declining … Continue reading PIAC’s Supreme Court Review: Masterpiece Cake, Ltd. v. Colorado Civil Rights Comm’n.
Public Interest Advocacy Collaborative 