- "Agreements to Agree"
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- Abuse of Power (Judicial)
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- Wrongful Evictions
- Zoning
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Police did not need to kill Chamberlain Written by Bennett L. Gershman (May 13, 2012) Kenneth Chamberlain did not have to die. He did nothing wrong. He had not committed any crime, was not a terrorist, a fugitive,...
Continue reading "THEY DIDN'T HAVE TO KILL THE GUY" »
NAACP wants federal probe of police Randolph McLaughlin, left, an attorney representing the Chamberlain family, speaks during a press conference held by state and local chapters of the NAACP in support of the Chamberlain family in front of the...
Continue reading "NAACP WANTS TO PROBE WHITE PLAINS" »
Feds to review shooting of Westchester Marine By CRAIG D. FRAZIER Special to the AmNews New York Amsterdam News | May 10, 2012 A Westchester grand jury cleared Officer Anthony Carelli last week of all criminal charges in the shooting...
Continue reading "SUSPEND OFFICERS THAT KILL" »
Central Freight Lines, Inc. Settles Age Discrimination Lawsuit with EEOC Company To Pay $400,000 to Eight Fired Dockworkers Under 5 Year Consent Decree Central Freight Lines Inc. has agreed to settle an age discrimination lawsuit brought by the U.S....
Continue reading "CENTRAL FREIGHT TOWS THE LINE" »
LGBT for Costa Happy Hour Join NYC Council Member Daniel Dromm and our Host Committee as we come together to support Costa Constantinides Host Committee* Barbara Baruch Laura Cadorette Ari Gershman Gary Paul...
Continue reading "LGBT FOR COSTA" »
FTC Testifies on Efforts to Protect Consumer Privacy Asks Congress to Encourage Industry to Continue Efforts on "Do Not Track" Tools The Federal Trade Commission testified before Congress about the agency's efforts to protect consumer privacy, including the FTC's...
Continue reading "PRIVACY BY DESIGN?" »
Randstad US, LP to Pay $60,000 to Settle EEOC Disability Bias Suit Qualified Candidate Denied Hire Because of Asperger's, Federal Agency Charged A large nationwide employment referral and placement services company will pay $60,000 and furnish substantial injunctive...
Continue reading "RANDSTAD'S REEKING" »
Lucas - President Obama's announcement supporting marriage equality was historic, but we know the Republicans will try to use it to defeat him. More than 50,000 of you signed our petition standing with him. But we know it's going...
Continue reading "WAS IT FOR NAUGHT?" »
They Shoot Black Men, Don't They? Janet Langhart Cohen Let me see if I have this right. Emmett Till was murdered for whistling at a white woman. Trayvon Martin was allegedly stalked and shot to death while walking on the...
Continue reading ""ANIMALS HAVE MORE RIGHTS IN AMERICA"" »
Ana Lawson filed a civil suit against the City of New York claiming that officers had lacked a legal basis--or "probable cause"-- to arrest and imprison her for drug possession. Believing that the City was liable for its misconduct, Lawson...
Continue reading "A BIT TOO SPICY" »
LIU STATEMENT ON NYC'S STOP-AND-FRISK PRACTICES ********************************** Yesterday, Comptroller John C. Liu issued the following statement in response to questions about New York City's stop-and-frisk practices: "When 700,000 people are stopped and frisked each year in this city, and...
Continue reading "LIU ON STOP-AND-FRISK" »
BP MARKOWITZ STATEMENT ON PRESIDENT OBAMA'S SUPPORT FOR MARRIAGE EQUALITY (5/9/12) "As Americans, we look to our leaders for resolve and conviction, and today President Obama has boldly done what no sitting president has done before--publicly state that the lesbian,...
Continue reading ""LOVE IS LOVE"" »
Family of retired marine shot dead by police demands prosecution Kenneth Chamberlain was killed in White Plains in case family says is symptomatic of department's racial bias and brutality Kenneth Chamberlain's death was a tragedy on so many...
Continue reading "THE GUARDIAN COVERS KENNETH CHAMBERLAIN KILLING" »
"A church in every school..." -Robert Hall Elder, Bronx Household of Faith Join Council Member Dromm and The Good News Club Author Katherine Stewart for a Forum on Churches in Schools WHEN: Saturday, May 12,...
Continue reading "NO STATE-ESTABLISHED WORSHIP SPACES" »
Dear Friend, In my 20 years as a Congressman, I have proudly fought to protect and expand civil rights for women, and I have vigorously pushed back against unyielding attacks by extremists to halt or roll back progress....
Continue reading "PROTECTING THE PREGNANT" »
Health Management Group to Pay $260,000 to Settle EEOC Wage Discrimination Suit Female Franchise Sales Directors Paid Less Than Males, Federal Agency Charged Health Management Group, Inc. (HMG) of Akron, Ohio will pay $260,000 to settle a sex...
Continue reading "HOW DID HEALTH MANAGEMENT MANAGE THIS?" »
* WEDNESDAY, MAY 23, 2012 * 6pm - 8:30pm Manhattan Penthouse 80 Fifth Avenue,17th Floor Entrance on SW corner of 14th Street Buy Tickets Honoring Dawn Barber New York Tech Meetup Art Chang NYC Voter Assistance Advisory Committee / Tipping Point Partners ...
Continue reading "TIME TO SPRING FOR REFORM" »
Governor Cuomo Announces First in the Nation Reforms to Protect People with Special Needs and Disabilities Proposes New Justice Center to Prevent, Investigate and Prosecute Abuse and Neglect of Vulnerable New Yorkers Earlier this week, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo...
Continue reading "JUSTICE 4 SPECIAL NEEDS" »
Phoenix Four Points by Sheraton Settles EEOC National Origin Discrimination Lawsuit Iraqi-American Employee Subjected to Ethnic Slurs and Mocking to Receive $50,000 The owner of a Four Points by Sheraton hotel in Phoenix will pay $50,000 and furnish...
Continue reading "HOW WOULD YOU SCORE THIS PHOENIX FOUR POINTS?" »
Here's News 12's coverage of the grand jury's failure to indict White Plains police officers implicated in the Chamberlain killing: Inquiries about this case may be directed to Newman Ferrara attorney, Prof. Randy McLaughlin, at 212-619-5400....
Continue reading "WHITE PLAINS COPS HAVE "LICENSE TO KILL" " »
53% Think Judges More Hostile to Religion Than Founding Fathers Planned Sunday, May 06, 2012 Most Americans continue to believe that judges are more hostile to religion than the Founding Fathers intended, but they're less suspicious of the courts than...
Continue reading "JUDGING RELIGION" »
As reported yesterday, Newman Ferrara attorney Prof. Randolph McLaughlin, successfully called on U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder to investigate the circumstances surrounding the Chamberlain case. Case of Man Killed by Police to Get Civil Rights Review By JAMES BARRON...
Continue reading "NEWMAN FERRARA CALLS ON ERIC HOLDER TO INTERVENE" »
Office of the President Dear Lucas: In his Law Day speech on Tuesday, Chief Judge Jonathan Lippman announced that beginning next year, people seeking admission to the bar in New York will be required to perform at least 50 hours...
Continue reading "INVOLUNTARY SERVITUDE FOR LAW STUDENTS" »
LIU PUTS BRAKES ON "TAXI OF TOMORROW" UNTIL VEHICLES ARE WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE Taxi Contract Violates Civil Rights and Is Dead on Arrival Until It Meets Requirements of Americans With Disabilities Act *********************************** Yesterday, City Comptroller John C. Liu called...
Continue reading "LIU PUTS BRAKES ON TOMORROW'S TAXIS" »
We are pleased to announce that Debra S. Cohen (pictured right) joined Newman Ferrara LLP on Tuesday, May 1, 2012. Ms. Cohen resolves civil-rights, open-government, and land-use issues by effectively utilizing litigation, negotiation, media and community-organizing strategies. A graduate of...
Continue reading "WELCOME DEBRA S. COHEN!" »
Jacksonville Firefighters' Union Sued By EEOC for Race Discrimination Union Negotiated a Discriminatory Promotional Process, Federal Agency Charges The Jacksonville Association of Firefighters (Local 122 of the International Association of Fire Fighters) engaged in intentional discrimination when it...
Continue reading "HOW'S JACKSONVILLE GONNA PUT OUT THIS FIRE?" »
A..G. Schneiderman Marks Law Day By Reaffirming Commitment To Equal Justice Cites Three Year Commitment To Fund Foreclosure Prevention Legal Services, Including $15 Million In This Year's Budget Schneiderman: Equal Justice Is Only Meaningful With Access To Legal Representation...
Continue reading "EVERYONE SHOULD GET THEIR DAY" »
Golf International to Pay $25,000 to Settle EEOC Retaliation Lawsuit Arizona Golf Course / Restaurant Fired Male Employee for Reporting Sexual Harassment of Women, Federal Agency Charged A Fountain Hills, Ariz.- based golf course and restaurant has agreed...
Continue reading "NO PLAYING GOLF" »
Taco Bell Operator Pays $27,000 to Resolve EEOC Religious Discrimination Lawsuit Fayetteville Restaurant Fired Worker Over Religion-Mandated Long Hair, Federal Agency Charged Family Foods, Inc., a North Carolina corporation that operates a chain of Taco Bell restaurants in...
Continue reading "WAS TACO BELL HAIRBRAINED?" »
Vehicle Retention Failure to comply with notice provisions results in release of seized car. The Police Department sought to retain a vehicle it had seized when arresting the driver for driving while intoxicated. ALJ Joan R. Salzman found that the...
Continue reading "SEIZE THIS" »
EEOC Issues Enforcement Guidance Commission Updates Guidance on Employer Use of Arrest and Conviction Records The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has issued an updated Enforcement Guidance on employer use of arrest and conviction records in employment decisions...
Continue reading "HAVE YOU EVER BEEN ARRESTED, CONVICTED OR INCARCERATED?" »
Prof. Randy McLaughlin was interviewed by The Westchester Guardian on the Chamberlain case. * * * CLICK HERE TO ACCESS THE ARTICLE * * * Inquiries about this case may be directed to Prof. McLaughlin at 212-619-5400....
Continue reading "OFFICER USED THE "N WORD"" »
Little Rock Real Estate Company Settles EEOC Race Discrimination and Retaliation Suit Bankers Asset Management Will Pay $600,000 for Excluding Blacks for Jobs and Punishing Employees for Complaining About Bias Bankers Asset Management, Inc., a real estate company...
Continue reading "SOLID LITTLE ROCK SETTLEMENT" »
Speaker Christine C. Quinn April 2011 LGBT and HIV/AIDS Community Report Dear New Yorker, Spring is here and it's been a busy year already for the LGBT community. In February, the NYC Council, together with...
Continue reading "QUINN'S LGBT REPORT" »
New York Law Firm Settles EEOC Age Discrimination Suit Kelley Drye & Warren Agrees To End Mandatory Retirement Policy, Pay $574,000 To Partner Forced to Give Up Ownership Interest in Order to Continue Working Kelley Drye & Warren,...
Continue reading "HOW DISCRIMINATING WAS KELLEY DRYE & WARREN?" »
Resources for Human Development Settles EEOC Disability Suit for $125,000 Court Upholds Severe Obesity as an ADA-Protected Impairment Resources for Human Development, Inc. (RHD), doing business as Family House of Louisiana, a treatment facility for chemically dependent women and...
Continue reading "OBESITY'S A DISABILITY?" »
Dear Friend, Governor Cuomo is delivering results for New Yorkers: on-time budgets, a historic middle class tax cut, ethics reform, a property tax cap, same-sex marriage legislation, pension reform and teacher evaluations. And New Yorkers get it; a recent Siena College...
Continue reading "CUOMO'S GOT A 73!" »
Americold Logistics Sued by EEOC for Disability Discrimination Company Fired Employee Because of Back and Leg Problems, Federal Agency Charged The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) announced it has filed a disability discrimination lawsuit against Americold Logistics,...
Continue reading "THE TEMPERATURE OF AMERICOLD LOGISTICS?" »
Judge Approves Guam Aircraft Company's Settlement of EEOC Religious Discrimination Suit Federal Agency Says Aviation Concepts Fired Jehovah's Witness for Not Raising Flags A federal judge has approved the settlement by Aviation Concepts, Inc., an aircraft retailer and ...
Continue reading "GUAM AIRCRAFT'S RAISED FLAG" »
Beehive of Vernal to Pay $22,000 to Settle EEOC Pregnancy Discrimination Suit Federal Agency Charges Two Women Discharged Over Pregnancies Beehive of Vernal, Inc., which operates nursing homes in Vernal, Utah, has agreed to pay $22,000 and furnish...
Continue reading "BEEHIVE'S BUZZ" »
Personal Touch Home Care Of Ohio to Pay $35,000 to Settle EEOC Disability Discrimination Suit Company Fired Employee Because of Renal and Respiratory Conditions, Federal Agency Charged Hamilton, Ohio-based home health care services provider Personal Touch Home Care,...
Continue reading "THIS IS REALLY PERSONAL" »
Trayvon Martin's name used to try to bring more attention to other cases involving minorities Since the Trayvon Martin shooting, celebrities, civil rights activists and families have been using the case to push for the resolution of what...
Continue reading "NOT ABOUT TRAYVON: MCLAUGHLIN IN THE WASHINGTON POST" »
Newman Ferrara LLP Pursues Securities Fraud Claims Against Hyperdynamics Corporation and Reminds Investors of June 1, 2012 Deadline Newman Ferrara LLP (www.nfllp.com) has announced that a securities class action was filed on behalf of investors in Hyperdynamics Corporation ("Hyperdynamics"...
Continue reading "COULD IT GET ANY HYPER FOR HYPERDYNAMICS?" »
Newman Ferrara attorney, Randolph McLaughlin, is representing the Chamberlain family in the wrongful-death case reported here: Police Shooting of Kenneth Chamberlain Going to Grand Jury Four Months Later By Joe Coscarelli Kenneth Chamberlain was shot and killed by police after...
Continue reading "MORE ON THE CHAMBERLAIN CASE" »
Succession Rights & the Marriage Equality Act Thursday, April 12, 2012, 6 - 9 pm House of the Association, 42 West 44th Street RegistrationThis program is free, however registration is necessary. In the summer of 2011, New York State...
Continue reading "SUCCESSION AND MARRIAGE EQUALITY" »
AutoZone to Pay $75,000 to Settle EEOC Religious Discrimination Lawsuit Sikh Employee Was Harassed by Managers and Customers, Barred From Wearing Turban at Work, Then Fired Over Religion, Federal Agency Charged AutoZone, Inc., a Fortune 500 distributor and...
Continue reading "AUTOZONE WASN'T IN THE ZONE?" »
Cadillac Jack Pays $87,200 to Settle EEOC Lawsuit Federal Agency Charged Employee Was Fired in Retaliation for Complaining About Race and Gender Discrimination Cadillac Jack, Inc., a supplier of innovative games and systems based in Duluth, Ga., will...
Continue reading "CADILLAC JACK JUMPS AT SETTLEMENT" »
West 31st Street (Herald Square area), Manhattan...
Continue reading "FIRE IN HIS BELLY?" »
New Information and Resource Kit for LGBT Populations SAMHSA has released Top Health Issues for LGBT Populations Information & Resource Kit. This publication demonstrates SAMHSA's commitment to creating awareness of the needs, experiences, and health status of lesbian,...
Continue reading "AN LGBT RESOURCE KIT" »
Family Therapy Intervention Pilot The Family Therapy Intervention Pilot (FTIP) is a NYC Department of Youth and Community Development-funded initiative in partnership with SCO Family of Services and Green Chimneys, that helps teens remain in or return to their...
Continue reading "FAMILY THERAPY PILOT" »
EEOC Sues Sparx Restaurant for Race Discrimination and Retaliation Menomonie 'Family Restaurant' Fired Employee for Objecting to Noose, KKK Imagery, Federal Agency Charged The owners of Sparx, a Menomonie, Wis., restaurant, violated the law when managers posted racist...
Continue reading "WILL SPARX FLY?" »
EEOC Sues OfficeMax for Retaliating Against Sales Associate Hispanic Employee at Sarasota Store Punished for Complaining About Race Discrimination, Federal Agency Charged Office supply giant OfficeMax violated federal law when a manager at one of its Sarasota stores...
Continue reading "WILL OFFICEMAX GET THE MAX?" »
Statement by Secretary Kathleen Sebelius on LGBT Health Awareness Week 2012 LGBT Health Awareness Week is an important time to highlight the progress our country is making to address the unique health needs of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT)...
Continue reading "LGBT HAW 2012" »
Wells Fargo Financial Michigan Settles EEOC Race and Age Discrimination Suit Financial Company Refused to Promote Older African-American Candidate, Favoring Lesser Qualified, Younger, Caucasian Women, Federal Agency Charged Wells Fargo Financial Michigan, Inc., a financial services company formerly ...
Continue reading "LOAN PROCESSOR'S DISCRIMINATION CLAIM GOT PROCESSED" »
Sierra Restroom Solutions Settles EEOC Racial Harassment, Retaliation Case Federal Agency Obtains $50,000 for Black Driver Fired for Objecting to Racism Northern Nevada-based Sierra Restroom Solutions, a supplier of onsite portable toilets, has agreed to pay $50,000 to...
Continue reading "SIERRA RESTROOM SOLUTIONS HAD POTTY MOUTH?" »
Warren Tricomi to Pay $30,000 to Settle EEOC Pregnancy Discrimination Suit Federal Agency Charged Hair Salon With Rescinding Promotion And Firing Employee After Learning of Pregnancy Warren Tricomi, a New York-based hair salon with locations in the Plaza...
Continue reading "DID TRICOMO SHOW ITS TRUE COLORS?" »
Hal Leonard to Pay $150,000 to Settle EEOC Sexual Harassment Charge Class of Female Employees at Music Publisher Endured Physical and Verbal Abuse, Federal Agency Charged Hal Leonard Publishing Company, a music print publishing company founded in Winona,...
Continue reading "A SOUR NOTE FOR HAL LEONARD" »
Statement by Speaker Christine C. Quinn Re: Rutgers Bullying Case The verdict in the Rutgers bullying case brings an end to a very sad story. One young person is dead and another will spend many years in jail - all because this...
Continue reading "QUINN ON RUTGERS BULLYING" »
Family Video to Pay $70,000 to Settle EEOC Disability Discrimination Suit Sales Associate Harassed Because of His Depression and Anxiety Disorder, Then Fired for Complaining, Federal Agency Charged Last week, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) filed a...
Continue reading "SOME FAMILY VIDEO" »
Sterling and Sterling to Pay $120,000 to Settle EEOC Suit for Retaliation Insurance Company Fired Employee for Filling Out EEOC Questionnaire, Federal Agency Charged Sterling and Sterling, Inc., an insurance company on Long Island, New York, will pay $120,000 to...
Continue reading "STERLING & STERLING NEEDS TO COME UP WITH SOME GOLD" »
56% Oppose Justice Department's Blocking of Texas Voter ID Law Thursday, March 15, 2012 The Obama administration has blocked Texas' new law requiring voters to show photo identification at the polls, saying it would suppress Hispanic voter turnout, and the...
Continue reading "SHOW AN I.D.!" »
EEOC Sues GGNSC Administrative Services For Disability Discrimination Company Fired Employee Over Osteoarthritis Issues, Federal Agency Charges GGNSC Administrative Services, Inc., a centralized billing and collections office for nursing homes, violated federal law by firing an employee while...
Continue reading "GGNSC TOOK HER LEAVE" »
Federal Consent Decree Fairness Act The Committee on Civil Rights sent a letter to Congress expressing opposition to the proposed Federal Consent Decree Fairness Act (H.R. 3041), which would allow a state or local government or official to file a...
Continue reading "CITY BAR NOT INTO CONSENT DECREE FAIRNESS" »
Menorah House Settles EEOC Religious Discrimination Lawsuits Company Refused Sabbath Accommodations, Federal Agency Charged A Boca Raton nursing and rehabilitation facility will pay $125,000 to settle two religious discrimination lawsuits brought by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission...
Continue reading "NO LIGHTING THIS MENORAH" »
On Monday, the U.S. Department of Justice prevented Texas from implementing a law that would require voters to show state-issued photo identification at the polls. Under the Voting Rights Act, Texas must seek preclearance of proposed changes in any law...
Continue reading "VOTING IDs DOWN" »
Op-Ed: Labor Rights are Sacred, Regardless of Immigration Status Op-Ed Published in El Diaro By Eric T. Schneiderman Imagine being hired as a cook, but not being paid for three months. Or being underpaid by tens of thousands of...
Continue reading "HOLY LABOR RIGHTS!" »
Son wants charges in killing by police White Plains dad shot by cops in Nov. incident March 10, 2012 (updated story, with video and photo) Kenneth Chamberlain Jr. speaks out: Kenneth Chamberlain Jr. speaks out on his father's death....
Continue reading "WITH MCLAUGHLIN: SON CALLS IT MURDER" »
Atsalis Brothers Painting Company to Pay $65,000 to Settle EEOC Retaliation Lawsuit Painter Lost Job Due to Complaints About Racism, Federal Agency Charged Atsalis Brothers Painting Company, a Warren, Mich.-based painting company which does business in several states, ...
Continue reading "THEY COULDN'T PAINT OVER THIS" »
Chamberlain's son wants murder charge in White Plains shooting by police WHITE PLAINS -- The son of a 68-year-old man shot dead by White Plains police called today for criminal charges in the case. "I don't want a...
Continue reading "RANDY MCLAUGHLIN IN SATURDAY'S THE JOURNAL NEWS" »
Originally broadcast on WPIX on Saturday, March 10, 2012 Inquiries about this case may be directed to Professor Randolph McLaughlin at 212-619-5400...
Continue reading "RANDY MCLAUGHLIN APPEARS ON WPIX" »
In the wake of September 11, 2001, the NYPD dramatically expanded the scope of its counterterrorism efforts, including a monitoring and surveillance program directed at Muslim organizations, groups, and individuals--the overwhelming majority of which consist of law-abiding U.S. citizens. ...
Continue reading "THEY KNOW WHERE YOU PRAY" »
Rugo Stone to Pay $40,000 to Settle EEOC National Origin, Religion and Color Bias Lawsuit Company Subjected Employee of Pakistani Origin to Harassment, Federal Agency Charged Rugo Stone, LLC, a Fairfax County, Va.-based stone contracting company, agreed to...
Continue reading "EEOC GETS BLOOD OUT OF (RUGO) STONE" »
Gerresheimer Pays $90,000 to Settle EEOC Retaliation Lawsuit Federal Agency Charged Employee Was Fired Because She Filed EEOC Discrimination Charge Gerresheimer Peachtree City (USA), a plastics manufacturer for the pharmaceutical and health care industry based in Peachtree City,...
Continue reading "SETTLED WITH A PLASTIC SMILE?" »
LIU, PENSION FUNDS WIN EQUAL RIGHTS PROTECTIONS FOR WORKERS Dick's Sporting Goods and Constellation Brands Agree to Protect Workers from Discrimination Based on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity ****************************************** Yesterday, Comptroller John C. Liu and the New York City Pension...
Continue reading "FIGHTING FOR EQUAL OPPORTUNITY FOR ALL" »
Human Rights Landlord did not violate Human Rights Law (HRL) where proposed ramp was not structurally feasible. The Commission on Human Rights alleged that the owner of an apartment building violated the New York City Human Rights Law by...
Continue reading "NO RAMPING THIS UP" »
Newman Ferrara LLP Pursues Securities Fraud Claims Against K12, Inc. and Reminds Investors of April 17, 2012 Deadline Newman Ferrara LLP (www.nfllp.com) announced yesterday that a securities class action was filed on behalf of investors in K12, Inc. ("K12" or the...
Continue reading "TAKE YOUR K12" »
Speaker Christine C. Quinn February 2012 LGBT and HIV/AIDS Community Report Dear New Yorker, I wanted to share some exciting news. First, please join me and City Council Members Danny Dromm, Rosie Mendez, Jimmy Van Bramer...
Continue reading "SPEND ST PATTY'S WITH CHRISTINE QUINN" »
Piloto Photo Center Sued by EEOC for Sexual Harassment and Retaliation Owner Subjected Female Employees to Sexual and Gender-Based Harassment and Fired Employees Who Complained, Federal Agency Says Piloto Photo Center, Inc., a Miami-based photography studio and photograph...
Continue reading "PILOTO PHOTO PENALTY PENDING?" »
"Supermax" Confinement in U.S. Prisons: A Necessary Practice or Torture?Thursday, March 1, 2012 6:00 pm-8:00 pm Registration: There is no charge for this program. Register This program will examine whether the widespread use of extended solitary confinement in U.S. prisons,...
Continue reading "SOLITARY CONFINEMENT = TORTURE?" »
Tyson Foods Settles EEOC Disability Discrimination Lawsuit Company Agrees to Pay $35,000 to Applicant Denied Employment Because of Epilepsy Tyson Foods, Inc., one of the world's largest processors of chicken, beef and pork, will pay $35,000 and furnish...
Continue reading "TYSON PLUCKED FOR DISABILITY DISCRIMINATION" »
Owner of Two Piggly Wiggly Stores to Pay $40,000 to Settle EEOC Race and Sex Discrimination Suit Company Violated Federal Law by Refusing to Hire African-Americans and Male Cashiers, EEOC Charged The owners of Piggly Wiggly supermarkets in ...
Continue reading "RACIST PIGS AT PIGGLY WIGGLY?" »
Earlier this month, the United States District Court of the Southern District of New York (SDNY) approved a $15 million settlement in a class-action case brought by a group of people unjustly arrested and charged under New York State's "loitering"...
Continue reading "BEGGARS CAN'T BE CHOOSERS?" »
Brooks County, Texas Settles EEOC Retaliation Discrimination Suit County Denied a Salary Increase or New Position to Employee for Opposing Age Bias, Federal Agency Charged Brooks County, Texas will pay $20,000 and furnish other relief to settle an...
Continue reading "A SHALLOW BROOKS?" »
James E. Brown & Associates Sued by EEOC for Pregnancy Discrimination D.C. Law Firm Rescinded Job Offer to Pregnant Applicant, EEOC Charges A Washington, D.C. law firm violated federal law when it refused to hire a job applicant...
Continue reading "YOU NEED TO WORK WITH A PREGNANT LADY" »
Convergys Settles EEOC Suit for Religious Discrimination Call Center Refused to Accommodate Applicant's Sabbath, Agency Charged Convergys Customer Management Group, a subsidiary of the Cincinnati-based Convergys Corp., a global provider of customer management services, will pay $15,000 and...
Continue reading "HE WAS NO SHABBOS GOY" »
Yesterday, Newman Ferrara LLP filed a Notice of Claim in connection with the shooting of Kenneth Chamberlain, Sr., who was African-American and 68 years of age at the time of his untimely death. Mr. Chamberlain was killed by White Plains,...
Continue reading "MAN'S HOME BECAME A DEATH CHAMBER" »
Dear New Yorker, Last week, I sent a letter to Police Commissioner Kelly expressing concern about the New York Police Department's (NYPD) stop-and-frisk practices and suggesting ways in which the policy can be significantly improved. While there's no disputing...
Continue reading "QUINN GETS FRISKY" »
LIU, PENSION FUNDS DEMAND TECH GIANTS HOLD SUPPLIERS RESPONSIBLE Unprecedented shareholder proposal has already increased transparency of global suppliers to consumer products from iPhones to Xboxes ****************************************** Comptroller John C. Liu and the New York City Pension Funds called on...
Continue reading "PROTECTING WORKERS' RIGHTS" »
50% Oppose Gov't Mandate for Religious Organizations to Provide Contraceptives Wednesday, February 08, 2012 Half of voters do not agree with the Obama administration's action forcing Catholic institutions to pay for birth control measures that they morally oppose. The latest...
Continue reading "NOT INTO CONTRACEPTIVES" »
Statement by Speaker Christine C. Quinn Re: Overturn of Proposition 8 "I'm thrilled with today's 9th Circuit ruling affirming what we know in our hearts to be true: that keeping loving couples from reaping the benefits of marriage is discriminatory and...
Continue reading "QUINN ON PROP 8" »
EEOC Settles Disability and Age Discrimination Suit against DXP Enterprises Company Pays $120,000 to Woman Fired Because of Prior Back Injury and Age DXP Enterprises, Inc., doing business as DXP Safety Alliance, Inc., has agreed to settle a disability...
Continue reading "EEOC BRIDGES SETTLEMENT FOR BROOKS" »
Justice Speaks! LGBTQ Youth in the Age of Claimed Acceptance and Bullying Tuesday February 7, 2012 12:50-1:50pm, W220 RSVP to jac@nyls.edu Lunch will be served. As a follow-up to last semester's Justice Speaks lunch, "Same-sex Marriage in the...
Continue reading "A BULLYING LUNCH" »
Dear New Yorker, WE DID IT! Thank you for showing Planned Parenthood your support! I'm relieved that the leadership of Susan G. Komen for the Cure has reconsidered their ill-conceived decision to cut off funding to Planned Parenthood...
Continue reading "SHE STANDS WITH PLANNED PARENTHOOD" »
The Komen Foundation's surprise funding reversal proves what we've long known: The investigation of Planned Parenthood by anti-choice Republican extremists is a partisan witch hunt. Period. Planned Parenthood's Komen grants will resume - for now. But as long as this scurrilous...
Continue reading "A WITCH HUNT?" »
Mavis Discount Tire refused to hire women for a wide variety of positions despite some applicants' superior qualifications, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) charged in a lawsuit filed last week. The Millwood, New York-based company, which also operates...
Continue reading "MAVIS WILL TIRE OF THIS" »
Yesterday, Comptroller John C. Liu provided testimony to the City Council's Education Committee in support of Resolution 1155-2011, which calls upon the New York State legislature to pass and the Governor to sign legislation amending the New York State...
Continue reading "GIVING HOUSES OF WORSHIP ACCESS" »
L.A. Fire Department Settles EEOC Harassment & Retaliation Case for Nearly $500,000 Firefighter Tormented by Sexual and Religious Harassment & Disciplined in Retaliation for Participating in Another Firefighter's Discrimination Proceeding The Los Angeles City Fire Department will pay...
Continue reading "THEY SURE STAMPED OUT THIS FIRE" »
Lucas --Republicans have a lot to say when it comes to attacking President Obama's agenda, but are silent when it comes to defending LGBT youth who continue to face discrimination in schools. All too often, the bullying and discrimination ends...
Continue reading "HE'S SICK OF IT!" »
Ozarks Electric Cooperative Sued By EEOC For Religious Discrimination Power Supplier Fired Jehovah's Witness for Wanting One Day Off to Attend Religious Convention, Federal Agency Charges Ozarks Electric Cooperative Corporation, an electric power supplier located in Fayetteville, Ark.,...
Continue reading "EEOC HEADS TO THE OZARKS" »
Private Sector Bias Charges Hit All-Time High Pending Inventory Reduced for First Time in 10 Years, Record Amount of Relief Obtained in FY 2011, EEOC Reports The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) received a record 99,947 charges...
Continue reading "RECORD NUMBER OF DISCRIMINATION CLAIMS" »
Randolph M. McLaughlin and Jeffrey M. Norton of Newman Ferrara LLP [pictured right] won a major victory in a pending civil rights case in federal court. On Tuesday, January 24, 2012, United States District Court Judge Richard J....
Continue reading "MAJOR CIVIL RIGHTS WIN FOR NEWMAN FERRARA" »
MAYOR BLOOMBERG AND MAYORS FROM ACROSS THE COUNTRY LAUNCH MAYORS FOR FREEDOM TO MARRY Part of the Freedom to Marry Campaign, Bipartisan Coalition of 80 Mayors Supporting Freedom of Same-Sex Couples to Marry Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg's remarks as delivered last...
Continue reading "MAYORS FOR FREEDOM TO MARRY" »
The Loss of Two Civil Rights Giants: Civil Rights Lessons for Latinos By Juan Cartagena (January 22, 2012) During the very first week of the new year of 2012 came news of the loss of Robert Carter and Gordon Hirabayashi, two...
Continue reading "CIVIL RIGHTS LESSONS FOR LATINOS" »
Choctaw Transportation Company Settles EEOC Racial Discrimination Suit for $75,000 Company Refused to Hire Blacks as Deckhands, Federal Agency Charged Choctaw Transportation Company, Inc., a marine construction and transportation company located in Dyersburg, Tenn., will pay $75,000 to an African-American...
Continue reading "WAS DISCRIMINATION NATIVE TO CHOCTAW?" »
Rafael's Italian Restaurant Settles EEOC Sexual Harassment Suit Restaurant Chain Ignored Repeated Complaints of Sexual Harassment by Female Employees, Federal Agency Charged Rafael's Italian Restaurant, a Tennessee restaurant chain, has agreed to pay $25,000 and furnish other relief...
Continue reading "FELLINIESQUE" »
Findlay Honda to Pay $150,000 to Resolve EEOC Discrimination Lawsuit Black Employees Endured Racial Comments, Bias and Reprisal for Protesting, Federal Agency Charged Shack-Findlay Automotive, LLC, doing business as Findlay Honda and Findlay Automotive Group, Inc., a car...
Continue reading "DID FINDLAY HONDA RUN OUT OF GAS?" »
Federal Officials Close the Investigation into the Death of Native American Woodcarver in Washington State The U.S. Justice Department and the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Western District of Washington announced last week that they are closing the federal criminal civil rights...
Continue reading "OFFICER'S PROSECUTION WASN'T CARVED IN WOOD" »
Pepsi to Pay $3.13 Million and Made Major Policy Changes to Resolve EEOC Finding of Nationwide Hiring Discrimination Against African Americans Company's Former Use of Criminal Background Checks Discriminated Based On Race, Agency Found Pepsi Beverages (Pepsi), formerly known...
Continue reading "PEPSI POPPED FOR DISCRIMINATION" »
Oklahoma Inmate Pleads Guilty to Conspiring with Jailer to Assault Another Inmate Phillip Oliver, 46, an inmate at the Muskogee County, Okla., Jail (MCJ) pleaded guilty yesterday in U.S. District Court in Muskogee to one count of conspiracy related to...
Continue reading "HE WAS JUST FOLLOWING ORDERS" »
Bronx Community Pride Center Please join the Bronx Community Pride Center and Out Professionals for an LGBT night at the New York Botanical Garden. Join us to welcome 2012 in America's premier urban garden! ...
Continue reading "BRONX PRIDE HEADS TO BOTANICAL GARDEN" »
DynCorp to Pay $155,000 for Sex-Based Harassment and Retaliation In Iraq Contractor Subjected Male Employee to Male Co-Worker's Derogatory Sexual Comments, EEOC Charged DynCorp International, LLC, a Falls Church, Va.-based private military contractor and aircraft maintenance company, will...
Continue reading "DYNCORP'S DEROGATORY DIN, DONE" »
Matrix L.L.C. Will Pay $450,000 to Settle EEOC Race Discrimination and Retaliation Lawsuit Cleaning Company Fired African-American Employees and White Employee Who Refused to Discriminate, Federal Agency Said Matrix, L.L.C., one of the region's largest cleaning companies, will...
Continue reading ""THE MATRIX IS A SYSTEM, NEO"" »
Free Monthly Legal Clinic for Tenants I am pleased to join with Eviction Intervention Services to offer a free monthly legal clinic for tenants. If your landlord is harassing you or threatening you with eviction, or is refusing to make...
Continue reading "LOOKING FOR FREE LEGAL ADVICE" »
LIU STATEMENT ON PASSING OF ASIAN AMERICAN CIVIL RIGHTS PIONEER GORDON HIRABAYASHI *********************************** Yesterday, City Comptroller John C. Liu stated the following on the death of Asian American civil rights icon Gordon Hirabayashi:"With the passing of noted professor Gordon Hirabayashi,...
Continue reading "LIU ON HIRABAYASHI" »
Bank of Albuquerque Discriminated on the Basis of Age and Sex, EEOC Alleges in Lawsuit Older Women Fired or Disciplined, Federal Agency Charges BOK Financial Corporation, doing business as the Bank of Albuquerque, unlawfully discharged managers Elizabeth Morantes and Yolanda...
Continue reading "BOK BANKED ON DISCRIMINATION?" »
St. Mercy Medical Center settles violation of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act Following an investigation by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office for Civil Rights (OCR), St. Edward Mercy Medical Center (Mercy), in Fort Smith,...
Continue reading "LORD HAVE MERCY!" »
Grand Central Partnership Fired Rastafarian for Complaining of Threatened Violence, EEOC Says Despite Earlier Consent Decree Barring Religious Discrimination and Retaliation, Security Guard Fired After Complaining of Coworker's Threat, Federal Agency Charges Grand Central Partnership, Inc. (GCP), a not-for-profit...
Continue reading "NO WAY TO TREAT A RASTAFARIAN" »
Store security guards contacted the police after Calvin Shands and a friend were observed randomly collect merchandise and behaving "in an unusually nervous manner" when Shands's credit card was declined while at a check-out counter. In response to a store...
Continue reading "SHANDS UP!" »
Dear New Yorker, This past year was an historic one for New York City's lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community. By working together, our families stood strong and proud, and through our collective strength and passion we helped...
Continue reading "QUINN REFLECTS ON PAST YEAR'S ACCOMPLISHMENTS" »
Former Navajo Police Department Officer Indicted in New Mexico on Civil Rights Charges Yesterday, a federal grand jury in Albuquerque, N.M., indicted a former police officer with the Navajo Police Department on charges related to the sexual abuse of...
Continue reading "NAVAJO COP VIOLATED HER CIVIL RIGHTS" »
Justice Department Reaches Settlement with Virginia-Based BAE Systems Ship Repair Inc. The Justice Department announced that it reached a settlement with BAE Systems Ship Repair Inc., a leading provider of ship repair services, to settle allegations that its subsidiary,...
Continue reading "WHO NEEDS DOCUMENTS?" »
LIU, PENSION FUNDS SUCCESSFULLY PUSH FOR EQUALITY AT TOP DEFENSE CONTRACTOR Shareowner Initiative Caps an Active Year ****************************************** Comptroller John C. Liu and the New York City Pension Funds said today that a shareowner resolution has led KBR Inc., one...
Continue reading "COMPTROLLER COMBATS DISCRIMINATION" »
Although Alton A. Dunn didn't think statements made while in police custody could be used at his trial, the Monroe County Supreme Court didn't agree. While it was undisputed that Dunn hadn't been "Mirandized" when he was first questioned by the...
Continue reading "BREAK SILENCE" »
Massachusetts Man Sentenced to 166 Months in Prison for Arson of African-American Church A Springfield, Mass., man was sentenced to prison yesterday in federal court for civil rights charges stemming from the arson of a predominantly African-American church in...
Continue reading "TORCHING CHURCH GOT HIM 166 MONTHS" »
Justice Department Settles Lawsuit Alleging Retaliation by the Town of Rome, Wisconsin Yesterday, the Justice Department announced that it has reached a consent decree with the town of Rome, Wis., to resolve allegations that the town retaliated against an...
Continue reading "THE FALL OF ROME (WIS.)" »
EEOC Retaliation Case Against Cognis to Proceed, Federal Judge Orders Chemical Company Unlawfully Forced Hires to Waive Charge Rights, Federal Agency Charged Chief U.S. District Judge Michael P. McCuskey of the Central District of Illinois issued an opinion...
Continue reading "COGNIS DIDN'T RECOGNIZE ITS RETALIATION" »
American Apparel Agrees to Settle EEOC Disability Bias Suit for $60,000 Garment Worker Fired While on Medical Leave, Federal Agency Charged American Apparel, Inc., a clothing manufacturer employing thousands of workers at its production facility in Los Angeles and...
Continue reading "UNAMERICAN APPAREL?" »
Department of Justice Files Lawsuit Alleging Employment Discrimination by Florida Home Health Care Company Last week, the Justice Department filed a motion to intervene in a lawsuit against Home Care Giver Services Inc., a Florida corporation that provides home health...
Continue reading "HOME CARE COMPANY DIDN'T CARE FOR COLOMBIANS" »
EEOC Sues Wal-Mart for Disability Discrimination and Retaliation Placerville Store Denied Close Parking for Employee with Heart Condition, Federal Agency Charged Mega-retailer Wal-Mart violated federal law when it failed to accommodate an employee with a disability, the U.S....
Continue reading "WAL-MART BUYS ANOTHER LAWSUIT" »
King Soopers to Pay $80,000 to Settle EEOC Disability Discrimination Lawsuit Store Supervisors Bullied Learning-Disabled Employee, Federal Agency Charged Dillon Companies, Inc., owners of the King Soopers supermarket chain in Colorado, will pay $80,000 to a mentally challenged employee...
Continue reading "SOOPER DOOPER?" »
Whitehall Healthcare of Ann Arbor Sued By EEOC for Religious Discrimination Nursing Home Fired Jehovah's Witness Because of Her Need to Attend Religious Services, Federal Agency Charged An Ann Arbor, Mich., nursing home violated federal law when it...
Continue reading "WHITEHALL HEALTHCARE NURSED DISCRIMINATION" »
Valley Motors To Pay $30,000 To Settle EEOC Retaliation Lawsuit Russellville Dealership Fired Female Salesperson for Complaining About Gender Discrimination, Federal Agency Charged Valley Motors, Inc., an automobile dealership located in Russellville Ark., will pay $30,000 to settle ...
Continue reading "VALLEY MOTORS BOTTOMS OUT" »
Vet Pharm To Pay $65,000 To Settle EEOC Sexual Harassment Suit South Dakota Animal Products Company Subjected Employee to Hostile Work Environment, Federal Agency Charged A federal judge has approved a consent decree resolving a sexual harassment lawsuit...
Continue reading "VET PHARM FARMED OUT HARASSMENT" »
Sysco Oklahoma Settles EEOC Disability Discrimination Suit for $82,000 Disabled Employee Interrogated and Fired after Seen Parking in Handicap Parking Space, Federal Agency Charged Sysco Oklahoma LLC., a leader in food distribution, will pay $82,000 and furnish other...
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Luihn Food Systems Pays $277,000 To Resolve EEOC Sexual Harassment Lawsuit Company Failed to Stop Abuse of Female Employees at Raleigh KFC, Agency Charged Luihn Food Systems, Inc. will pay $277,000 and furnish other relief to resolve a...
Continue reading "LUIHN-Y'S TUNE" »
D&K Suit City / DDK To Pay $20,000 To Settle EEOC Pregnancy Discrimination Suit Federal Agency Charged Retailer Discriminated Against Worker Because of Her Pregnancy D&K Suit City, LLC, an Atlanta retailer of discounted suits, and its corporate...
Continue reading "DID THIS SUIT D&K SUIT CITY?" »
Former White Mountain Apache Tribal Police Officer Pleads Guilty in Arizona to Civil Rights Violations Former White Mountain Apache Tribal police officer, Glenn Cromwell, 35, pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court in Phoenix to two counts of violating civil rights...
Continue reading "COP FACES THE COOLER" »
Newman Ferrara attorney, Professor Randy McLaughlin, continues to advocate for the rights of Nassau County residents and is now representing a prominent civil rights attorney against the county government. Reuters Legal News featured Newman Ferrara's most recent suit, filed on...
Continue reading "IN THE NEWS: CHAMPIONING YOUR CIVIL RIGHTS" »
Lakemont Homes to Pay $267,000 to Settle EEOC Sexual Harassment, Retaliation Suit Women Subjected to Sexual Propositions and Touching, Threatened and Forced to Quit, Federal Agency Charged Real estate developer Lakemont Homes, Inc. and its subsidiary Lakemont Homes...
Continue reading "LAKEMONT HOMES SUNK FOR HARASSMENT" »
Imperial Security Will Pay $50,000 To Settle EEOC Religious Discrimination Lawsuit Security Company Fired Employee for Wearing Religious Head Scarf, Federal Agency Charged A Philadelphia-area security company will pay $50,000 and furnish significant equitable relief to settle a...
Continue reading "AN IMPERIAL MESS-UP" »
Jackson Park Hospital To Pay $80,000 To Settle EEOC Lawsuit For Race And Sex Discrimination And Retaliation Agency Charged Black Female Employees Were Segregated in Job Assignments Jackson Park Hospital and Medical Center, located on Chicago's South Side, will...
Continue reading "JACKSON PARK HOSPITAL NURSED DISCRIMINATION" »
Koper Furniture To Pay $40,000 To Settle Retaliation Suit By EEOC Employee Fired for Complaining About Color Discrimination, EEOC Charged Koper Furniture, Inc., a furniture company operating in several locations in Puerto Rico, will pay $40,000 and furnish...
Continue reading "KOPER COPED WITH DISCRIMINATION?" »
Former Alabama Corrections Officer Pleads Guilty to Violating the Civil Rights of an Inmate Last week, rhe Justice Department announced that Scottie T. Glenn, 28, a former corrections officer of the Alabama Department of Corrections, pleaded guilty in U.S....
Continue reading "CORRECTIONS OFFICER WILL TAKE A BEATING OF HIS OWN" »
Journal Disposition Settles EEOC Disability Discrimination Lawsuit Printing Company Fired Capable Worker Because of Cancer, Federal Agency Charged Journal Disposition, the former operator of IPC Print Services, Inc., a full-service print, manufacturing and distribution company in St. Joseph, Mich.,...
Continue reading "JOURNAL DISPOSITION DISPOSES DISCRIMINATION CLAIM" »
Dear Lucas, Nearly three million workers and students need our help.Our community worked incredibly hard to ensure that women were protected under health care reform, and that meant making sure birth control was covered by the insurance companies. Some...
Continue reading "PROTECTING CHOICE" »
Champion Window / Champion Retailco To Pay $80,000 To Settle EEOC Age Discrimination Suit Federal Agency Charged Retailer Fired an Older Worker Because of Age Champion Window Company of Columbus, Ga., LLC, a retailer and installer of window, door,...
Continue reading "SOME CHAMPION" »
Mobile Community Action To Pay $65,000 To Settle EEOC Retaliation Suit Male Employee Fired After Alleging He Was Sexually Harassed by Female Supervisor, Federal Agency Charges Last week, Mobile Community Action, Inc. has agreed to settle a retaliation...
Continue reading "MOBILE COMMUNITY ACTION MADE THE WRONG MOVE" »
ZUCCOTTI PARK REOCCUPIED At around 6 AM on November 15, 2011, attorneys associated with the New York City Chapter of the National Lawyers Guild working as the Liberty Park Legal Working Group obtained a temporary restraining order against the City...
Continue reading "JUDGE LETS PROTESTORS BACK IN" »
Salem Electric Company to Pay $40,000 to Settle EEOC Race Discrimination Suit Black Employee Fired Because of His Race, Federal Agency Charged A Winston-Salem, N.C.- based electric company will pay $40,000 and furnish significant remedial relief to settle...
Continue reading "SALEM ELECTRIC CHARGED WITH DISCRIMINATION" »
A.G. SCHNEIDERMAN LAUNCHES NEW INITIATIVE TO PROTECT RELIGIOUS RIGHTS Initiative Targets Religious Rights Violations & Enforces Anti-Discrimination Laws Schneiderman: We Must Protect Religious Freedom, Foster & Promote Tolerance [En Español] Yesterday, Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman announced the launch of...
Continue reading "SCHNEIDERMAN'S RELIGIOUS RIGHTS INITIATIVE" »
Dresser Rand Settles EEOC Religious Discrimination Lawsuit Company Fired Jehovah's Witness for Declining to Work on Weapons, Federal Agency Charged Dresser Rand Company agreed to pay $110,000 and provide other relief to settle a lawsuit filed by the...
Continue reading "UNDRESSING DRESSER RAND" »
Justice Speaks Lunch: Persecution and Protection: The Role of Gender and Sexuality in Refugee and Asylum Law Wednesday, November 16, 2011 12:50-1:50p.m., W402 RSVP to JAC@nyls.edu The final Justice Speaks lunch of the semester will focus on the current...
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Omar Montes was accused of shooting and killing Robinson Lopez. The key witnes in the case was Loraine Ceballo, who testified that she saw Montes and his friend, Carlos Gonzalez, confront the victim with unidentified objects in their hands, that...
Continue reading "J'ACCUSE!" »
Gillibrand Introduces Every Child Deserves A Family Act Legislation Would Open More Loving Homes To Children By Ending Discrimination Against Adoptive Parents Based On Sexual Orientation Last week, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand announced that she will introduce the Every Child...
Continue reading "EVERY KID DESERVES A FAMILY" »
South Florida Corrections Officers Convicted of Federal Civil Rights and Obstruction Charges A federal jury in Miami convicted South Florida Reception Center (SFRC) Corrections Officers Alexander McQueen, 30, and Steven Dawkins, 30, of offenses related to the violation of...
Continue reading "OFFICERS FACE 10 YEARS FOR PRISON ABUSE" »
Justice Department Settles Religious Discrimination Lawsuit Against Berkeley School District in Illinois Yesterday, the Department of Justice announced that it has entered into a consent decree with the Board of Education of Berkeley School District 87 in Berkeley, Ill....
Continue reading "BERKELEY NEEDS TO BE MORE TOLERANT" »
After school officials reported a laptop missing, the police used a pre-installed tracking software to trace the machine's location to a Bronx home. Upon arriving at the scene, officers entered an unlocked vestibule, without announcing their presence. Once inside, officers...
Continue reading "A STANDING INVITATION" »
Dear Friend, Tune in to Good Day New York tomorrow morning at 7:35 AM on Fox to hear Bill de Blasio talk about the Occupy Wall Street protests. As you may have heard, Mayor Bloomberg announced the city will...
Continue reading "de BLASIO ON WALL STREET PROTEST" »
American Laser Centers To Pay $125,000 To Settle Sexual Harassment And Retaliation Suit By EEOC Nation's Largest Laser Hair Removal Company Allowed Harassment of Female Staff in Fresno and Fired Manager Who Complained, Federal Agency Charged American Laser...
Continue reading "AMERICAN LASER GETS BURNED" »
Believing she was a victim of discrimination, Mildred Block filed a claim against her employer with the New York City Commission of Human Rights. When both the Commissioner and the New York County Supreme Court concluded that she hadn't demonstrated...
Continue reading "CHIP OFF THE OLD ..." »
Man Pleads Guilty to Civil Rights Violations in Connection with Arson at Planned Parenthood and Vandalism of Mosque in Madera, California Late last week, Donny Eugene Mower, 38, of Madera, Calif., pleaded guilty in federal court today to one...
Continue reading "PROTECTING PLANNED PARENTHOOD AND MUSLIM AMERICANS" »
Hamilton Growers Sued By EEOC For Discrimination Against American Workers Company Favored Mexican Workers Over American Workers, Federal Agency Charges Hamilton Growers, Inc., doing business as Southern Valley Fruit and Vegetable, Inc., subjected American workers to discrimination based on...
Continue reading "HAMILTON GROWERS DISCRIMINATION STUNTED" »
A.G. SCHNEIDERMAN ANNOUNCES SETTLEMENT IN HOUSING DISCRIMINATION CASE AFTER UNDERCOVER INVESTIGATION Landlord in Capital Region Treated Families With Children and African American Applicants Unequally Agreement Requires Changes To Rental Policies To Ensure Equal Access to Housing, And Thousands Of...
Continue reading "SHEDDING LIGHT ON SHADY LANE" »
What Passage of the Marriage Equality Law Will Mean for Same-Sex Couples in New York: A Multidisciplinary Forum Tuesday, October 4, 2011 6:00 pm-8:00 pm Registration: There is no charge for this program. RegisterThis is NOT a CLE program.In what...
Continue reading "THE MEANING OF MARRIAGE EQUALITY" »
Major Washington Apple Grower Sued by EEOC for Retaliation Against Employees Workers Threatened for Cooperating in Investigation, Federal Agency Charges One of the nation's largest apple producers violated federal law when its management retaliated against workers for cooperating...
Continue reading "THIS IS MAJOR (WASHINGTON APPLE)" »
Supercuts Settles EEOC Religious Discrimination and Retaliation Lawsuit $43,500 for Hair Stylist Fired For Refusing to Work on Sabbath Salon chain Supercuts has agreed to pay $43,500 and to implement preventive measures to settle a religious accommodation and...
Continue reading "SUPERCUTS GETS SCALPED" »
ABC Cake Shop Sued by EEOC for Sex Harassment Owner Abused Women in Popular Cake Shop, Federal Agency Charges Early Bird Management Group, LLC, doing business as ABC Cake Shop & Bakery in Albuquerque, violated federal law by subjecting...
Continue reading "THEY FORGOT THEIR ABCs" »
In response to a 911 caller's claim that Andre Rivera had threatened to use a firearm, officers stopped and frisked Rivera and found an illegal weapon on his person. When the New York County Supreme Court convicted him of criminal...
Continue reading "FRISKY BUSINESS" »
Department of Justice Releases Investigative Findings on the Puerto Rico Police Department Following a comprehensive investigation, the Justice Department announced on Thursday its findings that the Puerto Rico Police Department (PRPD) has engaged in a pattern and practice of...
Continue reading "PUERTO RICAN COPS BROKE LAW" »
Outback Steakhouse Sued by EEOC for Disability Discrimination Company Fired Employee Because of Disability And/or Because He Needed a Reasonable Accommodation A Phoenix, Ariz., Outback Steakhouse restaurant violated federal law by firing an employee on the basis of...
Continue reading "A BARBARIC OUTBACK" »
Applebee's Owners Pay $1 Million in EEOC Suit Bismarck, ND, General Manager Abused Women for Six Years Class of 17 Women to Receive Compensation in Largest EEOC Settlement in North Dakota Food Management Investors, Inc. (FMI) and...
Continue reading "EATIN'S NOT GOOD FOR THIS APPLEBEE'S" »
Crime Scene Cleaners Sued For Sex Bias EEOC Charges Company Refused to Hire Woman Because of Gender Oakland-based Crime Scene Cleaners, a trauma scene cleaning company specializing in homicide, suicide and accidental death scene cleanup operations, violated federal...
Continue reading "A SEX BIASED CRIME SCENE" »
Justice Department Obtains $70,000 Settlement in Housing Discrimination Lawsuit Against New Orleans Landlords The Justice Department announced on Monday that New Orleans landlords Betty Bouchon, the Bouchon Limited Family Partnership and Sapphire Corp., have agreed to pay $70,000 in damages and...
Continue reading "HOUSING DISCRIMINATION COST THEM $70,000" »
Free Monthly Legal Clinic for Tenants I am pleased to join with Eviction Intervention Services to offer a free monthly legal clinic for tenants. If your landlord is harassing you or threatening you with eviction, or is refusing to make...
Continue reading "LOOKING FOR FREE LANDLORD-TENANT ADVICE?" »
Captain's Galley Settles EEOC Male-on-Male Sexual Harassment Suit Restaurant to Pay $86,000 to Former Male Employees Who Were Subjected to Abuse by Male Co-Worker Huntersville Seafood, Inc., doing business as Captain's Galley restaurant, will pay $86,000 and furnish...
Continue reading "THEY TOOK THE PIRATE THING, A BIT TOO FAR" »
Women's Equality According to the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), beginning in the mid-19th century, several generations of woman suffrage supporters lectured, wrote, marched, lobbied, and practiced civil disobedience to achieve what many Americans considered a radical change in...
Continue reading "WOMAN'S EQUALITY DAY" »
Fremont Toyota Sued For Harassment And Retaliation Against Afghani Employees Afghani-Americans Targeted for Name-Calling and Threats, EEOC Alleges Local car dealership Fremont Toyota violated federal law when its management harassed Afghani-American employees due to their national origin, the...
Continue reading "THEY'RE RIDING FREMONT TOYOTA" »
Sac Griffith / Pepe's Mexican Restaurant Sued for Sexual Harassment and Pregnancy Bias Restaurant's Owner Sexually Harassed Hostess and Then Fired Her Because of Her Pregnancy, EEOC Charges The owner of SAC Griffith, Inc., doing business as Pepe's...
Continue reading "A BIT TOO PEPPY AT PEPE'S" »
Old Dominion Freight Line Sued By EEOC For Disability Discrimination Trucking Company Should Have Complied with ADA while Assuring Safety, Not Permanently Sideline Driver Who Self-Reported Alcohol Abuse Old Dominion Freight Line, Inc., a trucking company with a...
Continue reading "THIS IS GETTING OLD DOMINION" »
DynCorp International Sued For Sex-Based Harassment And Retaliation Male Employee Subjected to Male Co-worker's Derogatory Sexual Comments DynCorp International, LLC, a United States based private military contractor and aircraft maintenance company, violated federal law by subjecting a male...
Continue reading "DYNCORP'S DEROGATORY DIN" »
These poll numbers were released earlier today by Rasmussen Reports -- "an electronic publishing firm specializing in the collection, publication, and distribution of public opinion polling information." 49% Concerned Efforts To Identify Illegal Immigrants Will Violate Civil Rights Thursday, August...
Continue reading "ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS HAVE CIVIL RIGHTS?" »
Federal Court Rules In EEOC's Favor, Holding That Fired Employees Are Not Required To Return To School Court Denies Company's Attempt to Limit Damages in Religious Discrimination Lawsuit; Prevents Defense Expert from Testifying Finding that employees have no ...
Continue reading "YOU DON'T HAVE TO GO BACK TO SCHOOL" »
The Children's Hospital Association Sued By EEOC For Disability Discrimination Hospital Refuses to Hire Applicant Due to Fibromyalgia, Federal Agency Charges The Children's Hospital in Colorado intentionally and unlawfully discriminated against an applicant for hire due to her...
Continue reading "HOSTILE HOSPITAL?" »
Williams Country Sausage Company Settles EEOC Race Discrimination Suit For $60,000 Company Harassed and Underpaid a Black Maintenance Worker Because of Race, Federal Agency Charged A producer of pork sausage products located in Union City, Tenn., will pay...
Continue reading "THIS SAUSAGE COMPANY GOT INTO A GRIND" »
EEOC Sues Audrain Medical Center for Sex Discrimination Employer Refused to Transfer Male Nurse to Operating Room Because of His Gender, Federal Agency Charged Yesterday, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) filed suit in federal court against Audrain...
Continue reading "THEY WANTED A FEMALE IN THEIR O.R." »
Trinity Health Corporation Sued by EEOC for Retaliation National Catholic Health Care System Has Policy of Punishing Workers Who File Discrimination Charges, Federal Agency Charges Trinity Health Corporation violated federal law by retaliating against employees who file or...
Continue reading "HOLY GHOST, TRINITY GETS SUED!" »
Jewish Community Center Of Greater Washington Settles EEOC Disability Discrimination Suit Hearing-Impaired Assistant Teacher to Receive $100,000 One of the largest metropolitan Jewish community centers in the country will pay $100,000 and provide other relief to settle a...
Continue reading "NOW WILL THIS THEY LISTEN?" »
Blumenthal, Gillibrand, Brown Introduce Legislation Outlawing Discriminatory Hiring Practices Earlier this week, Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) introduced the Fair Employment Opportunity Act of 2011, legislation that will make it illegal for employers and employment agencies to unfairly discriminate against...
Continue reading "THEY WANT TO MAKE THIS DISCRIMINATORY" »
Justice Department Resolves Lawsuit Alleging Religious Discrimination by Walnut, California Yesterday, the Justice Department announced a settlement with the city of Walnut, Calif., resolving allegations that the city violated the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act of 2000 (RLUIPA)...
Continue reading "WAS THIS CITY NUTS?" »
Pepsi Settles EEOC Disability Discrimination Suit EEOC Obtains $120,000 for Driver With Disability Denied Accommodation and Fired The Pepsi Bottling Group, Inc. (NYSE: PBG) agreed to pay $120,000 and implement preventive measures to settle a disability discrimination lawsuit...
Continue reading "ICI, C'EST PEPSI " »
Rock-Tenn To Pay $160,000 To Settle EEOC Sexual Harassment Lawsuit Manufacturer Failed to Stop Co-Worker's Harassment of Women, Federal Agency Charges Rock-Tenn Company, a packaging manufacturer in Conway, Ark., will pay $160,000 to settle a sexual harassment lawsuit...
Continue reading "THEY CAME DOWN ROCK HARD" »
Taco Bell Owner Sued by EEOC for Religious Discrimination Fayetteville Restaurant Unlawfully Fired Nazirite for His Refusal to Cut His Hair, Federal Agency Charges Family Foods, Inc., a North Carolina corporation that operates a chain of Taco Bell restaurants in...
Continue reading "HEAD FOR THE BORDER" »
Dear Lucas, Sunday was a special day in New York. Across the State, same sex couples will be able to stand in front of family, friends and loved ones and for the first time, legally say, "I do." I'm proud...
Continue reading "THEY DID" »
A.G. SCHNEIDERMAN TAKES LEGAL ACTION TO CHALLENGE CONSTITUTIONALITY OF DEFENSE OF MARRIAGE ACT Brief Argues DOMA Violates Same-Sex Couples' Right to Equal Protection Under Law and Must Be Invalidated Schneiderman: My Office Will Fight Every Day to Defend the...
Continue reading "SCHNEIDERMAN TAKES ON DOMA" »
TSW Management, Inc. Sued by EEOC for Sexual Harassment and Retaliation Burger King Franchise Owner Subjected Many Female Employees To A Hostile Work Environment And Retaliated Against Those Who Complained TSW Management, Inc, an owner of several...
Continue reading "THEY COULDN'T HAVE IT THEIR WAY" »
Dear Lucas, As you know, a federal judge recently issued a temporary injunction against the law I authored to regulate Crisis Pregnancy Centers in New York City.Today's New York Times includes an editorial that underscores why the judge got it...
Continue reading "JESSICA WOULD NEVER STIFLE FREE EXPRESSION" »
BP MARKOWITZ OPENS HISTORIC BOROUGH HALL TO DOZENS OF COUPLES GETTING HITCHED ON FIRST DAY OF MARRIAGE EQUALITY Judges, rabbis and ministers preside over ceremonies; free champagne, sparkling water, wedding cake and photographs for newlyweds On Sunday, July 24,...
Continue reading "MARTY'S WEDDING ALBUM" »
Mason County Forest Products Settles EEOC Sex Discrimination Lawsuit Federal Agency Obtains $900,000 for Workers Told 'Women Don't Belong Here' Mason County Forest Products, which operated a saw and wood planing mill in Shelton, Wash., agreed to pay...
Continue reading "HOW WILL MASON COUNTY BUILD ON THIS?" »
How Marriage Equality Was Won A Cocktail Reception & Discussion Hosted by Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP and Presented by NYCLA's LGBT Issues Committee & LeGaL In Celebration of New York Marriage Equality Monday, August 1, 2011 6:30-8:30...
Continue reading "HOW MARRIAGE EQUALITY CAME TO BE" »
BP MARKOWITZ TO OPEN HISTORIC BOROUGH HALL FOR WEDDING CEREMONIES ON FIRST TWO DAYS OF MARRIAGE EQUALITY Judges, rabbis and ministers will be on hand to preside over ceremonies 9:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M. SUNDAY, JULY 24 AND MONDAY,...
Continue reading "LET WEDDING BELLS RING" »
MAYOR BLOOMBERG, SPEAKER QUINN AND NEW YORK CITY CLERK MCSWEENEY ANNOUNCE PUBLIC LOTTERY FOR ANY COUPLE WISHING TO MARRY ON SUNDAY, JULY 24TH Data Collected Since July 5th Shows Number of Couples Seeking to Marry on Sunday Could be Four...
Continue reading "THE MARRIAGE LOTTERY" »
Two Arkansas Men Plead Guilty to Federal Hate Crime for Cross Burning Tony Branscum, 25, and James Bradley "Brad" Branscum, 23, both of Salado, Ark., pleaded guilty yesterday to criminal violations of housing rights related to their role in the...
Continue reading "TEN YEARS FOR CROSS BURNING" »
Federal Court Enters Consent Decree Resolving EEOC Lawsuit Against Richardson Industries Woman Fired After Supervisors Reported She Had Been Harassed, Federal Agency Says A federal district court judge in Milwaukee has entered a consent decree resolving an employment discrimination...
Continue reading "RICHCO STRUCTURES AN HARASSMENT SETTLEMENT" »
Court Finds for EEOC in Religious Discrimination Suit Against Abercrombie & Fitch Judge Finds Retailer Refused to Hire Teen Muslim Applicant Because of Head Scarf A federal court has agreed with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)...
Continue reading "HIJAB HUBBUB" »
Dear New Yorker, New York State's Marriage Equality Law was signed into law by Governor Cuomo on June 24, 2011, allowing same-sex couples to marry legally in New York for the first time. Many of us have waited...
Continue reading "CHRISTINE QUINN WANTS YOU TO GET MARRIED" »
Great Lakes Chemical Corporation Settles EEOC Racial Discrimination Lawsuit Manufacturer Unlawfully Terminated Black Employees, Federal Agency Charges Great Lakes Chemical Corporation, a manufacturer and seller of chemical products in El Dorado, Ark., will pay $80,000 and furnish other...
Continue reading "WAS THIS SUPERIOR FOR GREAT LAKES?" »
Hurricane Grill and Wings Sued by EEOC For Sexual Harassment Royal Palm Beach Restaurant Subjected Women to Sexual Advances and Physical Abuse by a County Sheriff's Deputy, Federal Agency Charged A Royal Palm Beach restaurant violated federal law...
Continue reading "LOOK WHO'S TAKING A GRILLING" »
How to File a Complaint If you feel a health care provider, or state or local government agency, has discriminated against you (or someone else) based on race, national origin, disability, or age, you may file a civil rights complaint....
Continue reading "HAVE YOU BEEN A VICTIM OF HEALTH CARE DISCRIMINATION?" »
Terminix and ServiceMaster Settle EEOC Sexual Harassment Lawsuit for $140,000 Supervisor at Salt Lake Facility Repeatedly Sexually Harassed Females Major exterminating company Terminix and its parent company, ServiceMaster, will pay $140,000 and furnish other relief to settle a sexual harassment...
Continue reading "TERMINIX TERMINATES SEXUAL HARASSMENT SUIT" »
Target to Pay $160,000 to Settle EEOC Disability Discrimination Suit Foothill Ranch Store Denied Accommodation for Attendant With Cerebral Palsy, Federal Agency Charged Retail giant Target Corporation will pay $160,000 to settle a disability discrimination lawsuit filed by the U.S....
Continue reading "TARGETED DISCRIMINATION?" »
Verizon to Pay $20 Million to Settle Nationwide EEOC Disability Suit Largest ADA Settlement in EEOC History for Hundreds of EmployeesTerminated or Disciplined Based on Rigid Attendance Policy Telecommunications giant Verizon Communications will pay $20 million and provide...
Continue reading "A WRONG NUMBER FOR VERIZON?" »
Genesco/Journeys Settles EEOC Sexual Harassment And Retaliation Suit Albuquerque Shoe Store Harassed Teenaged Female Workers, Federal Agency Charged A large national shoe retailer, Genesco, Inc., doing business as Journeys, has agreed to settle a sex discrimination and retaliation...
Continue reading "EEOC DROPS SHOE ON JOURNEYS" »
Departments of Justice and Education Reach Agreement with Tehachapi, California, Public Schools to Resolve Harassment Allegations The Departments of Justice and Education reached a settlement agreement with the Tehachapi Unified School District in Tehachapi, Calif., to resolve an investigation into...
Continue reading "ENDING SEX-BASED HARASSMENT IN TEHACHAPI" »
Michael's International Sued By EEOC For Race Discrimination Houston Nightclub's Corporate Vice-President Made Explicit Racist Statements, Forced Out African-American Staff, Federal Agency Charged A Houston nightclub violated federal law when it discriminated against African-American waitresses to please one...
Continue reading "NOT VERY GENTLEMENLY" »
Federal Court Enters Consent Decree Resolving EEOC Lawsuit Against City of Boone, Iowa City Rejected Older Applicant for Less Qualified Younger One, Federal Agency Charged A federal district court judge in Des Moines has entered a consent decree resolving...
Continue reading "NO BOON FOR BOONE" »
Owner Of Phoenix Subway Engaged In Intentional Pregnancy Discrimination, Court Rules In EEOC Suit Agency Said Manager Refused to Hire an Applicant Because She Was Pregnant In a legal victory for the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC),...
Continue reading "HERE'S THE FRESH BUZZ ON SUBWAY" »
Because they suspected he was in possession of drugs, the officers secured a search warrant allowing them to search J. Colon and his car. Finding no drugs, Colon was taken to the precinct where police performed a patdown search that...
Continue reading "WHAT'S UP COLON?" »
BP MARKOWITZ HOSTS CHAMPAGNE TOAST, SERVES WEDDING CAKE TO CELEBRATE MARRIAGE EQUALITY IN NEW YORK Announces LGBT wedding expo and free champagne and photos for couples when law takes effect On Wednesday, June 29, Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz joined...
Continue reading "TINA TURNER SURE LOOKS TIRED" »
While the New York State Division of Parole (NYSDP) was conducting a parole revocation hearing, Gregory Wyche--who had a history of seizures--became ill and was hospitalized. Interestingly, his request to adjourn the proceeding was denied, because the hearing officer thought...
Continue reading "NO BURNING THIS WYCHE" »
Dear New Yorker, New York State's recognition of marriage equality for same sex couples is an extraordinary step towards full equality for LGBT people. At long last, the change we have fought so hard for will be seen in the lives...
Continue reading "A VICTORY FOR THE LGBT COMMUNITY" »
Abercrombie & Fitch Sued For Religious Discrimination Retail Giant Fires Muslim Teen For Wearing Head Scarf, Federal Agency Charges Clothing retailer Abercrombie & Fitch violated federal law when it fired a Muslim employee for wearing a hijab (religious...
Continue reading "ABERCROMBIE & FITCH HATES HOW THIS LOOKS" »
Tobias Boyland took an appeal to the Appellate Division, Fourth Department, after he was convicted of four counts of criminal possession of a weapon. Boyland claimed that a rifle seized from a closet shouldn't have been introduced into evidence at...
Continue reading "GUN SHY?" »
BP MARKOWITZ TO HOST CHAMPAGNE TOAST, SERVE WEDDING CAKE TO CELEBRATE MARRIAGE EQUALITY IN NEW YORK 6:00 P.M. WEDNESDAY, JUNE 29 BROOKLYN BOROUGH HALL 209 JORALEMON STREET BETWEEN COURT AND ADAMS STREETS DOWNTOWN BROOKLYN On Wednesday, June 29,...
Continue reading "MARTY TOASTS GAY MARRIAGE" »
Justice Department Files Lawsuit Alleging Immigration-Related Employment Discrimination by Farmland Foods Inc. in Missouri Yesterday, the Justice Department filed a lawsuit against Farmland Foods Inc., a major producer of pork products in the United States, alleging that it engaged...
Continue reading "FARMLAND FOODS FLUBS" »
Antonio Hillard was arrested because he matched the description given by a 911 caller, and was supposedly trying to flee when officers arrived at the scene. After he was convicted of criminal possession of a controlled substance and unlawful possession of...
Continue reading "DIALING IT IN?" »
Ensuring a Taxi for All I am thrilled to report that the New York State Assembly recently passed my legislation (A.4406) which requires that after October 1, 2014, all new taxicabs put into service in New York City must be...
Continue reading "TAXIS FOR ALL!" »
Dear Lucas, What a historic day!I'm thrilled that, thanks to your voice and the hard work of Governor Cuomo and so many committed organizations and elected officials, New York has once again led the way for equality.Last night, the New...
Continue reading "REPEAL DOMA" »
A.C. Widenhouse Sued By EEOC For Racial Harassment Freight Trucking Company Subjected Black Employees to Racial Slurs and Nooses, Federal Agency Charges A Concord, N.C.-based freight trucking company violated federal law by subjecting a class of African-American employees...
Continue reading "EEOC NOOSES TRUCKING COMPANY'S PRACTICES" »
Ellicott City Surveying Company To Pay $77,000 To Settle EEOC Disability Discrimination Lawsuit Fisher, Collins & Carter Fired Longtime Employees for Diabetes And Other Medical Conditions, Federal Agency Charged An Ellicott City, Md., surveying company will pay $77,000...
Continue reading "THEIR EMPLOYMENT PRACTICES NEEDED TO BE SURVEYED" »
Gillibrand Statement On Supreme Court Decision to Overturn Wal-Mart Ruling U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) released the following statement in response to the U.S. Supreme Court's decision (released on June 20, 2011) to overturn the lower court's ruling that would have...
Continue reading "GILLIBRAND IS SUPREMELY DISPLEASED" »
Justice Department Reaches Settlement with Nixon State Bank to Resolve Allegations of Lending Discrimination Settlement Provides Compensation to Hispanic Borrowers of Unsecured Consumer Loans Last week, the Justice Department announced that Nixon State Bank of Nixon, Texas, will establish...
Continue reading "NIXON WANTED TO ERASE THIS" »
Dear New Yorker, WE ARE CLOSE TO MAKING HISTORY, BUT WE NEED TO KEEP THE PRESSURE ON THE NY STATE SENATE TO DO THE RIGHT THING!!!! If you'd like to join thousands of New Yorkers across the city and state telling...
Continue reading "HISTORY IN THE MAKING" »
Apparel Retailer Finish Line Settles EEOC Disability Discrimination Lawsuit Indianapolis-based retailer Finish Line, Inc., a nationwide athletic apparel retailer, has agreed to settle a disability discrimination lawsuit filed by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), the agency...
Continue reading "DISCRIMINATION GETS TO FINISH LINE" »
Dear Friends, Earlier this week two New York State Senators from Queens announced that they would support same-sex marriage in the State of New York after voting against it in 2010. Senators Joseph Addabbo (15th Senatorial District) and Shirley...
Continue reading "CALL & GIVE THANKS" »
Justice Department Reaches Settlement with Midwest BankCentre Regarding Alleged Lending Discrimination in St. Louis Settlement Provides $1.45 Million to Ensure Equal Lending Services to African-American Community Midwest BankCentre will open a full-service branch in an African-American neighborhood and invest approximately...
Continue reading "THEY WOULDN'T LEND TO AFRICAN-AMERICANS" »
Ricoh to Pay $125,000 to Settle EEOC Harassment and Retaliation Lawsuit Company Subjected Black and Hispanic Employees to Harassment, Then Suspended and Fired Them for Complaining, Federal Agency Charged Ricoh Americas Corporation has agreed to pay $125,000 and...
Continue reading "RICOH-O-LA!" »
Norfolk Southern Railway To Pay $60,000 And Provide Job To Settle EEOC Sex Discrimination Lawsuit Railway Refused to Promote Woman to Yardmaster Position, Federal Agency Charged Norfolk Southern Railway Corporation, one of the nation's premier transportation companies, will...
Continue reading "WAS NORFOLK SOUTHERN RAILROADED?" »
Governor Cuomo Proposes Marriage Equality Act Yesterday, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo submitted a program bill to bring marriage equality to New York state. The Marriage Equality Act permits all couples to enter into marriage in New York state, thereby removing...
Continue reading "CUOMO PUSHES FOR MARRIAGE EQUALITY" »
Dear Lucas, Yesterday, in what the New York Times called a "victory" for equality, Senate Democrats joined with Governor Andrew Cuomo to bring New York three unprecedented steps closer to becoming the largest state in the nation to pass marriage...
Continue reading "3 STEPS CLOSER" »
ACLU Calls on President Obama to Address Police Brutality in Puerto Rico On Friday, the American Civil Liberties Union called on President Obama to press Puerto Rican leaders about a pattern of police brutality and governmental suppression of First Amendment...
Continue reading "THEY'RE SUPPRESSING SPEECH IN PUERTO RICO" »
Speaker Christine C. Quinn Marriage Equality & LGBT Community Report Dear New Yorker, Our phone calls, letters, postcards, and other activities in support of marriage equality are paying off. A recent New York Same-Sex Marriage Poll shows support at...
Continue reading "QUINN ON MARRIAGE EQUALITY" »
Herzog Roofing To Pay $71,500 To Settle EEOC Racial Harassment Charge A Detroit Lakes, Minn., roofing company has agreed to pay $71,500 to seven black, Hispanic and American Indian employees to settle racial harassment and retaliation charges brought against...
Continue reading "ROOFER HOUSED RACIAL HARASSMENT" »
The Annual Reception and Cocktail Party Celebrating Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride Month 2011Monday, June 13, 2011 6 PM-8 PM Registration: There is no charge for this program. RegisterThe Association will hold its annual reception and cocktail party celebrating...
Continue reading "ARTHUR S. LEONARD HONORED" »
BP MARKOWITZ, BROOKLYN'S LGBT COMMUNITY RAISE RAINBOW FLAG OVER BOROUGH HALL FOR PRIDE WEEK On Monday, June 6, Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz joined Brooklyn Pride, the Brooklyn Community Pride Center, community organizations, elected officials, military veterans and Brooklyn's...
Continue reading "BOROUGH HALL'S GOT PRIDE" »
Temporary Staffing Firm and Client Company To Pay $42,500 to Settle EEOC National Origin Lawsuit Assembly Technician, U.S. Citizen, Fired Because She Was Born in Guatemala, Federal Agency Charged A group of South Carolina temporary staffing firms and...
Continue reading "EXPRESSLY PROHIBITED: NATIONAL ORIGIN DISCRIMINATION" »
The Civil Rights Division (CRD) in the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) promotes and ensures that people have equal access to and opportunity to participate in certain health care and human services programs without facing unlawful discrimination. CRD carries out...
Continue reading "HAVE YOU BEEN A VICTIM OF HEALTH CARE DISCRIMINATION?" »
Dots To Pay Nearly A Quarter Million To Settle EEOC Race Discrimination Suit Merrillville, Ind., Store Denied Jobs to White Applicants on a Systemic Basis, Federal Agency Charged Dots, Inc., a national women's off-priced clothing retailer, will pay...
Continue reading "ON THE DOTS?" »
BP MARKOWITZ, BROOKLYN PRIDE, BROOKLYN COMMUNITY PRIDE CENTER TO MARK 15th ANNUAL LGBT CELEBRATION Week of events includes flag raising and reception at Borough Hall, fundraising dance, multicultural festival and parade Beginning on Monday, June 6, and continuing through Sunday,...
Continue reading "MARKOWITZ'S GOT PRIDE" »
Longs Drugs Settles EEOC Race, Gender Discrimination and Retaliation Suit African-American Female Buyer Held to Unequal Standard, Federal Agency Charges On Tuesday, it was announced that a major pharmacy chain agreed to pay $55,000 and to implement preventive...
Continue reading "SEDATING LONG DRUGS" »
New York has a proud, progressive history as a national leader in bringing greater equality and respect for all. From the fight for women's suffrage to the struggle for civil rights, New Yorkers have not only been on the right...
Continue reading "VOTE YES ON MARRIAGE EQUALITY" »
Out of the Bronx Honoring 5 LGBT heros from the Bronx! Raymond Brown -- Carmen Vazquez -- Antonio Centeno, Jr. -- Christopher Carolan -- Michelle Lopez The Ritz 369 W 46th St. (between 8th and 9th Avenues) Tuesday, June...
Continue reading "OUT OF THE BRONX" »
PROMOTE TOLERANCE. GET INVOLVED. TOWNHALL MEETING Making our community safer for LGBTQ people. Please join us at a community conversation regarding anti-LGBT violence and promoting tolerance. Topics will include: Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Questioning concerns, building community connections, working...
Continue reading "COMBAT HATE" »
Speaker Christine C. Quinn May 24, 2011 Marriage Equality & LGBT Community Report Dear New Yorker, For the first time ever, Gallup in a nationwide poll shows a majority of Americans supporting marriage equality. While this...
Continue reading "QUINN ON MARRIAGE EQUALITY" »
Office of the President Dear Lucas: It was my privilege to recently participate in a press conference with President-Elect Vincent Doyle and other leaders of the legal profession to support legislation that would authorize marriage of same-sex couples in New...
Continue reading "NYSBA ON SAME-SEX MARRIAGE" »
The Time for Marriage Equality is Now With a Governor, Assembly, LGBT community, and a majority of New Yorkers supportive of marriage equality, 2011 must be the year in which equal rights for all comes a step closer to realization...
Continue reading "BING ON MARRIAGE EQUALITY" »
Anthem College Online Tolerated a Hostile Workplace, Federal Agency Charged High-Tech Institute, Inc., doing business as Anthem College Online, will pay $260,000 as part of a settlement of a sexual harassment lawsuit filed by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity...
Continue reading "HIGH-TECH INSTITUTE HAS A LOT TO LEARN" »
Lucas --I want to take a moment to tell you about a unique event next month featuring some of the nation's greatest leaders in the fight for LGBT equality.On Monday, June 6th, Leader Nancy Pelosi, Democratic Whip Steny H. Hoyer,...
Continue reading "FIGHTING FOR LGBT EQUALITY" »
HOUSE PARTY FOR BRONX PRIDE Please join Please join our hosts, Dodge Landesman, Charles Bayor, Darren Bloch, Kevin Burke, Ryan J. Davis, Shelby Garner, Joseph Hagelmann, III, Kevin Hager, Greg Lambert and Wil Weder, David Monberg, Mark Thompson,...
Continue reading "BRONX PRIDE'S PARTY IN THE HOUSE!" »
Justice Department Announces ADA Settlement with Intercity Bus Company, Megabus Yesterday, the Justice Department announced a comprehensive settlement agreement under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) with intercity bus service providers Megabus USA L.L.C., and Megabus Northeast L.L.C., which are...
Continue reading "DID MEGABUS GET A MINI-SETTLEMENT?" »
Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman and Former Solicitor General Theodore Olson Join Forces In Support Of Marriage Equality Op-Ed Published in New York Daily News New York Daily News-The civil union bait-and-switch: Compromise is far from true marriage...
Continue reading "CIVIL UNIONS AIN'T MARRIAGE" »
Defending (and not defending) DOMA: The King & Spalding Controversy Presented By NYCLA's LGBT Issues Committee and The LGBT Bar Association of Greater New York Tuesday, May 24, 2011 6:30-8:00 PM NYCLA Home of Law 14 Vesey Street (between...
Continue reading "DOMA'S DEFENSE DOOMED?" »
Hyundai Ideal Electric Company to Pay $188,000 to Settle EEOC Sex Bias and Retaliation Suit Female Drafter Paid Less Than Male, Then Fired for Complaining, Federal Agency Charged Hyundai Ideal Electric Company (HIEC), located in Mansfield, Ohio, will...
Continue reading "WAS THIS IDEAL FOR HYUNDAI?" »
SAVE THE DATE OCTOBER 7-9, 2011 NATIONAL CONGRESS FOR PUERTO RICAN RIGHTS 9th National Puerto Rican Convention MIAMI DADE COLLEGE (Wolfson Campus) CONVENTION SCHEDULE Tentative convention schedule: Day 1: 5:00 - 9:00pm--Registration 8:00 - 11:00pm--Keynote speaker and showcase/celebration of our...
Continue reading "NATIONAL CONGRESS FOR PUERTO RICAN RIGHTS" »
Fisher Nut Company to Settle EEOC Retaliation Suit $150,000 for Workers Who Helped File EEOC Claim Modesto, Calif.-based almond processor Fisher Nut Company has agreed to pay $150,000 to seven Latina employees and to implement preventive measures to...
Continue reading "THIS AIN'T PEANUTS ... OR IS IT?" »
Asian American Women: From the Cold War to the Movement of the 60s From the Cold War politics promoting Asian women to be docile, submissive, and exotic, as well as model minorities--to breaking those stereotypes by joining the Asian American...
Continue reading "THE ASIAN AMERICAN MOVEMENT" »
Dear Lucas,I just wanted to share with you a decision we received in the below case, which hopefully will have a positive effect on both the LGBT community and homeless rights. The case is published and the decision can be...
Continue reading "NO TREATING THE HOMELESS LIKE GARBAGE" »
Taxi of Tomorrow: A Lost Chance to Make History Dear Friends, Last week, I was flabbergasted when Mayor Bloomberg and New York City Taxi and Limousine Commissioner David Yassky selected the Nissan NV200 as the winner of the Taxi of...
Continue reading "TAXI OF TOMMORROW: YESTERDAY'S DELIVERY VAN" »
When a tenant was unable to get back into his own apartment, police were dispatched to the scene and encountered Corey Leggett (the tenant's friend) refusing to open the door. (Leggett also reportedly used threatening and profane language, demanded to...
Continue reading "NO LEGGETT TO STAND ON" »
The State of Human and Civil Rights in Puerto Rico: A Report from a Member of the ACLU Delegation By Angelo Falcón (May 7, 2011) "This is a big deal," a prominent elected official told me, "The...
Continue reading "ACLU HEADS TO PUERTO RICO" »
Chubb Insurance To Pay $110,000 To Hmong Employee In EEOC Discrimination Suit Company Rejected Woman for Promotions Based on Her Asian Race, Retaliated Against Her for Complaining to EEOC, Federal Agency Charged On Wednesday, the U.S. Equal Employment...
Continue reading "WAS CHUBB INSURED FOR THIS?" »
Eclipse Advantage To Pay $60,000 To Settle EEOC Racial Harassment And Retaliation Suit Black Employee Subjected to Racial Slurs, Demotion and Subsequent Termination, Federal Agency Charged Eclipse Advantage, Inc., a transportation, logistics and distribution management company, will pay...
Continue reading "LOOK WHO GOT ECLIPSE(D)" »
The Timken Company To Pay $120,000 To Settle EEOC Gender And Disability Discrimination Suit Canton, Ohio-headquartered manufacturer The Timken Company will pay $120,000 and provide other relief to settle a sex and disability discrimination lawsuit filed by the...
Continue reading "TIMKEN THRASHED" »
Dillard's Sued By EEOC For Retaliation Business Manager Fired for Making Race Discrimination Claim, Federal Agency Charges Dillard's, a major department store chain, violated federal law by firing a business manager as retaliation for filing a discrimination charge,...
Continue reading "DILLARD'S DISCRIMINATES?" »
EEOC Sues Milwaukee Medical Staffing Agency for Pregnancy Discrimination HCS Boss Ridiculed Maternity Leave as 'Vacation,' Fired Employee Seven Days After C-Section, Federal Agency Charges HCS Medical Staffing, Inc. violated federal law by discriminating against a pregnant employee...
Continue reading "THIS PREGNANCY WAS NO JOKE" »
On July 27, 2007, Saddiq Abdur-Rashid was pulled over for driving a car without a front license plate. While being questioned, a passenger supposedly told officers a "convoluted tale" about why the guys were on the road, and Abdur-Rashid appeared...
Continue reading "DOGGONE SUSPICIOUS" »
EEOC Sues Sysco Oklahoma for Disability Bias Disabled Employee Fired After Parking in Handicap Space Yesterday, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) filed suit against Sysco Oklahoma LLC, a major commercial food distributor, for making unlawful inquiries...
Continue reading "SYSCO'S SHAME" »
Ralph Jones Sheet Metal Settles EEOC Racial Harassment Suit for $160,000 White Supervisor Routinely Insulted and Demeaned African-Americans, Federal Agency Charges Ralph Jones Sheet Metal, Inc., an architectural sheet metal company located in Memphis, will pay $160,000 to...
Continue reading "HOLES IN THIS SHEET METAL" »
New Jersey Man Sentenced for Threatening Employees of National Latino Civil Rights Organizations Yesterday, the Justice Department announced that Vincent Johnson of Brick, N.J., was sentenced to 50 months in prison and three years supervised release for sending a series...
Continue reading "DEVILFISH GETS 50 MONTHS" »
A.G. SCHNEIDERMAN SECURES AGREEMENT WITH MAJOR HOUSING DEVELOPER TO PROVIDE ACCESSIBLE HOUSING FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES Agreement Requires Major Changes to Long Island Apartment Complex and Independent Monitoring to Guarantee Equal Access to Housing for all New Yorkers Schneiderman:...
Continue reading "TRAMMELL CROW ISN'T ABOVE THE LAW" »
Dear Lucas, Plain and simple: the anti-choice, anti-woman Republicans in Congress have an agenda, and it's dismantling women's rights. Just yesterday, the House voted to defund Planned Parenthood, and because EMILY's List women voiced our outrage over the political...
Continue reading "THE WAR ON WOMEN" »
Walmart to Pay $440,000 to Settle EEOC Suit for Harassment of Latinos Mexican-American Subjected Other Hispanic Employees to Ethnic Slurs at Fresno Sam's Club, Federal Agency Charged Sam's Club, the wholesale chain store owned and operated by Walmart,...
Continue reading "WHY DOES WALMART HATE LATINOS?" »
The Host Committee Co-Chairs Ken Mehlman, David Mixner, Susan Reed, Josh Blumenfeld, Greg Zaffiro And Chelsea Clinton cordially invite you to a fundraiser for The New York Launch Friendfactor combines the power of technology and friends--straight and gay*--to achieve...
Continue reading "CHELSEA CLINTON LAUNCHES FRIENDFACTOR" »
EEOC Sues Owner Of 42 McDonald's Restaurants For Sexual Harassment And Retaliation Multiple Women, Including Teens, Were Abused at Reedsburg Restaurant; Some Were Fired for Complaining, Federal Agency Charges The McDonald's restaurant in Reedsburg, Wis. , owned and...
Continue reading "THEY WEREN'T JUST FLIPPING BURGERS!" »
Departments of Justice and Education Reach Agreement with Owatonna, Minn., Public Schools to Resolve Harassment Allegations Yesterday, the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division and the Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights, reached a settlement agreement with Independent School District #761...
Continue reading "STOP HARASSING SOMALI-AMERICANS, OWATONNA" »
Minnesota Department of Human Services Must Pay More Than $467,000 For Age Bias Consent Decree Requires Agency to Pay Damages and Provide Insurance Coverage for Former Employees A federal judge has entered a consent decree requiring the Minnesota Department...
Continue reading "MINNESOTA'S DEPARTMENT OF INHUMANE SERVICES" »
Shenandoah, Pennsylvania, Man Sentenced for Involvement in the Fatal Beating of Luis Ramirez Colin Walsh, 19, of Shenandoah, Pa., was sentenced to 55 months in prison for his role in the fatal beating of Luis Ramirez, the Justice Department announced...
Continue reading "THIS IS SHENANDOAH?" »
Workers with Intellectual Disabilities Abused by Texas-Based Company for Years, EEOC Charges Men Subjected to Verbal and Physical Harassment, Housed in Substandard Facilities, and Denied Lawful Wages at Iowa Plant, Federal Agency Alleges Hill Country Farms, doing business...
Continue reading "ARE THEY TURKEYS AT HILL COUNTRY FARMS?" »
Broadband Company Pays $60,000 To Settle EEOC Race And National Origin Discrimination Suit Federal Agency Charged Black Tanzanian Network Analyst Was Fired While White Counterpart Was Merely Disciplined Integrated Broadband Services, a provider of operational support software and...
Continue reading "THIS BROADBAND COMPANY WAS PRETTY NARROW-MINDED" »
Speaker Christine C. Quinn Reports to the LGBT Community April 5, 2011 Dear New Yorker, While 2011 got off to a great start, with some terrific victories and announcements on both the local and national fronts, we've...
Continue reading "QUINN REPORTS TO THE LGBT COMMUNITY" »
Clinton Township Painting Company Sued For Retaliation EEOC Says Atsalis Brothers Painting Fired Worker Over Complaint About Racial Slur A Clinton Township, Mich., industrial painting company illegally retaliated against a journeyman painter by terminating him for complaining about...
Continue reading "HOW ARE THEY GOING TO PAINT THIS?" »
Q & A: Reasonable Accommodations Question: "I work in the cold, 20 degrees below 0, and the gloves they supply us aren't good enough for me. I am skinny for my age because I've had cancer. Do [employers] have...
Continue reading "WHO PAYS FOR MY GLOVES?" »
Pennsylvania Man Pleads Guilty for Cross Burning Kenneth Stiffey Jr. of Robinson, Penn., pleaded guilty to a charge related to the burning of a cross in the yard of an African-American victim in November 2009, the Justice Department announced last...
Continue reading "CROSS BURNER FACES 10 YEARS" »
When inmate Robert Wooley completed a 48-week regimen of pegylated interferon and ribavirin to treat his hepatitis C, his doctors recommended that he continue with a "low-dose maintenance pegylated interferon." The Department of Corrections' Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Lester Wright,...
Continue reading "DR. NO, NO, NO" »
Texas-Based Fashion Accessory Company To Pay $95,000 To Settle EEOC Age Discrimination Suit Tandy Brands Accessories Unlawfully Dismissed Several Workers Because of Age, Federal Agency Charged A Dallas-based fashion accessory designer and manufacturer will pay $95,000 and furnish...
Continue reading "THIS ISN'T DANDY, TANDY" »
EEOC Obtains $451,000 Jury Verdict Against Boh Brothers Construction Co. For Male-On-male Sexual Harassment Ironworker Abused on I-10 Project, Federal Agency Charged A federal jury has awarded a former employee of Boh Bros. Construction Co., L.L.C. $451,000 to settle...
Continue reading "HE WAS NO MAN OF STEEL?" »
When he lost his job, Howard Hoffman--a Georgia resident who worked in Parade Magazine's Atlanta office--filed an age-discrimination claim against the company under both the New York City and New York State Human Rights Laws. While Parade argued that the...
Continue reading "NO RAINING ON HIS PARADE" »
United Air Temp / Air Conditioning & Heating, Inc. Sued By EEOC For Race Discrimination Company Paid Non-Caucasian Employees Less Because of Race, Federal Agency Charged United Air Temp / Air Conditioning & Heating, Inc., located in Lorton,...
Continue reading "THINK THEY FOUND THIS CHILLING?" »
For Anthony Collao: A Vigil to Remember and End Violence Hosted by Family, Friends and Community Allies THURSDAY, MARCH 24TH 2011 FROM 7-9PM At 88-20 90th Street (between Jamaica and 88th Avenues) In Woodhaven, Queens (J/Z to Woodhaven...
Continue reading "A VIGIL TO END VIOLENCE" »
After he pled guilty to second-degree assault, William Hassell was sentenced to 3-1/2 years in jail. Although post-release supervision (PRS) had been discussed during the plea proceedings, the New York County Supreme Court judge neglected to impose a specific term....
Continue reading "WHAT A HASSELL" »
Dear Lucas,On Tuesday, I asked you to stand with me and demand the repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) because everyone should be able to marry the person they love. Tens of thousands of people from coast to...
Continue reading "IT'S TIME TO FINISH THE JOB" »
Dear Lucas, There's no two ways about it: Republicans are waging an all-out war on women -- and we need to stop them in their tracks. Rather than creating jobs for Americans, Republicans are pushing a reckless budget to...
Continue reading "THE WAR ON WOMEN" »
Dear Lucas,Last year I helped lead the effort to overturn "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" and I'm thrilled that very soon, LGBT Americans will be able to serve openly in our armed forces. This is a big victory for equality, but...
Continue reading "STAND UP FOR EQUAL RIGHTS" »
Do the new immigration laws around the country constitute racial profiling? Wednesday, March 16, 2011 12:50-2:00 p.m. W120 Elora Mukherjee - Staff Attorney, American Civil Liberties Union, Racial Justice Program. Andre Segura - Staff Attorney, American Civil Liberties...
Continue reading "OF COURSE IT'S PROFILING" »
As White House Convenes Anti-Bullying Summit, To Gillibrand, Senate Colleagues Introduce Bill To Protect LGBT Students From Bullying At School Student Non-Discrimination Act Has 21 Senate Co-Sponsors Yesterday, as President Obama convened a White House Summit on anti-bullying, U.S. Senator...
Continue reading "ENSURING KIDS ARE SAFE AND SECURE" »
Former Managers of South Dakota Apartment Complex Fined $30,000 for Racial Discrimination The U.S. District Court for the District of South Dakota has ordered the former property managers of the Lakeport Village Apartment in Sioux Falls, S.D., to pay a...
Continue reading "MANAGERS FINED $30,000 FOR DISCRIMINATION" »
Hope you don't mind but I wanted to share the following statement and press articles regarding an agreement by the City Clerk's Office to begin implementing steps to ensure that transgender New Yorkers have equal access to marriage licenses - Sincerely,...
Continue reading "QUINN ON MARRIAGE EQUALITY" »
Statement from Governor Andrew M. Cuomo Printer-friendly version Albany, NY (March 9, 2011) "Today's meeting was one in a series of many meetings to discuss a marriage equality bill. Same-sex couples deserve the right to join in civil marriage, and...
Continue reading "CUOMO ON MARRIAGE EQUALITY" »
Ohio Man Sentenced in Church Arson Case An Ohio man was sentenced to 51 months in prison for setting fire to the First Azusa Apostolic Faith Church of God in Conneaut, Ohio , the Department of Justice announced yesterday. Ronald...
Continue reading "51 MONTHS FOR DESTROYING RELIGIOUS PROPERTY" »
Federal, State & Local Laws Affecting the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in HousingTuesday, March 22, 2011 6 PM Registration: There is no charge for this program. RegisterThis panel will focus on distinctions between federal, state, and local laws and...
Continue reading "HOUSING THE DISABLED" »
Hillsboro School District Agrees to Access for Autism Service Dog On Monday, the Justice Department announced that the Hillsboro, Oregon, School District will allow Jordan "Scooter" Givens to bring his trained autism service dog into his classroom in the Hillsboro School...
Continue reading "SERVICE DOG ALLOWED IN CLASSROOM" »
Dear Lucas, Wow. Did you see our women on the Senate floor last week? It was such a proud moment for all of us. Their voices were so strong, united by unwavering advocacy for American women, their health, and their...
Continue reading "HEAR THEM ROAR" »
Dear Friends, The Republican war against women has been raging like a wildfire and it's time we organize and do something about it. They've introduced a series of anti-woman, anti-choice bills that are unprecedented in their scope,...
Continue reading "DON'T WOMEN MATTER?" »
16th Annual Black Law Students Association Dinner & Silent Auction Friday, April 15, 2011 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Events Center, New York Law School, 185 W. Broadway, New York, NY 10013...
Continue reading "BLACK LAW STUDENTS ASSOCIATION HONORS CHARLES GURIA" »
Channel 25 Settles EEOC Race And Sex Bias Suit KOKH and Parent Company, Sinclair Broadcast Group, Paid Black Female Reporter Less Than Coworkers, Federal Agency Charged KOKH-TV (Fox 25) in Oklahoma City will pay $45,000 and additional consideration...
Continue reading "DID CHANNEL 25 DIAL IT IN?" »
--> Women's Rights Committee Presents the Edith I. Spivack Award to Kathryn Kolbert, Esq. on April 4 You are invited to the award presentation on Monday, April 4 at 6:00 PM at the NYCLA Home of Law, 14 Vesey Street....
Continue reading "KOLBERT GETS SPIVACK" »
Improving Livery Car Service for Passengers with Disabilities Livery cars and black cabs-collectively known as for-hire vehicles, or FHVs-are a critical component of New York City's transportation system, particularly in the outer boroughs where residents often rely on these services...
Continue reading "DIAL 8" »
Del Taco Owner Sued by EEOC for Sexual Harassment and Retaliation Female Employee at Glendale Restaurant Subjected to Obscene Touching and Displays and Fired for Complaining, Federal Agency Charges Gala AZ Holdings, Inc., doing business as Del Taco,...
Continue reading "HANDS OFF, DEL TACO!" »
MAYOR BLOOMBERG LAUNCHES "NYC WOMEN: MAKE IT HERE, MAKE IT HAPPEN" AS PART OF WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH CELEBRATION NYC Commission on Women's Issues and NYC Media Premiere Video Series Recognizing Thirty-One Women Making a Difference in New York City Yesterday,...
Continue reading "BLOOMBERG HONORS WOMEN" »
Please join Speaker Christine C. Quinn and Council Member Jessica S. Lappin tomorrow, Wednesday, March 2nd, at a press conference and rally in support of Int. 371. Show your support for reproductive rights!! Wednesday, March 2nd 11 a.m. Steps of City...
Continue reading "SUPPORT REPRODUCTIVE RIGHTS" »
Dear Friends, As you've probably heard, Republicans in Congress have charged out of the gate with a vicious assault on women's health. They've immediately introduced a series of anti-woman, anti-choice bills unprecedented in scope while falsely claiming to...
Continue reading "CAROLYN IS TROUBLED" »
Village of Amityville and Amityville Fire Department Settle EEOC Age Discrimination Suit Retirement System Penalized Older Firefighters Because of Age, Federal Agency Charged The Village of Amityville, N.Y., and the Amityville Fire Department will pay $209,280 to settle...
Continue reading "AN AMITYVILLE HORROR" »
Dear Lucas, It's incredible: just when you think the GOP couldn't get any more clueless about what American families need and care about, the Pence Amendment -- which prevents any federal funding of Planned Parenthood -- passes in the...
Continue reading "THEY'RE READY TO FIGHT BACK!" »
Letter from the Attorney General to Congress on Litigation Involving the Defense of Marriage Act Yesterday, the Attorney General sent the following letter today to Congressional leadership to inform them of the Department's course of action in two lawsuits, Pedersen...
Continue reading "EXPANDING THE DEFINITION OF MARRIAGE" »
EEOC Challenges Sexual Harassment at South Dakota Animal Health Products Company Agency Says Complaints of Misconduct at Vet Pharm Were Ignored A South Dakota animal health products distributor violated federal civil rights laws by allegedly permitting a male employee...
Continue reading "VET PHARM LIKES ANIMALS ..." »
Statement by Speaker Christine C. Quinn Re: President Orders Justice Department to Stop Defending Defense of Marriage Act Today is another historic step for equality in our nation. The announcement that the White House and the US Department...
Continue reading "AN HISTORIC STEP FOR PEOPLEKIND" »
Dear Lucas, As you've probably seen, a woman's right to choose is under attack across the country. From attempts to redefine rape to the stripping of federal funding for Planned Parenthood, anti-choice advocates are chipping away at our rights.Now...
Continue reading "STAND UP AND FIGHT BACK!" »
Rent Reform Rally THIS Thursday, Feb 24th 1:00pm @ Steps of New York City Hall This June, New York State's rent regulation laws, which enable more than 2.5 million residents to live in safe and affordable homes, are set...
Continue reading "RALLY FOR THIS!" »
Federal Court Refuses To Toss Out EEOC Claim That Chrysler Retaliated Against Employees Hostile Warnings of Discipline and Termination After Complaint of Sex Discrimination Are Enough for Case to Go Forward, Judge Says Automobile giant Chrysler Group, LLC's effort...
Continue reading "IMPORTED FROM DETROIT?" »
While he was allegedly making sexual passes at a client, 76 year-old attorney Allen Isaac was recorded boasting about his ability to influence appellate judges, and described one of the jurists in a disparaging manner. After the recordings were forwarded...
Continue reading "TOO OLD FOR THIS" »
Governor Cuomo Issues Executive Order Establishing Minority - And Women-Owned Business Enterprise Team Printer-friendly version Yesterday, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo issued an executive order establishing a team to explore ways to meet his goal of expanding minority- and women-owned business...
Continue reading "CUOMO ANNOUNCES B.E.T." »
Dear Lucas, Across the country - and even right here in New York City - a woman's right to choose is under attack. At the Federal level, the new Republican Congress has introduced a series of measures designed to...
Continue reading "RAPE IS RAPE. PERIOD." »
Lucas -- Over the past few weeks, the Republican leadership has put forth a set of extreme bills designed to drastically roll back women's reproductive freedoms. Together, if passed, they would devastate American women's rights to care for their own...
Continue reading "DON'T BE FOOLED" »
Out of Work? Out of Luck EEOC Examines Employers' Treatment of Unemployed Job Applicants at Hearing In a public meeting held yesterday, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) examined the impact of employers considering only those currently employed...
Continue reading "EEOC WANTS TO LIMIT USE OF "EMPLOYMENT STATUS" INFO" »
Dear Lucas, Last week, many of us were outraged when Planned Parenthood was viciously and unfairly attacked by the radical conservative group Live Action. While Planned Parenthood has been dedicated to defending the rights of women, Live Action by...
Continue reading "DEFENDING PLANNED PARENTHOOD" »
Dear Lucas,It's a heinous disregard for the health and well-being of women, and yet Speaker Boehner is making the bill to reduce access to reproductive services one of his "top legislative priorities." Could it be that the Republicans are so out...
Continue reading "ARE REPUBLICANS PANDERERS?" »
Lucas -- House Republicans have begun the most radical restrictions on women's health in our lifetimes.Their extreme agenda would punish women and businesses by increasing their taxes if their health insurance covers the full range of reproductive health care. It...
Continue reading "THEY'RE ASSAULTING WOMEN" »
Hussey Copper To Pay $85,000 To Settle EEOC Disability Discrimination Lawsuit Copper Manufacturer Refused to Hire Applicant Because of His Participation in Medically Supervised Drug Rehabilitation Program, Federal Agency Charged A major copper parts manufacturer will pay $85,000...
Continue reading "HUSSEY HAS TO PAY $85,000" »
Matthew O'Hare was pulled over because an air freshener was observed hanging from his rearview mirror, and was arrested after a background check revealed his license was suspended. And as luck would have it, two unlicensed guns were found when...
Continue reading "... TRIXS ARE FOR KIDS" »
Message from Liz . . . A consequence of the resurgence of the political/religious right in the last election has been the serious threat to reproductive rights. Both in Washington and in State Capitals across the country, it is...
Continue reading "LIZ ON ATTACKING CHOICE" »
Pennsylvania Teen Pleads Guilty for Cross Burning Michael Francis Bealonis, of Robinson, Penn., pleaded guilty to a charge related to the burning of a cross in the yard of an African-American juvenile in November 2009, the Justice Department announced on...
Continue reading "KID FACES 10 YEARS FOR CROSS-BURNING" »
Lucas,This week, Speaker John Boehner and House Republicans are launching one of the most egregious attacks on women's health we've seen, and we must all stand up to stop them: They want to stop women from using their own private...
Continue reading "HAS THE GOP GONE TOO FAR?" »
Joint statement by Speaker Christine C. Quinn, Women's Issues Committee Chair Julissa Ferreras, Women's Caucus Co-Chair Jessica Lappin, Women's Caucus Co-Chair Rosie Mendez, Health Committee Chair Maria del Carmen Arroyo, and State and Federal Legislation Committee Chair Helen Foster ...
Continue reading "LEAVE PLANNED PARENTHOOD ALONE!" »
Justice Department Settles with Franklin County Sheriff's Office Over Use of Tasers in County Jails A settlement agreement has been reached with the Franklin County Sheriff's Office in Columbus, Ohio, over the use of Conducted Energy Devices (CEDs), or electrically...
Continue reading "DOJ TASERS FRANKLIN COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE" »
Dear Lucas, Republicans promised to create jobs. But instead, they are pushing to undermine women's health. Their "No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act" severely restricts a woman's right to choose, and this egregious invasion of privacy is something we...
Continue reading "THEY'RE A BUNCH OF RADICALS!" »
EEOC Files Sex Discrimination Lawsuit Against Presrite Corporation Metal Forging Company Excluded Class of Women From Jobs, Federal Agency Charged Presrite Corporation, a metal forging company with manufacturing facilities in Cleveland and Jefferson, Ohio, engaged in a pattern...
Continue reading "WILL THEY FORGE A DEAL?" »
Choctaw County, Mississippi, Sheriff's Deputy Indicted for Civil Rights Offenses and Obstruction of Justice A federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Choctaw County, Miss., Sheriff's Deputy Billy C. Scott Jr. with civil rights violations and obstructing justice. According...
Continue reading "SHERIFF'S DEPUTY VIOLATED CIVIL RIGHTS" »
Justice Department Resolves Lawsuit Alleging Discrimination on Basis of Race in Clanton, Alabama On Thursday, the Justice Department today announced a settlement of its lawsuit alleging that Chandi Biswas, Kenneth R. Scott and Frankie L. Roberson violated the Fair Housing...
Continue reading "THEY REFUSED TO RENT TO AFRICAN-AMERICANS" »
Pacific Seafood to Pay $85,000 to Settle EEOC Lawsuit for Retaliation EEOC Alleged Employee Was Illegally Fired for Raising Issue of Race Discrimination A Portland-based seafood processor and distributor with hundreds of employees in Clackamas, Ore., will pay $85,000...
Continue reading "PACIFIC SEAFOOD PACIFIES PROBLEM WITH $85,000" »
EEOC Sues Three South Carolina Companies For National Origin Discrimination Assembly Technician, U.S. Citizen, Fired Because She Was Born in Guatemala, Federal Agency Charged AJK Enterprises, LLC, doing business as Express Employment Professionals, a Greenville-based employment staffing firm and...
Continue reading "FIRED FOR BEING GUATEMALAN-BORN?" »
EEOC Sues Amtrak For Sex-Based Wage Discrimination And Retaliation National Rail Carrier Retaliated Against Female Human Resources Regional Director Because She Complained About Pay Discrimination, Federal Agency Charges The nation's largest rail carrier paid a human resources regional director...
Continue reading "AMTRAK DISCRIMINATES?" »
Free Monthly Legal Clinic for Tenants I am pleased to join with Eviction Intervention Services to offer a free monthly legal clinic for tenants. If your landlord is harassing you or threatening you with eviction, or is refusing to make...
Continue reading "LOOKING FOR FREE LEGAL ADVICE?" »
Justice Department Signs Agreement with Fairfax County, Virginia, to Ensure Civic Access for People with Disabilities On Friday, the Justice Department announced an agreement with Fairfax County, Va., to improve access to all aspects of civic life for persons...
Continue reading "FAIRFAX COUNTY WILL STOP DISCRIMINATING" »
Statement of Deputy Assistant Attorney General for the Criminal Division Jason Weinstein Before the House Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism and Homeland Security Washington, D.C. ~ Tuesday, January 25, 2011 Good afternoon, Subcommittee Chairman Sensenbrenner, Committee Chairman Smith,...
Continue reading "BIG BROTHER WANTS MORE INFO" »
Mobile, Alabama, Man Sentenced on Federal Civil Rights and Weapons Charge Related to Desecration of Synagogue A judge sentenced Thomas Hayward Lewis to 12 months and one day in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for violating the...
Continue reading "12 MONTHS FOR ANTI-SEMITIC GRAFFITI" »
Jury Returns Verdict in EEOC Bias Suit; Paul's Big M to Pay $1,260,080 for Sex Harassment Federal Agency Said Class of Young Women, Including Teens, Subjected to Verbal and Physical Sexual Abuse by Grocery Store Manager In a victory for...
Continue reading "BIG M BELITTLED" »
Employment Discrimination Laws 'New Frontier' In War Against Human Labor Trafficking Panel of Experts, Victim, Tell EEOC How Trafficked Workers Are Misled, Mistreated and Discriminated Against Anti-employment discrimination laws--particularly those prohibiting race and national origin discrimination as well as...
Continue reading "WE'RE FIGHTING ANOTHER WAR" »
This invitation was just forwarded to us: Please join us for a fundraiser on January 18th at the National Arts Club to benefit the Just As We Are project, a photography exhibit presented in partnership with the LGBT Center, the...
Continue reading "JUST AS WE ARE, TONIGHT!" »
Large Network of Private Schools Pays $215,000 to Settle Lawsuit Alleging Discrimination Against Children with Disabilities On Friday, the Justice Department announced the settlement of a lawsuit filed to enforce the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) against Nobel Learning...
Continue reading "THESE SCHOOLS WEREN'T SO NOBEL" »
These poll numbers were released earlier today by Rasmussen Reports -- "an electronic publishing firm specializing in the collection, publication, and distribution of public opinion polling information." 82% Hold Favorable View of Martin Luther King, Jr. Monday, January 17, 2011...
Continue reading "WE LIKE DR. KING" »
Northwest Cosmetic Labs Settles Discrimination Suit Company Fired Black British Intern Because of Race and Color, Federal Agency Charged Northwest Cosmetic Labs has agreed to settle a federal suit charging discrimination based on race, color and national origin and...
Continue reading "THEY COULDN'T MASK THEIR DISCRIMINATORY CONDUCT" »
Palm Springs Resident Arrested for Making Death Threats Against Washington Congressman Jim McDermott Defendant Left Expletive-Laden, Threatening Voice Mail Messages Following Tax Cut Debate CHARLES TURNER HABERMANN, 32, of Palm Springs, California, was arrested by the FBI this morning after...
Continue reading "DEATH THREATS GOT HIM ARRESTED" »
JW Marriott Sued by EEOC for Sexual Harassment Las Vegas Resort Staff Were Constantly Touched and Demeaned by Their Supervisor, Federal Agency Charges JW Marriott Las Vegas Resort, Spa & Golf violated federal law by failing to prevent and...
Continue reading "A TOUCHY SUBJECT FOR JW MARRIOTT" »
Justice Department Settles Fair Housing Lawsuit Against Town of Garner, North Carolina On Monday, the Justice Department announced that it has settled its suit against the town of Garner, N.C., and the town's Board of Adjustment alleging that they violated...
Continue reading "SHAME ON YOU, GARNER" »
A Call to Action: Urge Congress to Ban High-Capacity Magazines Saturday's tragic event is an atrocity on so many levels. We grieve for the dead and express our deepest sympathies to their families.We gather in collective hope that the...
Continue reading "ABORN WANTS TO BAN THESE MAGAZINES" »
Against a backdrop of increasing hate speech and extreme rhetoric broadcast by right-wing groups against those not sharing their political beliefs, last week 20 people were brutally shot in a mass-killing that injured congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, and left six dead,...
Continue reading "PROGRESSIVES AGAINST HATE: A RESPONSE TO TUCSON" »
Measurement Incorporated Pays $110,000 To Settle Religious Discrimination Lawsuit A Durham, N.C.-based educational testing company will pay $110,000 to settle a religious discrimination lawsuit brought by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), the agency announced last week. The EEOC...
Continue reading "MEASUREMENT DIDN'T MAKE THE GRADE" »
Supervalu / Jewel-Osco to Pay $3.2 Million under Consent Decree for Disability Bias EEOC Charged Failure to Accommodate Scores of Discharged Workers in ADA Class Action On Thursday, a federal judge signed a consent decree for $3,200,000 and extensive...
Continue reading "SUPERMARKETS REGISTER A $3.2 MILLION FINE" »
Crye-Leike / Bankers Asset Management Sued by EEOC for Race Discrimination and Retaliation Companies Refused to Hire Black Applicants and Retaliated Against Employees and Former Employees for Opposing the Discrimination, Federal Agency Charged A group of real estate brokerage...
Continue reading "BET THEY DIDN'T BANK ON THIS" »
Justice Department Settles Disability Discrimination Case Against Property Management Company for $1.25 Million The Justice Department today announced a $1.25 million agreement with Warren Properties Inc., Warren Village (Mobile) Limited Partnership and Frank R. Warren to settle allegations that...
Continue reading "DISCRIMINATION COST WARREN PROPERTIES $1.25 MILLION" »
These poll numbers were released earlier today by Rasmussen Reports -- "an electronic publishing firm specializing in the collection, publication, and distribution of public opinion polling information." Just 21% Want FCC to Regulate Internet, Most Fear Regulation Would Promote Political...
Continue reading "LEAVE THE INTERNET ALONE!" »
EEOC Files Nationwide Hiring Discrimination Lawsuit Against Kaplan Higher Education Corp. Company's Use of Job Applicants' Credit History Discriminates Because of Race, Federal Agency Charges Kaplan Higher Education Corporation, a nationwide provider of postsecondary education, engaged in a pattern or...
Continue reading "WILL KAPLAN LEARN THE HARD WAY?" »
Wisconsin Staffing, Inc. Will Pay $20,000 Under Decree Ending EEOC Race Discrimination Lawsuit Company Harassed American Indian Employee and Forced Her Out of Job, Federal Agency Charged A Rhinelander, Wis.-based staffing firm, Wisconsin Staffing Services, Inc., doing business...
Continue reading "NATIVE AMERICAN DIDN'T "FIT IN"" »
TSA Screening for Passengers with Mobility Disabilities By Guest Blogger Kimberly Walton, Special Counselor, Transportation Security Administration As our Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT) continues to rollout across the country, more and more people with disabilities, especially those with mobility disabilities,...
Continue reading "SCREENING THE DISABLED" »
Lucas --At this time of year when we gather with family and friends, I want to send you and your family warm wishes for a joyous and peaceful holiday season.I also want to thank you for your unwavering support of...
Continue reading "LET'S KEEP MOVING AMERICA FORWARD" »
Justice Department Files Fair Housing Lawsuit Against Mississippi Newspaper and Two Individuals for Discrimination Against Families with Children On Friday, the Justice Department filed a lawsuit against a Gulfport, Miss., newspaper and a landlord and her agent for violating the...
Continue reading "PENNY PINCHER ZONKED FOR DISCRIMINATION" »
Dear Lucas, I've got some wonderful news! The Senate has just voted to repeal "Don't Ask, Don't Tell." Finally, we have overturned the ban on openly gay men and women serving in our military. Not only does DADT prevent our...
Continue reading "DO ASK, DO TELL" »
THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PROJECTof the Urban Justice Center Dear Friends: I'm writing to ask once more for your support for our work on behalf of grassroots organizations in low-income NYC communities, and to thank those of you who have already...
Continue reading "CDP ASKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT" »
Bill of Rights When the Constitution was ratified in 1789, many people were concerned that it did not protect certain freedoms. They thought that the Constitution should be changed or amended to protect these freedoms. On December 15, 1791, 10 amendments were...
Continue reading "BILL OF RIGHTS DAY" »
Dear Lucas,I'm writing to give you an update about what's going on in the Senate. Simply put, I'm pretty frustrated.At a time when our country faces so many pressing challenges, Republicans in the Senate continue to use the filibuster to...
Continue reading "GILLIBRAND IS PRETTY FRUSTRATED" »
Global Energy Sued for Race Discrimination And Retaliation EEOC Says Roughnecks Subjected to Racist Remarks, then Fired for Complaining Yesterday, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) announced the filing of a race discrimination and retaliation lawsuit under Title...
Continue reading "ROUGHNECKS RIDE ROUGHSHOD" »
Office of the Press Secretary For Immediate Release Statement by the President on the Awarding of the Nobel Peace Prize (12/10/10) One year ago, I was humbled to receive the Nobel Peace Prize - an award that speaks to...
Continue reading "UNIVERSAL VALUES FOR ALL" »
Securitas to Pay $65,000 to Settle EEOC Sexual Harassment and Retaliation Lawsuit Female Guard Sexually Harassed, Then Fired for Complaining, Agency Charged Late last week, Chicago-based Securitas Security Services USA, Inc. has agreed to pay $65,000 to settle a...
Continue reading "SECURITAS SETTLES SEX SUIT" »
The GAP Unlawfully Fired Employee With Disability, EEOC Charges Manager With Kidney Disease Terminated Despite Excellent Performance, Suit Alleges Global clothing retailer The Gap violated federal law by firing an employee at its Howell, Mich., store because of his...
Continue reading "LOOK WHAT THE GAP FELL INTO" »
The Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services Celebrates 35 Years of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) IDEA--35 Years Later On November 29, 1975, then-President Gerald Ford signed into law the Education for All Handicapped Children Act (Public...
Continue reading "AN IDEA'S 35th ANNIVERSARY" »
Free Monthly Legal Clinic for Tenants I am pleased to join with Eviction Intervention Services to offer a free monthly legal clinic for tenants. If your landlord is harassing you or threatening you with eviction, or is refusing to...
Continue reading "WANT FREE LEGAL ADVICE?" »
Justice Department Announces Settlement of Litigation with AMC Entertainment Inc. Last week, the Justice Department announced a settlement agreement with AMC Entertainment Inc. to resolve a lawsuit filed under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The suit challenged, among...
Continue reading "AMC GETS THE PICTURE" »
Callaro's Prime Steak & Seafood Settles EEOC HIV Disability Discrimination Suit Manalapan Restaurant Forced Out Employee Because of HIV-Positive Family Member, Federal Agency Charged Callaro's Prime Steak & Seafood, LLC, a restaurant in Manalapan, Fla., will pay $10,000...
Continue reading "RESTAURANT SLAMMED FOR HIV RELATED MISCONDCT" »
One Communications Corp. Will Pay $66,000 to Settle EEOC Religious Harassment Lawsuit Telecommunications Provider Harassed Jewish Employees, Federal Agency Said One Communications Corp., the largest privately held regional provider of telecommunications services in the United States, has agreed to...
Continue reading "ONE COMMUNICATIONS TAKES HARASSMENT HIT" »
Borough President Scott M. Stringer Urges City to Comply with Supreme Court Ruling Protecting Immigrant Rights of Indigent Defendants Warning that hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers could face deportation due to inadequate legal counsel, Manhattan Borough President Scott M....
Continue reading "NON-CITIZENS SHOULD GET FREE LAWYERS" »
Our partner, Jarred I. Kassenoff, appeared in Sunday's New York Times Real Estate Section responding to a reader's question. Here's the piece in its entirety: Partner's Rights to Rent-Regulated Unit By Jay Romano Q Several years ago I bought a...
Continue reading "JARRED IN THE TIMES: ON SUCCESSION" »
Lucas,As you know, earlier this year the Supreme Court radically misinterpreted the First Amendment and gave corporations permission to spend as much money as they want trying to take over our elections. To overturn the court's reckless decision, we must...
Continue reading "TAKE THE PLEDGE" »
Noho Star, a NY restaurant, fired its chef when it learned that the guy had agreed to testify against the establishment in a discrimination case brought by another employee. When the chef filed a retaliatory discharge claim with the New...
Continue reading "LOOK WHAT HE WHIPPED UP" »
MAYOR BLOOMBERG, POLICE COMMISSIONER KELLY AND COUNCIL SPEAKER QUINN UPDATE NEW YORKERS ON BRONX HATE CRIME INVESTIGATION The following are Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg's Remarks as Delivered (October 8, 2010): "Good afternoon. At the start, I want thank Police Commissioner Ray Kelly...
Continue reading "LOVE WHOM YOU WANT" »
Join New York City Council Speaker Christine C. Quinn New York City Council Member Daniel Dromm Master of Ceremonies New York State Senator Thomas K. Duane New York State Assembly Member Deborah Glick New York State Assembly...
Continue reading "THEY WANT YOU TO JOIN THEM" »
Brandon Williams, and another man, supposedly attacked someone on the fifth floor of a building. When two officers heard the shots, they entered the structure and encountered Williams and his pal running down the stairs. While his companion managed to...
Continue reading "THANK YOU FOR BEING A FRIEND" »
Note: In the open letter below, actor Danny Glover appeals to the President of the United States, Barack Obama, to issue humanitarian visas to allow two of the wives of the Cuban Five to visit their husbands, who are in prison in...
Continue reading "NY NAME IS DANNY GLOVER" »
Justice Speaks: October 13, 2010 Modern Slavery: The Trafficking of Women and Children Wednesday, October 13, 201012:50-1:50 p.m.Room WA10 Speakers to come.Moderated by Frank Munger, Professor, New York Law School Does modern slavery exist? Come join the discussion of this...
Continue reading "INTO SLAVERY?" »
Defending the Rights of Animal Care & Control Volunteers Animal Care and Control of New York City (ACC) is the organization responsible for operating our city's animal shelters. Many dedicated New Yorkers serve as volunteers at ACC facilities, giving their...
Continue reading "ANIMALS WITH NO CARE OR CONTROLS" »
MAYOR BLOOMBERG ANNOUNCES RESULTS OF UNDERCOVER INVESTIGATION INTO ILLEGAL CIGARETTE SALES AT POOSPATUCK RESERVATION Watch Undercover Video at http://www.youtube.com/mayorbloomberg Yesterday, Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg, Chief Policy Advisor John Feinblatt, Corporation Counsel Michael A. Cardozo and Finance Commissioner David M. Frankel...
Continue reading "MIKE SMOKES OUT THE POOSPATUCK INDIANS" »
After he was convicted of speeding by the Justice Court of the Town of Ramapo (Rockland County), Fred Shonfeld appealed to the Appellate Term, Second Department. Because the Justice Court failed to inform Shonfeld of his right to counsel, the...
Continue reading "MY COUSIN FREDDIE?" »
MAYOR BLOOMBERG SIGNS LEGISLATION TO MAKE INFORMATION ABOUT SAME SEX MARRIAGES AND DOMESTIC PARTNERSHIPS AVAILABLE ONLINE Remarks by Mayor Bloomberg at a Public Hearing on Local Laws (September 9, 2010) "The first of two bills before me today is Introductory...
Continue reading "GO GET MARRIED THERE" »
Governor Paterson Signs "Dignity for All Students Act" On Wednesday, Governor David A. Paterson signed into law the Dignity for All Students Act, which will help ensure that school administrators and educators have the tools and resources in place...
Continue reading "DIGNITY FOR ALL STUDENTS" »
PUERTO RICAN BAR ASSOCIATION IS PROUD TO HOST A Symposium On "STOP AND FRISK AND THE RETENTION OF PERSONAL DATA FROM PERSONS WHO HAVE NOT COMMITTED CRIMES" ".... A discussion on the delicate balance of preserving the privacy rights of...
Continue reading "STOP AND FRISK SYMPOSIUM" »
Samuel Jackson was pulled over because he failed to signal prior to turning. Apparently, as an officer approached, marijuana smoke was detected emanating from the interior of Jackson's vehicle. And, when the cop looked inside, she saw a joint in...
Continue reading "WEED WHACKER?" »
2011 Thurgood Marshall AwardCall for Nominations! "DO YOU KNOW AN EXCEPTIONAL INDIVIDUAL WHO HAS DEDICATED HIM/HERSELF TO THE FIGHT FOR CIVIL AND HUMAN RIGHTS?" The Thurgood Marshall Award recognizes long-term contributions to the furtherance of civil rights, civil...
Continue reading "KNOW SOMEONE EXCEPTIONAL?" »
Council Votes to Approve 15 Penn Plaza Development Council Also Votes on Legislation Improving Access to Information on Building Owners andBill Requiring the City Clerk to Provide Information on Same-Sex Marriages Last week, the New York City Council voted to approve...
Continue reading "LOOK WHAT THE CITY COUNCIL DID" »
Dear Lucas: My name is Sam Hoyt and I represent the City of Buffalo in the New York State Assembly. I am proud to have been identified by the Empire State Pride Agenda and Stonewall Democrats as one of Albany's...
Continue reading "SAM HOYT'S IN TROUBLE" »
BP MARKOWITZ JOINS NEW YORKERS WITH DISABILITIES WHO FILED LAWSUIT CHALLENGING MTA TRANSIT CUTS On Tuesday, August 17, Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz joined Council Member Letitia James, Assemblywoman Joan Millman, other elected officials--as well as the plaintiffs and attorneys...
Continue reading "MARTY SUES OVER MTA CUTS" »
STATEMENT OF MAYOR MICHAEL R. BLOOMBERG ON REMARKS BY PRESIDENT OBAMA AT WHITE HOUSE IFTAR DINNER (8/13/10) "Two hundred and twenty years ago this week, the Father of Our Country penned his famous letter to the Jewish Community of Newport...
Continue reading "OBAMA & BLOOMBERG DON'T GET IT" »
On Wednesday, in a long-awaited and historic decision, Judge Vaughn Walker struck down Proposition 8, ruling that the Constitution protected the fundamental right of marriage for all couples in California. When Judge Walker's ruling was announced, Barbara Boxer...
Continue reading "THERE IS MORE WORK TO DO" »
Dear Lucas, Tuesday, August 3, 2010, was the 27th Annual Night Out Against Crime, an event whose mission is to promote neighborhood spirit and community partnerships with the police. This year, it fell on an evening when New Yorkers' attention was...
Continue reading "WHEN ONE SUFFERS, WE ALL SUFFER" »
MAYOR BLOOMBERG DISCUSSES THE LANDMARKS PRESERVATION COMMISSION VOTE on 45-47 Park Place Council Speaker Christine Quinn, Father Alexander Karloutsos from the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese, Rabbi Bob Kaplan from the Jewish Community Council, Reverend Brian Jordan from the Church of St....
Continue reading "BLOOMBERG'S TAKE ON BUILDING A MOSQUE" »
Governor Paterson Signs 83 Bills into Law Late last week, Governor David A. Paterson signed 83 bills into law including legislation that will increase consumer protection by requiring the disclosure of rebates on purchases to consumers, and prohibit...
Continue reading "CHECK OUT WHAT THEY DID IN ALBANY" »
NYCLA's Criminal Justice Section invites newly admitted public sector attorneys (practicing up to seven years) in the field of criminal justice who carry more than $30,000 in educational debt to compete in the 2010 Public Service Fellowship Essay Competition. This...
Continue reading "WHAT'S YOUR VIEW ON "STOP-AND-FRISK?"" »
Should Same Sex Partners Be Added to the Lease? A roundtable of New York's best landlord and tenant lawyers discuss whether same sex partners in Rent Stabilized apartments should have the same rights as straight married couples to be...
Continue reading "LAWYERS TALK ABOUT LEASES AND SAME-SEX COUPLES" »
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) gives civil rights protections to individuals with disabilities. It guarantees equal opportunity for individuals with disabilities in public accommodations, employment, transportation, state and local government services, and telecommunications. The ADA also mandates the establishment of TDD/telephone...
Continue reading "ARE YOU A DISABLED AMERICAN?" »
ATTORNEY GENERAL ANDREW CUOMO, JOINED BY LAWMAKERS, ANNOUNCES LAWSUITS AGAINST LANDLORDS FOR RACE DISCRIMINATION AFTER UNDERCOVER INVESTIGATION Landlords in Brooklyn and the Capital District Denied Access to Apartments to Black Applicants ~Cuomo also Reaches Agreement with a Second Brooklyn Landlord...
Continue reading "LANDLORDS ZONKED FOR DISCRIMINATION" »
New Proposed Rules to Ensure Equal Visitation Rights for All Hospital Patients On April 15, 2010, the President issued a Presidential memorandum to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) calling for the initiation of rulemaking that...
Continue reading "EQUAL VISITATION FOR ALL" »
Governor Paterson Submits Legislation to Protect Students from School Bullying Late last week, Governor David A. Paterson submitted to the Legislature Program Bill No. 291 that would ensure that effective strategies are in place to address discrimination in schools by...
Continue reading "PATERSON HATES BULLIES" »
New DOT Rule Extends Disability Protections to Passenger Ships and Boats Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood today announced the first federal rule to specifically provide Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) protections to people with disabilities who travel on boats...
Continue reading "NO CRUISING OUT OF THIS" »
Queens Borough President Helen M. Marshall is celebrating "Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Pride Month," on Tuesday, June 22, 2010, from 5:30 to 7:30 PM, at Queens Borough Hall. Here's a copy of the event announcement:...
Continue reading "HELEN MARSHALLS' LGBT CELEBRATION" »
MAYOR BLOOMBERG RECEIVES FINAL REPORT AND RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THE CITY'S COMMISSION OF LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL, TRANSGENDER AND QUESTIONING RUNAWAY AND HOMELESS YOUTH Mayor Directs City Agencies to Begin Implementing Strategies Last week, Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg received the final...
Continue reading "HELPING LGBTQ RUNAWAY AND HOMELESS" »
What It's Really Like to Practice Law as a WomanWednesday, June 23, 2010 6:00 pm All are invited to come hear women lawyers with experience in government, public interest organizations, law firms and in-house law departments speak about issues...
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Franklin H. Williams Judicial Commission on Minorities Conference June 16, 2010 PROGRAM SCHEDULE 8:15 A.M. - 8:55 A.M. Registration and Continental Breakfast 9:00 A.M. - 9:20 A.M. Opening Remarks Honorable Rose H. Sconiers Associate Justice...
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Council Member Jimmy Van Bramer -- District 26 MARCH WITH COUNCIL MEMBER JIMMY VAN BRAMER IN TWO GREAT PARADES! During the month of June, Council Member Jimmy Van Bramer will be leading two wonderful parades in Jackson Heights...
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Sunday Meeting, June 6, 2010 Early Sunday Morning - 10:30 a.m. - Room 514 Parenting Issues. Leader Dr. Anne Klaeysen presides. Sunday School Ethics for Children will resume on Sunday, September 12. Sunday Meeting - 11:15 a.m. - Ceremonial...
Continue reading "MARRIAGE IS SO GAY" »
Dear Lucas -- Thursday night marked an historic moment not only for the LGBT community, but for all Americans. I was proud to cast my vote allowing the repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell. This policy, banning gay, lesbian...
Continue reading "SERVING OPENLY AND HONORABLY" »
Do I look illegal? A public service announcement To view video, click here Legalizing racial/ethnic profiling will inevitably single out every person who fits the description - both legal and illegal. This will open...
Continue reading "DO I LOOK ILLEGAL?" »
Marriage Equality: What's Next New York? What Can We Learn from the Past Civil Rights Struggles? Thursday, May 20, 2010 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM Registration: There is no charge for this program. Register What are the similarities and...
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Willie Nelson was riding in a livery cab when cops stopped the vehicle for traffic violations. As they approached, officers became suspicious when they observed Nelson moving "frantically and erratically." After the guy exited the cab, he continued to...
Continue reading "TOO FRISKY?" »
Dear Friends: Please mark your calendar for Thursday May 20, 2010 from 6:00 - 9:00 P.M, and join us as we celebrate our 24th Anniversary. What had started in 1986 with a small group of political activists has grown...
Continue reading "DO ASK, DO TELL: STONEWALL'S 24th ANNIVERSARY" »
Office of the Vice President For Immediate Release Vice President Biden Announces Strengthening of Title IX Yesterday, Vice President Biden announced that the Administration has issued a 'Dear Colleague' letter that withdraws a 2005 interpretation of Title IX policy....
Continue reading "DEAR COLLEAGUE: LET WOMEN REALIZE THEIR POTENTIAL" »
ATTORNEY GENERAL CUOMO SECURES AGREEMENTS WITH SIX REAL ESTATE DEVELOPERS TO PROVIDE ACCESSIBLE HOUSING FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES Agreements Result In Major Redesigns to Ensure Equal Access to Housing Cuomo Also Sues Developer Trammell Crow for Failing to Provide...
Continue reading "DEVELOPERS MUST MAKE HOUSING ACCESSIBLE" »
Pilar Lopez Apiado lost her job as a North Shore University Hospital lab technician after a post-operative patient was given a transfusion with blood from the hospital's general blood bank supply. (Apparently, the patient had deposited some of her own...
Continue reading "TRANSFUSION CONFUSION" »
(IN)VISIBLY AMERICAN - The Personal is Political in Queer Immigrants' Rights - Thursday March 4, 2010, 6:30 PM - 9:00 PM: A special panel discussion about LGBT immigrants' rights. We'll hear stories from LGBT Asian American and South...
Continue reading "A QUEER IMMIGRANTS' RIGHTS PANEL" »
Peter Marc Stern sued Andrew Lavoott Bluestone for unsolicited advertisements the latter supposedly sent by way of a fax machine. For a 16-month period, Stern allegedly received 14 transmissions from Bluestone -- an attorney who specializes in malpractice claims....
Continue reading "WHEN JUNK ISN'T JUNK " »
REP. CAROLYN MALONEY, CLERGY & ADVOCATES PROTEST ANTI-GAY UGANDA BILL (NEW YORK, NY) - Yesterday, Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney (D-Manhattan, Queens) joined with leading human rights advocates and a prominent member of the clergy to protest the draconian "Anti-Homosexuality...
Continue reading "MALONEY PROTESTS UGANDAN "ANTI-HOMOSEXUALITY LAW"" »
John Evans sued the City of New York claiming its discriminatory conduct -- based on his "mental impairment" -- forced him to leave his job. After the New York County Supreme Court granted the City's dismissal request, Evans appealed...
Continue reading "LEAVE ME ALONE" »
Office of the Press Secretary For Immediate Release February 08, 2010 Joint Statement by The European Union and The United States Calling On The Iranian Government To Fulfill Its Human Rights Obligations The United States and the European...
Continue reading "IRAN MUST END ITS ABUSES" »
Latinos and President Obama's State of the Union Address By Angelo Falcon It's official. Latinos no longer exist. Well, that's the case if you go by President Obama's very first State of the Union address last night....
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Florida Commits to Provide Effective Communication for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Persons The Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) will provide qualified sign language interpreters as required by federal law to deaf and hard-of-hearing persons using its programs and...
Continue reading "FLORIDA DISSED DEAF" »
The President of the United States of America is the head of state of the United States. Under the U.S. Constitution, the President is also the chief executive of the federal government and Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces. The...
Continue reading "MUST OBAMA SPEAK?" »
Lucas,Did you hear?The Supreme Court has put our democracy up for sale. But we're fighting back.Please join me TOMORROW, Tuesday, January 26, at 1 p.m. EST for an urgent online presentation. REGISTER NOWI'll discuss last week's disastrous decision in...
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Got this e-mail late on Friday: Lucas,A mouth to form words. Fingers to hold a pen. A mind to think and express ideas.The First Amendment was never meant for bodiless artificial entities like corporations. Corporations as we know them...
Continue reading "MINDLESS SPEECH" »
Lucas -- If you've been listening to the pundits since Tuesday's election, you'd think that what happened in Massachusetts was a repudiation of progressive policies. That couldn't be farther from the truth. It's important to learn from our mistakes,...
Continue reading "IS STONEWALL IN DENIAL?" »
On Sunday, Robert Knakal (of Massey Knakal Realty Services) posted this article to his blog: Do Politicians Understand the Banking Industry? Last week, the president announced a new "Financial Crisis Responsibility Fee" (they didn't dare call it a tax!) to be...
Continue reading "YOU CAN BANK ON POLITICIANS NOT GETTING IT" »
During the course of his criminal trial, Troy Hendrix lept onto a nearby table and lunged for the judge. When a court officer intervened, a melee ensued. (Once he was subdued, Hendrix was found to have two handmade knives...
Continue reading "NOT THE HENDRIX WE LOVE" »
Today the U.S. Supreme Court issued a vastly destructive ruling in Citizens United v. FEC. It struck down laws prohibiting corporations and unions from directly spending in elections, overturning policies and doctrines that date back to Theodore Roosevelt's administration...
Continue reading ""GOVERNMENT IS BROKEN"" »
On Thursday, January 14, 2010, at 6pm NYC Media and the New York City Commission on Human Rights, in collaboration with the Apollo Theater Education Program, will present a free screening of Fighting for Justice: New York Voices of...
Continue reading "FIGHTING FOR JUSTICE" »
GOVERNOR PATERSON SIGNS GENDER IDENTITY AND EXPRESSION EXECUTIVE ORDERExecutive Order Will Protect State Workers from Discrimination Based on Gender Identity Governor David A. Paterson today signed Executive Order No. 33 that will prohibit New York State agencies from discriminating against...
Continue reading "PATERSON EMBRACES GENDER IDENTITY AND EXPRESSION" »
When the Constitution was ratified in 1789, many people were concerned that it did not protect certain freedoms. They thought that the Constitution should be changed or amended to protect these freedoms. On December 15, 1791, 10 amendments were added to...
Continue reading "CELEBRATING THE BILL OF RIGHTS" »
Efrain Suarez, a prison inmate, sued the State of New York claiming prison personnel were negligent in failing to address problems with his bed and that their unwillingness to address the situation -- and to attend to his medical...
Continue reading "NO PRISON BREAK" »
RALLY and MARCH for MARRIAGE EQUALITY Speak out against Senator Monserrate's vote against equal rights for all of his constituents.Join Council Member-elect Daniel Dromm, Assemblymen Jose Peralta and Mike DenDekker and Community Leaders at these TWO events: ...
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STATEMENT FROM GOVERNOR DAVID A. PATERSON "It is always darkest before the dawn. The darkest day in the history of the American civil rights movement was in 1857 when the Supreme Court ruled against Dred Scott, making slavery legal north...
Continue reading "I UNDERSTAND THE ANGER ...." »
STATEMENT OF MAYOR BLOOMBERG ON SENATE VOTE ON SAME SEX MARRIAGE "I've been urging the State Senate to stand up and be counted on an issue of importance to me and millions of other New Yorkers: marriage equality. Although...
Continue reading "HISTORIC CHANGE AINT EASY" »
THE STRUGGLE FOR MARRIAGE EQUALITY CONTINUES Statement by NYS Assembly Member Micah Z. Kellner December 2, 2009 As a member of the LGBT caucus of New York State legislators, I share in the frustration of my community after today's...
Continue reading ""WE WILL PREVAIL"" »
STATEMENT OF CONGRESSWOMAN CAROLYN B. MALONEY On the Vote on Marriage Equality by the New York State Legislature I salute Governor Paterson, Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, and State Senate Democratic Conference Leader John Sampson for bringing marriage equality legislation...
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Dear Lucas, Women's rights are on the line, and we need your help. Right. Now. I believe you and I have something in common: Last year, we both worked to elect progressive women candidates dedicated to...
Continue reading "IS STUPAK STUPID?" »
Office of the Press Secretary For Immediate Release October 28, 2009 Remarks by the President at Reception Commemorating the Enactment of the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act East Room 5:45 P.M. EDT THE PRESIDENT: ...
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THE 2010 HAYWOOD BURNS MEMORIAL AWARD The Committee on Civil Rights is pleased to call for nominations for the 13th Annual Haywood Burns Memorial Award. The award is given to honor the late civil rights lawyer and academic,...
Continue reading "DO YOU EMPOWER THE POWERLESS?" »
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE HHS to Create a National Resource Center for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Elders HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius today announced plans to establish the nation's first national resource center to assist communities across the country in...
Continue reading "HOW MANY LGBT ELDERS?" »
BP MARKOWITZ TO MARK NATIONAL DISABILITY EMPLOYMENT AWARENESS MONTH AND HONOR BROOKLYN EMPLOYERS WHO HIRE WORKERS WITH DISABILITIES 9:00 A.M. - 11:00 A.M. THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2009 BROOKLYN BOROUGH HALL COURTROOM 209 JORALEMON STREET BETWEEN COURT & ADAMS STREETS...
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JOINT STATEMENT FROM BP MARKOWITZ, COUNCIL MEMBER BILL de BLASIO, RABBI ANDY BACHMAN, COMMUNITY LEADER BRAD LANDER, LAMBDA INDEPENDENT DEMOCRATS, ON PLANNED PROTESTS IN BROOKLYN BY WESTBORO BAPTIST CHURCH"Brooklyn's diversity is at the core of our strength as a...
Continue reading "NOBODY LIKES A FANATIC CULT" »
Why Constitution Day? Maybe you've never thought about it, but when the United States won its war for independence from Great Britain, it wasn't a fully-formed nation, complete with Constitution and three-branched government. A lot of thought, debate, and...
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Stonewall Members and Friends: Last Friday, Brad Lander, one of Bob Zuckerman's opponents in the 39th City Council District race, placed an ad in a Yiddish newspaper in Boro Park that refers to LGBT people as "abominations" and "immoral." ...
Continue reading "IS BRAD LANDER HOMOPHOBIC?" »
PRESS RELEASE8-28-09 UPS SUED FOR DISABILITY DISCRIMINATION EEOC Says Class of Disabled Employees Fired After Taking Medical Leaves of Absence CHICAGO - In a major class lawsuit filed here in federal court, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) charged...
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The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission PRESS RELEASE8-24-09 TARGET STORES SUED FOR DISABILITY DISCRIMINATION EEOC Says Retail Giant Failed to Reasonably Accommodate Employee With Intellectual Disability and Cerebral Palsy LOS ANGELES - The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)...
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A Conversation with Julian Bond, Civil Rights Leader and Chairman of the NAACP Interview by Charlayne Hunter-Gault. Hosted by Professor Henry Louis Gates Jr., the Alphonse Fletcher University Professor at Harvard UniversityFriday, August 21, 20096:00 pm - 9:00 pm...
Continue reading "YOU'LL FIND JULIAN BOND IN MARTHA'S VINEYARD" »
Youssef Tokko sued Consolidated Edison Company for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) supposedly due to his employer's "discriminatory" conduct based on his race (Arab), national original (Lebanese), and religion (Islam). While attending a meeting at the company's Learning Center,...
Continue reading "WORK RELATED STRESS" »
Mario Soto was charged with criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree. After an officer witnessed a guy handing a shiny package -- believed to contain drugs -- to a third person, Soto was stopped and...
Continue reading "THE COURT FINDS CAUSE" »
After Mark Johnson was charged with criminal sale of a controlled substance in the third degree, he alleged that officers didn't have a legal basis to arrest and search him -- even though he supposedly looked like a man,...
Continue reading "WHAT ARE THE CHANCES?" »
David Coleman appealed his felony drug conviction on the grounds that police failed to advise him of his rights before they asked him to identify what he had swallowed. Since he had lost consciousness, and was in need of...
Continue reading "GULP!" »
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE PR- 357-09August 3, 2009 STATEMENTS OF MAYOR MICHAEL R. BLOOMBERG AND SPEAKER CHRISTINE C. QUINN ON THE OBAMA ADMINISTRATION'S DECISION TO GIVE OUT SAME-SEX MARRIAGE DATA COLLECTED IN CENSUS 2010 The US Census Bureau announced today that...
Continue reading "U.S. CENSUS DATA TO REFLECT GAY MARRIAGES" »
Dear Lucas, Last week, in an interview with Gay City News, Richard Aborn explained why the LGBT community needs a strong voice and direct representation in the District Attorney's office. As our next DA, Richard will continue his fight against...
Continue reading "ABORN IS LGBT FRIENDLY" »
Office of the Press Secretary FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 30, 2009 President Obama Names Medal of Freedom Recipients16 Agents of Change to Receive Top Civilian Honor WASHINGTON - President Obama today named 16 recipients of the 2009 Presidential...
Continue reading "16 TO RECEIVE "MEDAL OF FREEDOM" : TOP CIVILIAN HONOR" »
Here's the text of last night's remarks: THE WHITE HOUSE Office of the Press Secretary For Immediate Release July 17, 2009REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENTTO THE NAACP CENTENNIAL CONVENTION Hilton New YorkNew York, New York 7:00 P.M. EDT THE...
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In People v. Francois, Jerry Francois was arrested for attempting to use a stolen credit card to purchase a MetroCard. At his trial, Francois wanted to have the evidence against him suppressed on the grounds a police officer had...
Continue reading "HOW TOUCHED WAS METROCARD GUY?" »
These poll numbers were released earlier today by Rasmussen Reports -- "an electronic publishing firm specializing in the collection, publication, and distribution of public opinion polling information." Americans Still Embrace Ideals from Declaration of Independence Friday, July 3, 2009 Americans are celebrating the...
Continue reading "ARE WE ALL ENDOWED?" »
This story, forwarded to us by a reader, originally appeared in a ColoradoDaily.com post. Evicted for Easter bunnies? Boulder County woman asks jury to decide Attorney says decorations protected as religious expression By Heath Urie Saturday, June 20, 2009 BOULDER,...
Continue reading "HOPPITY-HOPPING TO HOMELESSNESS?" »
THOMPSON: NYS ECONOMY WOULD GAIN $210 MILLION AFTER LEGALIZATION OF OF MARRIAGE FOR SAME-SEX COUPLES New York City Comptroller William C. Thompson, Jr. today issued an updated analysis finding that New York State's economy could gain $210...
Continue reading "SAME-SEX MARRIAGE: GOOD FOR CITY AND STATE" »
After the New York County Supreme Court denied his motion to suppress the introduction of certain evidence at his trial, Wendell Smith was convicted of criminal possession of a controlled substance. When he appealed to the Appellate Division, First...
Continue reading "THAT WAS SUGAR, SUGAR!" »
In Matter of Aspen Cr. Estates, Ltd. v. Town of Brookhaven, Aspen Creek Estates, Ltd. (ACE) sued the Town of Brookhaven claiming a property's "taking" -- or condemnation -- was "wrongful" and violated our country's Constitution. After a vote, the...
Continue reading "PRESERVING PROPERTY TAKINGS " »
In Siri v. Princeton Club of N.Y., a group of female banquet servers sued the Princeton Club of New York for "gender discrimination." Although the Club typically used a seniority-based assignment system for its banquet functions, the ladies claimed men...
Continue reading "IVY LEAGUE DISCRIMINATION?" »
In the Matter of Lester v. New York State Office of Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation, 57-year-old Roy Lester filed suit against the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation alleging age discrimination. Lester claimed Parks had...
Continue reading "A LITTLE THING GOT IN THE WAY" »
In Matter of William P, William was found to be a juvenile delinquent by the Erie County Family Court after being convicted of unlawful possession of a firearm. Another student at William's school supposedly tipped off the principal that...
Continue reading "A LOADED TEEN" »
Here's a statement we received from Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz: BP MARKOWITZ STATEMENT ON GOVERNOR PATERSON INTRODUCING MARRIAGE EQUALITY LEGISLATION "Governor Paterson has taken a bold step today by proposing Marriage Equality legislation, and I applaud him for sending...
Continue reading ""LOVE IS LOVE"" »
Here's the text of an e-mail we just received from City Council Member John Liu's office: Dear Friend, Unbelievably, Texas State Representative Betty Brown suggested, at a hearing of the Texas House of Representatives, that Asian Americans should "adopt...
Continue reading ""WE DON'T KNOW WHETHER TO LAUGH OR CRY."" »
In People v. Christianson, Douglas Christianson was charged with criminal possession of marijuana in the second degree and unlicensed growing of cannabis. Fire officials, who were called to Christianson's mobile home to extinguish a fuel-oil fire, had problems ventilating the...
Continue reading "A STICKY ICKY BLAZE?" »
In People v. Burton, Floyd Burton was convicted of robbery and sentenced to a lengthy prison term. During his trial, he asked that certain incriminating statements made while in custody not be admitted into evidence on the grounds they had...
Continue reading "INCRIMINATING TALK TAKES TOLL" »
Here's an event being sponsored by the New York State Division of Human Rights:...
Continue reading "LEGISLATIVE BREAKFAST BRIEFING WITH GALEN D. KIRLAND" »
Here's a story originally reported by MSNBC: "Potty Parity" Advocate Threatens Loo Suits By Scott Brodbeck NBCWashington.com updated 7:16 p.m. ET, Tues., Jan. 13, 2009 A local law professor is threatening to sue the Presidential Inaugural Committee over inadequate restroom...
Continue reading "LAW PROFESSOR SUES OVER SQUATTER RIGHTS" »
In People v. May, two officers suspected drug activity and stopped Rashan May's vehicle. Although a license and registration check came up "clean," the officers called for a sector car with a computer to verify May's documentation. And, after...
Continue reading "THIS COP'S BLUNDER WAS SUPPRESSING" »
In People v. Quagliata, Officer John Patterson responded to a 911 call which reported of passengers in a red car with a firearm. When he encountered two females in a vehicle that matched that description, he asked what the...
Continue reading "KEEP YOUR TRAP & TRUNK, SHUT!" »
In People v. Gause, Garlyn Gause was housed in the Elmira Correctional Facility when a "general frisk of cells" was ordered. In the process, correction officers handcuffed Gause, removed him from his cell, and placed him in a "BOSS"...
Continue reading "WHERE WOULD YOU PUT THIS GAUSE?" »
In Candelaria v. Spurlock, Evelyn Candelaria sued Morgan Spurlock after he allegedly used a hidden camera to capture her image for use in a documentary. Spurlock -- a director and actor -- made a movie called "Super-Size Me," with...
Continue reading "TRY SUPER-SIZING THIS!" »
In Conradt v. NBC Universal, Inc., Patricia Conradt filed suit to recover $105 million from NBC Universal, Inc. for allegedly causing her brother's suicide and harming his reputation. The network featured a reality television program, called "To Catch a...
Continue reading "TO CATCH A PREDATOR" »
In October 2005, Anthony Gayle was incarcerated at Elmira Correctional Facility in Chemung County, New York. A few days after his arrival, Gayle's cell was selected to be searched and a correction officer found a sharpened paintbrush handle -- or...
Continue reading "NO SHANK REDEMPTION" »
In Matter of Perito v. Finkelstein, Paul Perito filed a request with the Kings County Supreme Court to compel Katherine Eban Finkelstein to produce certain documents related to his criminal case. Finkelstein -- author of "Dangerous Doses" -- chronicled...
Continue reading "INFORMATION WASN'T CRITICAL TO HIS DEFENSE" »
Alphonso Purse served as a safety officer for the New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH) before he entered a rehabilitation program for alcohol abuse. When Purse completed the program he informed his supervisor that he couldn't report...
Continue reading "CHANGE PURSE?" »
In Linares v. Jackson, Elias Linares filed suit against Alphonso Jackson, as the Secretary of the United States Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD), asserting the unconstitutionality of a regulation -- 24 C.F.R. section 247.10 -- which provides, upon...
Continue reading "HUD REGULATION UNCONSTITUTIONAL" »
In Matter of Kairis v. Fischer, inmate Paul Kairis supposedly wrote a letter to an attorney, placed it in the outgoing mail and attached a "financial disbursement form" requesting free postage. When prison officials determined no law firm existed...
Continue reading "SWAK?" »
In Trakis v. Manhattanville Coll., Louis Trakis sued Manhattanville College after he was fired for "breach of employment contract, civil rights violations, and defamation." Trakis taught Art at Manhattanville College as an "at will" employee who held the title...
Continue reading ""AT WILL" PROFESSOR TERMINATED" »
In People v. Wilson, during jury selection for Dwayne Wilson's criminal trial, a prospective juror asked to be excused because he was a business owner. When questioned, the juror explained it would be difficult for him to serve but,...
Continue reading "HOW CONVENIENT WAS THIS?" »
In People v. Murphy, Kevin Murphy was arrested for allegedly stabbing someone and agreed to speak with the police after being advised of his rights. During the course of the interrogation, officers stopped the questioning to allow Murphy to...
Continue reading "IF YOU TALK TOO MUCH" »
In Matter of Emily I. v. Amy J., Emily's father wanted the Lawrence County Family Court to declare the child a victim of abuse. When Amy realized there was no possibility the couple would reconcile, she shot and seriously...
Continue reading ""IF I CAN'T HAVE YOU ...."" »
In Sidun v. Wayne County Treasurer, Stella Sidun filed suit alleging her due process rights were violated when the County Treasurer of Wayne County (Michigan) "wrongfully deprived" Stella of her property. Helen Krist owned a two-family dwelling on a...
Continue reading "STREETCAR NAMED "CONSTITUTIONALLY DEFICIENT"" »
In People v. Sparber, Daniel Sparber pled guilty to assault and was sentenced to 15 years in prison. Since he was a "second violent felony offender," Sparber was required to serve an additional five-year period of post-release supervision (PRS)....
Continue reading "FELON CHALLENGES TERM" »
In People v. Williams, Michelle Williams alleged that her right to be present during the jury selection process was violated. Williams was charged with filing a false police complaint and car theft affidavit. Although her counsel insisted upon Williams'...
Continue reading "EXCUSE ME, I CAN'T HEAR YOUR VOIR DIRE" »
After he was convicted of attempted robbery in the second degree and assault in the second degree, Kimarlie Gordon challenged certain comments made by the prosecutor during the course of the trial's closing arguments. Apparently, during summation, the prosecutor...
Continue reading "IS THIS RIDICULOUS OR WHAT?" »
In People v. Martin, when Jeffrey Martin was pulled over by Officer Pickering, Martin handed the cop another person's driver's license and car rental agreement. Martin's eyes were red and glassy, the vehicle reeked of alcohol, he admitted to having imbibed...
Continue reading "WHY OPEN CONTAINERS AREN'T A GOOD IDEA" »
In People v. Mendoza, Silva Mendoza asked the Bronx County Supreme Court to stop prosecutors from introducing evidence that "contraband" was discovered in his pocket during a search conducted by Rikers Island corrections officers. When the Bronx County Supreme...
Continue reading "MAN POCKETS 2 TO 4 YEARS" »
During a phone call made to the mother of his two children, Marcos Urbaez supposedly threatened to "withhold child support, beat her, knock out her teeth and break her face." As a result of that misconduct, Urbaez was charged...
Continue reading "YOU DON'T ALWAYS GET A JURY" »
In People v. Gray, Roy Gray was taken into custody in North Carolina for his involvement in the New York shooting death of Levi Bernard.New York City Police Detective DePaolis traveled to North Carolina to return Gray to New York...
Continue reading "BUT WHY DID HE DO IT?" »
In People v. Steinhilber, the Kingston District Attorney filed “driving while intoxicated” (DWI) charges against Leroy Steinhilber after he crashed his car on the way home from a local bar.Steinhilber not only admitted that he consumed ten beers but was taken to...
Continue reading "NO EASY WAY OUT FOR DRUNK DRIVER" »
In People v. Mobley, Donald Mobley asked the Bronx County Supreme Court to suppress -- or prevent -- the District Attorney from admitting into evidence a gun found by two police officers.Mobley and a young woman were seated in a...
Continue reading "NO FISHING, OFFICER!" »
In Clayton v. Best Buy Co, Inc., Natoya Clayton filed suit against Best Buy -- a seller of consumer electronics, home-office products, entertainment software, appliances and related services with nearly 1,300 retail stores across the United States, Canada and in China -- alleging...
Continue reading "DID BEST BUY RETALIATE?" »
When a Domino’s franchise began slipping fliers beneath the doors of residential apartments without permission, Mark Leyse filed suit on behalf of himself and all others similarly situated seeking declaratory and injunctive relief based on trespass.After the New York County...
Continue reading "WHO ORDERED PIZZA?" »
The California Penal Code authorizes District Attorneys to prosecute citizens for writing bad checks, when individuals know there are insufficient funds available for a transaction. In order to enforce that law, the Santa Clara County District Attorney’s office contracted with...
Continue reading "NO BLANK CHECKS FOR IMMUNITY" »
In Matter of Elvin G., Elvin was adjudicated a “juvenile delinquent” after his school’s dean found a hunting knife in the kid’s pocket. The dean was summoned to the classroom when a teacher complained of disruptive sounds, possibly from a cell phone,...
Continue reading ""WAS THAT YOUR KNIFE RINGING?"" »
At what point does an “illegal” search become a “legal” one? Apparently, the New York County Supreme Court and the Appellate Division, First Department, had some different perspectives on that issue.In the case of People v. Packer, when Andrew Packer...
Continue reading "KNIFE PACKER?" »
After observing an erratically driven vehicle, State Trooper Jason Lewis triggered his emergency lights and directed the car to pull over. As he approached, Lewis noticed the driver, Dorian Hackett, leaning toward the passenger seat. When asked to explain those movements, Hackett indicated that he was...
Continue reading "WAS THIS SEARCH ILLEGAL?" »
Edward Watkins had been serving as a volunteer coach for a girls’ high school basketball team when a report surfaced that he had “engaged in inappropriate conduct.” After the Special Commissioner of Investigation for the New York City School District (SCI)...
Continue reading "NO DUE PROCESS FOR COACH" »
A Manhattan condo dweller sued his fellow owners for $23.5 million in compensatory damages based upon "an alleged failure to make handicap accessible the residential condominium in which the disabled plaintiff and his wife" resided.In Pelton v. 77 Park Avenue...
Continue reading "HOW ACCOMMODATING WAS THIS?" »
In People v Gayle, the Queens County Criminal Court convicted Rudolph Gayle of criminal possession of a weapon in the fourth degree.On appeal to the Appellate Term, Second Department, Gayle challenged the Criminal Court’s denial of his motion to suppress...
Continue reading "CONVICTED FOR NOT SIGNALING?" »
According to the Tennessee Court of Appeals, St. Thomas Hospital in Nashville, Tennessee was an “equal opportunity oppressor.” In Frye v. St. Thomas Health Services, Joan Frye, an accounting services manager, sued her former employer claiming that she had been subjected...
Continue reading "A HOSPITAL DIVIDED ..." »
In the Matter of Mercado v. Selsky, after a search of Israel Mercado's cell, correction officers filed a "misbehavior report" which cited Mercado for possession of gang related material.Although Mercado claimed a First Amendment right to the "contraband," he was still found guilty after a disciplinary hearing.An administrative appeal ensued and...
Continue reading "NEXT TIME, TRY PENTHOUSE" »
In acknowledgment of our readers' Second Amendment rights, and until such time as District of Columbia v. Heller is overturned, we'll be providing you with a list of upcoming gun shows.Here's the first installment of our new series.If you're interested in acquiring "investment quality" machine...
Continue reading "GUNS 'R US!" »
According to a November 2007 report released by the Center for Independence of the Disabled, NY, New York City's poll sites present "barriers that make voting difficult or impossible for the City's 1.6 million voters with disabilities." After surveying some 50 sites,...
Continue reading "WHY ARE POLLING PLACES INACCESSIBLE?" »
In District of Columbia v. Heller, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia became the first federal appellate court to find a gun-control law violative of the Second Amendment. (Later today, the U.S. Supreme Court will be...
Continue reading "GUN OPPONENTS HAVE BEEN GIVEN HELLER" »
A week before wildfires set southern California ablaze, Governor Schwarzenegger set sparks of his own when he signed into law a school anti-discrimination bill, which was characterized by the Campaign for Children and Families as a “sexual-agenda bomb dressed up...
Continue reading "CALIFORNIANS GET ALL HOT AND BOTHERED" »
A reader forwarded an article which is being disseminated by Monster.com, a self-described "global employment solution" website. According to the company's promotional materials, "Monster works for everyone by connecting employers with quality job seekers at all levels and by providing...
Continue reading "TOP 10 MOST ANNOYING WORK HABITS" »
On October 23, 2007, the New York County Supreme Court, denied a request to compel the disclosure of an anonymous blogger’s identity.In Greenbaum v. Google, Pamela Greenbaum, an elected schoolboard member alleged that a blogger, with the online moniker of “Orthomom,”...
Continue reading "BLOGGERS OF THE WORLD, UNITE!" »
In Chi Iota Colony of Alpha Epsilon Pi Fraternity v. City University of New York, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit vacated a preliminary injunction, allowing a local college to refuse to recognize a male-only fraternity as...
Continue reading "A FRATERNITY OF WOMEN?" »
With all the instability in the world, why are some people so obsessed with “sagging pants” and punishing the people that wear them?Legislatures across the country -- from Connecticut to Dallas -- are looking to punish “hip-hop” fashion mavens with...
Continue reading "HOW LOW CAN THEY GO?" »
You're not going to believe what we received in the mail just a few minutes ago.It was an invitation from the Bronx Democratic County Committee. (But, in actuality, it was a "dis-invitation.")Apparently, the borough's "female elected officials & Democratic leaders" are...
Continue reading "HILLARY BELIEVES IN DISCRIMINATION?" »
Earlier today, I received the following e-mail from a reader:You're against the Coop Disclosure Law that could create lots of real estate litigation???? What kind of lawyer are you?Seriously, though, I'm in favor of the bill. I know that both...
Continue reading ""WHAT KIND OF LAWYER ARE YOU?"" »
In People v. Washington, Washington claimed he was prevented from presenting a defense in his criminal case (wherein he was alleged to have been engaged in the "criminal sale of a controlled substance"), because he had been denied the ability to...
Continue reading "UNDERCOVER COPS CAN'T BE UNCOVERED" »
In Wilkie v. Robbins, the U.S. Supreme Court held that a rancher harassed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) could not seek recompense by way of a Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) suit or by way of a constitutional...
Continue reading "ALL THIS OVER AN EASEMENT?" »
Did the Appellate Division, First, Department, condone a religious leader's sexual misconduct in Marmelstein v. Kehillat New Hempstead?In 1994, Adina Marmelstein met Mordecai Tendler, the founder and spiritual leader of The Rav Aron Jofen Community Synagogue, and a man known within...
Continue reading "SINCE WHEN IS SEDUCTION LEGAL?" »
Two college students were sued by The Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Company d/b/a A&P -- a 337-store supermarket chain -- for allegedly defaming the company in a music video which they recorded on-premises without the company's consent.Priding themselves as rappers known as the "Fresh Beets,"...
Continue reading "DID FRESH BEETS SOIL A&P'S REPUTATION?" »
On the night of March 8, 2005, Police Officer Anthony Vicaretti found a white Ford truck parked awkwardly behind the Village Hall in Goshen, New York. He approached and found defendant Tyler Keesler asleep behind the wheel.The officer observed Keesler was...
Continue reading "WHEN "YES," MEANS "NO"" »
In Coppa v. LaSpina, the Appellate Division, Second Department, addressed whether due process rights are waivable and whether an occupant can be evicted by way of "self help."In January 1999, Claudia Coppa, a 62-year-old homeless woman suffering from depression, was accepted...
Continue reading "OH, SAY CAN YOU WAIVE?" »
In Kings Mall v. Wenk, the Appellate Division, Third Department, affirmed the grant of a preliminary injunction restricting the activities of anti-war demonstrators at a shopping mall.Located in the Town of Ulster, Ulster County, Kings Mall has 32 tenants, one...
Continue reading "FREEDOM TO SHOP TRUMPS FREEDOM OF SPEECH" »
An Ashcroft's involvement in a criminal case caught our eye.While it turns out this Ashcroft wasn’t the former Governor and Senator of the State of Missouri, who also served as the 79th Attorney General of the United States from 2001...
Continue reading "KNOCK, KNOCK?" »
As we reported yesterday, a federal court judge struck a large chunk of the attorney-advertising restrictions that had been promulgated by the Presiding Justices of New York State's four Appellate Divisions.Many of our readers may be unaware that prior to their...
Continue reading "WHAT'S THE STATE BAR SMOKING?" »
"VICTORY IS OURS!"On July 20, 2007, in a 30-page decision, Judge Frederick J. Scullin, Jr., Senior United States District Court Judge of the Northern District of New York, enjoined and restrained the four Presiding Justices of the New York State...
Continue reading "ATTORNEY ADVERTISING RESTRICTIONS ARE UNCONSTITUTIONAL" »
In State of N.Y. ex rel. Harkavy v. Consilvio,* the New York State Court of Appeals ordered hearings to determine whether convicted sex offenders should be committed to secure psychiatric hospitals upon release from prison.In 2006, the Court of Appeals...
Continue reading ""MENTAL ABNORMALITY" WILL GET YOU COMMITTED" »
In U.S. v. Martignon, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit upheld the constitutionality of a federal law, Section 2319A of the Uruguay Round Agreements Act, which criminalizes “bootlegging” -- the recording, copying, distribution, sale, rental, or other form of trafficking of...
Continue reading "BOOTLEGGER GETS THE BOOT" »
Donald O'Toole was accused of "robbery in the second degree." During the course of the jury selection process in the New York County Supreme Court, a prospective juror was questioned about an assault that had been committed on her some 20 years...
Continue reading "NEW TRIAL BECAUSE OF BIASED JUROR" »
Readers may recall our March 22, 2007 blog on a free-speech case involving a student who was punished for unfurling a banner that read “BONG HITS FOR JESUS.” After the conclusion of oral arguments before the U.S. Supreme Court, we...
Continue reading "BONG HEAD TAKES A HIT" »
In January 2003, T. A. Wyner notified the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) of her intention on Valentine’s Day to organize “antiwar artwork” on John MacArthur Beach State Park by photographing nude individuals arranged in a peace sign. The...
Continue reading "A COVER-UP REQUIRED BY LAW" »
On June 12, 2003, then Governor George Pataki, signed a piece of legislation known as "Stephanie's Law" -- a statute which criminalizes certain forms of surveillance.In New York State, photographing people (without their consent or knowledge), in a place where there would be a "reasonable...
Continue reading "SHOOTING PANTIES WILL GET YOU ARRESTED" »
The battle in the Lopez-Torres case wages on.Judge Margarita Lopez-Torres had filed a federal lawsuit challenging the manner in which New York Supreme Court Justices were nominated for election. Both the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York (Judge...
Continue reading "ASIAN BAR FILES BRIEF IN LOPEZ-TORRES CASE" »
Did you know that firing a cannon while lowering the American Flag is protected speech?(We didn't either.)In Harlem Yacht Club v. New York City Environmental Control Board, the Harlem Yacht Club would fire a cannon at sundown alerting boaters and club...
Continue reading "NO MORE CANNON FIRE IN HARLEM?" »
First, let's set the record straight: We would never advocate the sale or use of illegal drugs.Nor would we suggest that anyone abuse legally prescribed medications.But, if you've gotta do your thing, it's never a good idea to drive an automobile with your drug paraphernalia in...
Continue reading "IF YOU GOTTA DO DRUGS ... " »
If you decide to engage police officers in a high-speed car chase, be prepared to die.That is rule of law which was espoused by the United States Supreme Court -- our nation's highest court -- in the case of Scott v. Harris.It...
Continue reading "YOU WILL DIE IF ..." »
Can the owner of an unlicensed handgun, which is surrendered pursuant to a court's order of protection, invoke the Fifth Amendment? That was the question addressed by the New York State Court of Appeals in People v. Havrish.The Fifth Amendment to the...
Continue reading "IT'S HARDLY A SMOKING GUN" »
In 2000, New York Law School (NYLS) announced the creation of the Daniel Finkelstein Commencement Award as a way to honor our senior partner's distinguished career, and to acknowledge his many years of service to the legal profession. The award...
Continue reading "AND THE WINNER IS ..." »
Within the City of New York, police officers currently have the authority to seize vehicles purportedly utilized in furtherance of some criminal purpose. Once seized, the Police Department must begin a special proceeding to demonstrate its right to keep the confiscated property...
Continue reading "CO-OWNER'S INNOCENCE WON'T PREVENT VEHICLE'S FORFEITURE" »
On January 24, 2002, the U.S. Olympic Torch Relay Team passed through Juneau, Alaska, and a local high school -- Juneau Douglas High School (JDHS) -- released its students from class to view the event.Joseph Frederick, a JDHS student, did not...
Continue reading "WHY WOULD JESUS NEED A BONG HIT?" »
Many believe that their identities will be kept confidential when they post "anonymous" comments online. But, that isn't always the case, as former Teaneck, New Jersey, Councilmember Michael Gallucci, can attest.Apparently, Mr. Gallucci's identity was disclosed by NJ.com, an internet service provider...
Continue reading "YOU MEAN MY POSTS AREN'T ANONYMOUS?" »
"The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation, and particularly...
Continue reading "AM I UNDER ARREST OR WHAT?" »
As we have previously reported, York's new attorney advertising regulations are the subject of a federal lawsuit filed by Public Citizen, Inc., a nonprofit consumer advocacy group.The litigation seeks to stay the enforcement of these overly broad and restrictive rules and to...
Continue reading "BRIEF FILED IN FEDERAL "ATTORNEY ADVERTISING" CASE" »
In Festa v. New York City Dept. of Consumer Affairs, a New York County Supreme Court Judge was asked to consider whether "social dancing" comprised a form of constitutionally protected expression and whether New York City's restrictions on the licensing and...
Continue reading "SOCIAL DANCING AIN'T CONSTITUTIONALLY PROTECTED" »
Michael Barton was ticketed in downtown Rochester for wading into traffic and soliciting money from passing motorists in violation of Section 44-4(H) of that city's Municipal Code.* The law's aim is to "provide for the free flow of pedestrian and vehicular traffic on...
Continue reading "CITY'S PANHANDLING BAN UPHELD BY COURT OF APPEALS" »
For the last several years, members of the Stuyvesant Town-Peter Cooper Village Tenant's Association have been challenging the implementation of a keyless access card embossed with each tenant's photograph. Arguments ranging from a breach of privacy rights, violation of rent...
Continue reading "KEYLESS ENTRY AND PHOTO IDs DO NOT VIOLATE RENT LAWS" »
The "Women's Health and Wellness Act" (WHWA), requires health-insurance carriers to provide their insureds with an array of medical services, such as mammographies, cervical cytologies, bone density screenings. According to that same statute, if prescription drug coverage is supplied, "contraceptive drugs and devices" must be encompassed by that policy.Interestingly,...
Continue reading "CONTRACEPTIVES FOR CHRISTIANS" »
As we anticipated, the first federal lawsuit has been filed challenging the constitutionality of New York's new attorney advertising regulations (which took effect yesterday, February 1, 2007).The litigation, brought by the nonprofit consumer advocacy group, Public Citizen, Inc., against the Chief Counsels...
Continue reading ""ATTORNEY ADVERTISING," NOT!" »
In Jennings v. Leon, a job applicant sued the Kings County Hospital Center, (NYC Health & Hospitals Corp.), and others, alleging that he been wrongfully denied employment on the basis of two drug-screening tests, which the applicant had failed. The...
Continue reading "CITY'S DRUG SCREENING AIN'T UNCONSTITUTIONAL" »
Peter Grannis, the State Assemblyman who has represented the eastern part of the Upper East Side (Yorkville) and Roosevelt Island for 32 years, has been nominated to the position of Commissioner of the NYS Department of Environmental Conversation by Governor...
Continue reading "MICAH KELLNER FOR STATE ASSEMBLY" »
In tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, we would like to share an excerpt from "The Drum Major Instinct," a 1968 sermon given by Dr. King which is now being featured on The King Center's website.The text of the featured audio excerpt follows:If you want...
Continue reading ""YOU ONLY NEED A HEART ...."" »
Well, folks, the Presiding Justices of the Appellate Divisions have spoken and a new wave of restrictions relating to lawyer "advertising" and "solicitations" is slated to become effective as of February 1, 2007.We haven't had a chance to review the final version of these regulations, and...
Continue reading "NEW ADVERTISING REGULATIONS PROMULGATED" »
We were quite unimpressed and displeased with the December 2006 report issued by “The Judicial Selection Task Force of the Association of the Bar of the City of New York.” In that thirty-three page document, entitled "Recommendations on the Selection of Judges...
Continue reading "DID YOU KNOW, YOU'RE STUPID?" »
NEWS FLASH!The New York State Board of Elections, the New York County Democratic Committee, the New York Republican State Committee, and the Associations of New York State Supreme Court Justices in the City and State of New York (among others)...
Continue reading "IS LOPEZ-TORRES HEADING TO U.S. SUPREME COURT?" »
On March 9, 2006, "T.J.O."--a minor--is reported to have left a note in a Nyack High School bathroom claiming that a bomb would explode at ten o'clock in the morning and that the school needed to be evacuated or people...
Continue reading "A BOMBER IN OUR MIDST?" »
On October 4, 2006, a three judge panel of the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit stayed a District Court's ruling which declared the nation's "Terrorist Surveillance Program" (TSP) unconstitutional. The TSP, which until fairly recently had...
Continue reading "GUESS WHO'S LISTENING TO YOUR PHONE CALLS?" »
A few months ago, we took issue with the Office of Court Administration's proposed stance on "attorney advertising." Since there already are an extensive array of rules and regulations that govern attorney conduct, we do not believe there is any...
Continue reading "FTC OBJECTS TO ATTORNEY-ADVERTISING RULE (GO FIGURE!)" »
We have previously commented on the state of the law as it pertains to the unauthorized use of one's name and/or image--within the context of commercial television--and have expressed our disagreement with some recent appellate precedent on the subject. We...
Continue reading "NIEVES SCORES KNOCK-OUT AGAINST HBO" »
With the Labor Day holiday weekend fast approaching, many are wondering how the recently enhanced airport security procedures are impacting air travel. I am pleased to report that the process is not as bad as you might expect. Just a...
Continue reading "WHAT ARE YOU PACKING?" »
For the past year or so, when entering the New York City subway system, passengers have been asked to submit to a random, warrantless, and suspicionless bag search by police officers. Several riders who submitted to these searches--and others who...
Continue reading "RANDOM BAG CHECKS AT SUBWAY ENTRANCES ARE CONSTITUTIONAL" »
Voter turnout in New York State has recently fallen to disturbing levels, particularly during non-presidential election cycles. Since 1998, New York's rank among the 50 states has plunged from 37th to 46th. If this trend continues, voter turnout in New...
Continue reading "VOTER APATHY: A THREAT TO OUR DEMOCRACY" »
Anthropologist Margaret Meade observed that, "a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world." With your help, we can take a major step toward effecting change and reversing the troubling trend of voter apathy that pervades our great...
Continue reading "IT DOESN'T TAKE A VILLAGE ...." »
Civil rights advocates are in an uproar over the Court of Appeals's decision in Hernandez v. Robles, an outcome described by Chief Judge Judith Kaye as an "unfortunate misstep" in the Court's history and an undeniable failure by our judiciary...
Continue reading "GAY RIGHTS, WRONGED" »
Leecia Eve--former counsel to Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton and a former candidate for Lieutenant Governor--will be announcing the formation of a new organization, SHOW UP New York, created to mobilize young people and people of color to become more involved...
Continue reading ""SHOW UP" FOR COCKTAILS!" »
New York's Madison Square Garden and several of its employees received an icy reception in federal court when they attempted to have a lawsuit dismissed. In Prince v. Madison Square Garden, the Honorable Robert W. Sweet, Judge of the Southern...
Continue reading "THIS PRINCE WON'T BE APPEARING AT MADISON SQUARE GARDEN" »
Things were not so homey at Bradley Baker's place of employment. First hired as a full-time associate in the floor and wall department of Home Depot's store in Auburn, Massachusetts, Mr. Baker later transferred to a store in Henrietta, New...
Continue reading "HOME DEPOT: NEVER ON SUNDAY!" »
In a decision released on March 17, 2006, and published in today's New York Law Journal, an appellate court (the Appellate Division, Fourth Department) has confirmed that there is no cognizable "privacy right" when it comes to the "non-commercial" use...
Continue reading "LATE NIGHT FODDER: WHOSE FACE IS IT ANYWAY?" »
Although this blog will be primarily devoted to real-estate topics and court decisions of interest, a disturbing trend that is tangentially related to our litigation practice is the rising number of unrepresented--or pro se--litigants that are appearing in court on...
Continue reading "GOING PRO SE: RETHINKING ATTORNEYS' ROLES" »
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