Civil Rights & Social Justice

Illuminated laptop computer in the dark

Pa. lawmakers propose bills to study AI’s potential, safeguard against threats

BY: - June 1, 2023

As the marvels and shortcomings of artificial intelligence increasingly capture headlines, Pennsylvania lawmakers are proposing legislation to track and regulate the emerging technology’s use.

Ohio AG on bathroom policies: Law does not protect ‘subjective preferences’ of trans people

BY: - May 31, 2023

It comes after Ohio GOP lawmakers introduced a bill banning transgender students from using the bathroom and locker room that aligns with their gender identity.

From Philly to Harrisburg and D.C. and back: Estelle Richman reflects on life in public service

BY: - May 29, 2023

The veteran public servant will receive the lifetime achievement award at the PGN Stonewall Awards on June 4.

A voting sign in Philadelphia

‘We’re in a moment’: Is it time to expand voting rights for incarcerated Pennsylvanians?

BY: - May 28, 2023

'When I was told I could vote, it was an amazing feeling,” Jessie Tate said. “It felt so good. They gave you an ‘I voted’ sticker, and I was walking around with that sticker on all day long.”  

Pa. House Judiciary Committee passes package to expand definition of Ethnic Intimidation 

BY: - May 24, 2023

The bill expands protections to the state’s LGBTQ+ and disabled residents for the first time ever.

Abortion rights advocates. (Photo by Astrid Riecken/Getty Images).

Small, rural communities have become abortion access battlegrounds

BY: - May 24, 2023

Extreme variations in abortion policy from state to state are the new normal, and local challenges are 'what we’re in for,' a Temple University legal scholar said.

COMMENTARY

We’re weaponizing fear into violence. Jordan Neely paid the price | Opinion

BY: - May 24, 2023

If Americans want to end this epidemic on the streets, don’t lash out at the victims of systematic marginalization.

COMMENTARY

What book bans and the Hollywood writers strike have in common | Heather MacDonald

BY: - May 23, 2023

Book bans have reached a fever pitch. In 2022 alone, at least 2,571 unique books were banned or challenged. The American Library Association reports that challenges to books have doubled in the last year through organized efforts to reshape our country’s access to information. Luckily, this educational hit list has been met with resistance. Elected […]

COMMENTARY

‘It’ll be fine, I’ll be with a white girl’: Words of wisdom and a warning | Monday Morning Coffee

BY: - May 22, 2023

Jordan Neely died for no reason. For too many, Black lives still don’t matter enough. Words from a teen remind us of why.

Appeals court judges embrace anti-abortion speculation

BY: and - May 21, 2023

Mifepristone remains legal and on the market as the case winds its way through the legal system.

Pa.’s Rep. Scanlon: ‘No place’ for threats, violence no matter where you stand on abortion access

BY: - May 19, 2023

WASHINGTON — Republicans at a U.S. House hearing aired frustration with the Department of Justice this week for what they contended is a lack of enforcement of a Clinton-era law that protects access to reproductive health care at anti-abortion pregnancy centers and abortion clinics. GOP lawmakers on the House Judiciary Committee expressed anger the Federal […]

Racial slurs, dress codes, few Black teachers: How Black girls say Philly schools are failing them

BY: - May 18, 2023

'We cannot create equitable education spaces without intentionally considering the needs of Black girls,' experts said.