Alabama

Advocacy Groups Sue Alabama Officials Over Restrictive Voting Bill, Citing Constitutional Violations and Disproportionate Impact

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Birmingham, Alabama – Several advocacy groups have filed a lawsuit against Alabama state officials, challenging a recently enacted law that restricts access to voting. The groups argue that Senate Bill 1 (SB 1), which criminalizes certain engagement measures related to absentee ballots, directly targets and penalizes activities that enable broader voting rights. Signed into law last month, SB 1 makes it illegal to request or collect absentee ballots for anyone other than close relatives. It also criminalizes filling out or mailing an application or ballot on behalf of someone else. The bill specifically targets Alabamians … Read more

Alabama Legislators Strike a Blow to Diversity and Inclusion Programs on College Campuses

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Montgomery, Alabama – The Alabama Legislature recently passed SB129, a new law set to go into effect on October 1st that will eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) offices from college campuses and other public entities. This legislation is one of 11 anti-DEI bills passed across nine states since the beginning of 2023. It is a move that threatens the progress made towards fostering inclusivity and understanding within educational institutions. Governor Kay Ivey defended the law and criticized DEI initiatives as a platform for liberal politics, stating, “I refuse to allow a few bad actors … Read more

College Recruiters Outside of Alabama Offer a Welcoming Home for Black Athletes Amid DEI Ban

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Birmingham, Alabama – Mayor Randall Woodfin of Birmingham, Alabama, took to Facebook earlier this year to express his concerns over Alabama’s proposed anti-diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) bill. In his post, Mayor Woodfin stated that if the bill became law, he would consider organizing Black parents and athletes to seek educational opportunities outside of the state where diversity and inclusion are valued. On March 20, Alabama Governor Kate Ivey signed SB 129 into law, effectively banning colleges in the state from implementing DEI programs and instruction on “divisive concepts.” Although it remains to be seen … Read more

Alabama Police Chief Advocates for Stricter Penalties after Woman Fakes Kidnapping

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BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The Hoover police chief, Nick Derzis, expressed his disappointment on Thursday after Carlee Russell admitted to fabricating her kidnapping. Derzis stated that while he was happy the ordeal was over, he was disappointed that there would be no jail time for Russell. Instead, a judge sentenced her to one year of probation, 100 hours of community service, and ordered her to pay nearly $18,000 in restitution. According to Birmingham attorney Eric Guster, the punishment for Russell’s crime is appropriate. Guster noted that in a typical case, jail time would not be given. … Read more