Alabama

Alabama Medical Cannabis License Saga Advances: Judge Greenlights Commission’s Investigative Hearings

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MONTGOMERY, Ala. — A significant development unfolded in Alabama’s capital on Tuesday as legal representatives of the Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission and various license applicants convened for a pivotal hearing. The focus: moving forward with the distribution of medical cannabis licenses that have been stalled by ongoing legal challenges. Up until now, the commission has been unable to issue the awarded licenses due to a series of legal injunctions, leaving applicants in a state of uncertainty. However, recent decisions by Judge James Anderson have paved the way for the commission to proceed with investigatory hearings. … Read more

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