Equal

Supreme Court’s Controversial Ruling on Transgender Health Care Sparks Debate Over Equal Protection Standards

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Nashville, Tennessee — The U.S. Supreme Court’s recent ruling in United States v. Skrmetti has sparked discussions over its adherence to the Equal Protection Clause, particularly regarding classifications tied to identity. Critics argue that the Court is straying from its own anti-classification doctrine, which mandates careful scrutiny of government actions based on classifications of race, sex, and national origin. Historically, the Supreme Court has insisted that any government classification related to these identities must undergo rigorous examination. This scrutiny aims to ensure that such measures serve compelling governmental interests and that there are no feasible … Read more

Bankrupt Houston MMA Law Firm Forms Deal with Equal Access Justice Fund to Share Mass Tort Proceeds

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HOUSTON — A significant development has emerged from the financially troubled MMA Law Firm PLLC, which is currently undergoing bankruptcy proceedings. The firm has reached an agreement to distribute the proceeds from its mass tort lawsuits with litigation funders Equal Access Justice Fund LP, a crucial creditor in its financial restructuring efforts. This decision marks a pivotal moment in the law firm’s ongoing legal and financial challenges, as it seeks to navigate its bankruptcy while ensuring that essential funding remains available for its ongoing cases. The partnership with Equal Access Justice Fund highlights the pivotal … Read more

Lawsuit Claims Funding for Hispanic-Serving Institutions Violates Equal Protection Laws

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AUSTIN, Texas — A lawsuit has been filed challenging the constitutionality of federal funding allocated to Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs), claiming the practice is both discriminatory and unconstitutional. The legal action argues that this targeted financial support excludes non-Hispanic institutions from receiving similar benefits, resulting in a disparity that violates equal protection principles. The suit, initiated by a group of predominantly white universities, contends that the federal government’s designation of HSIs fosters an unequal academic landscape. The plaintiffs assert that this specific funding undermines the broader mission of equal opportunity in education, arguing that all institutions … Read more

Federal Jury Awards $160,000 to Teachers in Landmark Equal Pay Victory Against Central Bucks School District

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PHILADELPHIA — Two female teachers from Central Bucks School District were awarded $160,000 by a federal jury on Thursday, after they argued that they were underpaid compared to their male counterparts. This verdict, delivered in U.S. District Court, came after a trial that began earlier in the week. Rebecca Cartee-Haring received $81,000 while Dawn Marinello was awarded $84,000. Although these figures are lower than the amounts the teachers claimed they were owed—$256,000 and $387,399, respectively—the jury determined there was evidence of discrimination within the district’s pay practices, according to the plaintiffs’ attorney, Ed Mazurek. He … Read more