Inequities

Ex-Phoenix Mercury Coach Nikki Blue Launches Discrimination Lawsuit Highlighting Pay Inequities and Biased Hiring

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PHOENIX — Former Phoenix Mercury head coach Nikki Blue has filed a lawsuit alleging discrimination related to pay disparities and hiring practices within the organization. This legal action casts a spotlight on the challenges women face in professional sports coaching roles, particularly regarding equitable compensation and opportunities. In her lawsuit, Blue asserts that her experiences reflect wider systemic issues in women’s athletics, especially concerning salary differences and promotional pathways. She served as the head coach of the Mercury for two seasons, during which she faced obstacles she believes were influenced by her gender. Blue claims … Read more

New York Launches Trio of Groundbreaking Worker Protection Laws Fueled by Tragedy and Industry Inequities

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BUFFALO, N.Y. — New York State is enacting three significant worker protection laws that aim to address safety concerns across various industries, an effort largely influenced by the tragic mass shooting that occurred at a Tops supermarket in Buffalo in May 2022. The new regulations focus on enhancing safety for employees in retail, fashion, and warehouse settings. According to the New York State Department of Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon, the “Retail Worker Safety Act” was directly inspired by the events at the Buffalo supermarket, making it a personal and urgent issue for Governor Kathy Hochul, … Read more

Michigan Renters Rally for Legislative Relief Amid Soaring Rent Costs and Housing Inequities

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Lansing, Michigan – As rents in Michigan continue to rise, burdening many tenants, state legislators are facing heightened pressure to adopt a set of bills aimed at providing relief to renters. According to recent data, the average cost of renting in the state has seen an increase of 4.7% in the last year. This surge in rental costs is affecting over half of Michigan renters, forcing them to spend more than 30% of their monthly income on housing. The proposed legislative package addresses several aspects of the rental market, including anti-discrimination measures that would prevent … Read more

Justice or Lottery? Vital Role of Judge Assignments in Asylum Case Outcomes Highlights Inequities in U.S. Immigration Courts

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Minneapolis, MN — In the sprawling halls of Fort Snelling immigration court, the fates of asylum seekers such as Fernanda from Ecuador hinge not just on their harrowing stories but also, significantly, on which judge hears their case. Fernanda, cradling her American-born baby, approached Immigration Judge Katherine L. Hansen with uncertainty, admitting her unfamiliarity with the asylum process. Meanwhile, a Mexican immigrant pleaded his case before Immigration Judge Monte G. Miller, apologizing for his illegal entry due to safety fears back home. The outcomes of these cases often depend starkly on the judge assigned. Data … Read more