"Lawsuit Unveils Allegations of Severe Sexual Abuse and Negligence at Pennsylvania Women’s Prison"

Williamsport, Pa. — A lawsuit filed in March by Krista Crabtree, a former inmate at the State Correctional Institute at Muncy, alleges that she was sexually assaulted by a shop teacher and that the prison environment fostered a culture of abuse that made such incidents possible. Crabtree’s lawsuit names seven defendants, including the estate of Michael Anthony “Tony” Wright, who was the building trades and custodial maintenance teacher at the facility until his retirement on April 13, 2023. Notably, Wright passed away just three days after his retirement and three days after the last alleged … Read more

Historic Victory: 19th Amendment Ratified, Securing Women’s Right to Vote in the U.S.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — On August 18, 1920, a historic milestone was achieved with the ratification of the 19th Amendment to the United States Constitution, a pivotal moment in the struggle for women’s rights. This amendment, which guarantees American women the right to vote, marked the culmination of decades of activism and advocacy. The journey towards this significant achievement began with efforts that gained traction in the mid-19th century, driven by suffragists who campaigned tirelessly for gender equality. Although Congress passed the amendment on June 4, 1919, it needed ratification from three-fourths of the states … Read more

Tulsa Fire Department to Pay $500,000 in Discrimination Lawsuit as Women’s Fight for Equality Gains Momentum

The City of Tulsa is poised to pay $500,000 to resolve a discrimination lawsuit brought forth by two prominent women in the Tulsa Fire Department. This settlement follows a ruling earlier in July that allowed the case to proceed to trial. On Tuesday, Tulsa County Court announced the acceptance of a $500,000 settlement for Greta Hurt and Julie Lynn, who alleged that they were unfairly overlooked for promotions in favor of less experienced male colleagues. The financial resolution covers damages, legal costs, and attorney fees associated with their claims. Hurt and Lynn, who both joined … Read more

Iraq Lauded for Progress on Women’s Rights, Yet Urged to Address Systemic Violence and Legal Gaps

Baghdad, Iraq — The Lutheran World Federation recently praised the Iraqi government for its proactive role in engaging with the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) regarding human rights. This engagement includes a focus on enhancing protections for women and girls, marking a notable commitment to addressing gender-based violence and discrimination. The Federation expressed appreciation for Iraq’s legislative efforts aimed at safeguarding women’s rights, highlighting initiatives such as shelters for victims of violence, hotlines for support, and community awareness campaigns focused on combating violence against women. Despite these positive steps, the Federation raised critical concerns regarding ongoing … Read more