Civil Rights

Are The Feds Unfairly Targeting Muslim Students Who Oppose Israel?

In Washington D.C. today, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) opened a probe of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), following reports that the IRS was unfairly targeting conservative non-profit groups affiliated with the Tea Party movement. Closer to home, the California chapter of the Counc ... More >>

Erwin Chemerinsky and Rick Hasen of UCI Law Weigh in Far and Wide on Voting Rights Act

Something more supremely has overshadowed the news that UC Irvine School of Law Dean Erwin Chemerinsky has been named a new endowed chair in First Amendment Law through a $1.5 million gift from Raymond Pryke, owner and publisher of the Valleywide Newspapers chain based in Hesperia. Chemerinsky and ... More >>

Malcolm X Shares the Spotlight with Martin Luther King Jr. at UC Irvine Tonight

Wotta country! On the same day we honored the birth of Martin Luther King Jr., an extension of the slain civil rights leader's dream--the presidency of Barack Obama--was realized with the second term inauguration.But as UC Irvine celebrates King with events through Jan. 31, it is the legacy of anoth ... More >>

Martin Luther King Jr.'s Most Memorable Samples

Today is Martin Luther King, Jr. Day where we celebrate the birth and countless contributions the good Reverend Doctor made in the name of civil rights and equality in this country. Among Dr. King's most memorable works were his inspiring speeches. It's easy to forget that in a pre-internet/mass med ... More >>

Chick-Fil-A To Stop Funding Anti-Gay Groups, According to Chicago Alderman Proco 'Joe' Moreno

According to the Huffington Post, the Civil Rights Agenda, a Chicago-based LGBT advocacy group, has stated that a Chicago alderman (read: council member) has secured a promise from Chick-Fil-A to stop funding groups that oppose marriage equality and has welcomed the chain to open its doors in Chicag ... More >>

Ron Paul Delegates' Lawsuit Over Intimidation Linked to Mitt Romney is Tossed ... For Now

Federal judge David O. Carter in Santa Ana today dismissed the lawsuit accusing Republican officials and especially Mitt Romney supporters of thwarting Ron Paul's bid for the party's presidential nomination.However, the Clinton appointee did leave the door open for an amended complaint.

Kelly Thomas 1-Year Beating Death Anniversary Rung in with Lawsuit by His Father Ron Thomas

Proving yet again that what happens in the Kelly Thomas family does not necessarily stay in the Kelly Thomas family, the father of the slain homeless man is suing the city of Fullerton.The wrongful death lawsuit, filed by Ron Thomas on the one-year anniversary of his frail, 37-year-old schizophrenic ... More >>

Mass Cycosis

[Hey, You!] A brush with a bipedal flash mob

[UPDATED w/ Dick Clark's Passing] American Bandstand, Rock & Roll and the Struggle for Civil Rights: An Interview with Matt Delmont (Part I)

​UPDATE APR. 18 8:45 P.M.: Host and TV producer Dick Clark died Wednesday of a heart attack at the age 82. He was best known for his role in turning the American Bandstand television program from a local to national phenomenon during its continuous thirty-year run on ABC from 1957-1987. Nicknamed ... More >>

Gary Stein, Tea-Bagging Marine Corps Sergeant, Coming to Buena Park!

​The Constitutional Sheriffs and Peace Officers Association will be holding a fundraiser tomorrow at the Knott's Berry Farm Resort Hotel. Proceeds from the event, which will also feature a talk by Oath Keepers founder Stewart Rhodes, will go toward educating sheriffs and peace officers on the ... More >>

American Bandstand, Rock & Roll and the Struggle for Civil Rights: An Interview with Matt Delmont (Part II)

​Yesterday, we published the first part of an interview with Matt Delmont, author of The Nicest Kids in Town: American Bandstand, Rock 'n' Roll, and the Struggle for Civil Rights in 1950's Philadelphia, where, contrary to Dick Clark's claims, he reveals how the iconic television show discriminated ... More >>

American Bandstand, Rock & Roll and the Struggle for Civil Rights: An Interview with Matt Delmont (Part I)

​Dick Clark's American Bandstand television program is iconic, but was it really an early promoter of racial integration? The question is one extensively delved into by Scripps College American Studies Professor Matt Delmont in his new book The Nicest Kids in Town: American Bandstand, Rock 'n' Rol ... More >>

LGBT Advocacy Group Gets New Head

​An advocacy network for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community in Orange County has announced a new executive director. Kevin O'Grady will assume the position at the Gay and Lesbian Community Services Center of Orange County starting March 5.

Occupy to Hold Vigil in Honor of Martin Luther King Jr.

​The camp may be dismantled and the lawn vacant of tents, but a little activism will be returning to the Irvine Civic Center tonight. Members of Occupy Orange County, Americans Organized for Change and MoveOn will hold a candlelight vigil in honor of Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday. In the wake ... More >>

Over 70 Attend UCLA Symposium on Alex Bernal Case

​Despite it happening on a Monday morning, despite it happening during Thanksgiving week, despite it happening far from the scene of the incident, more than 70 people filled into the California Room of the UCLA Faculty Center yesterday to attend a symposium on Doss vs. Bernal, the 1943 civil right ... More >>

County Health Employees Put Out A Harsh Report On Laura's Law; Board of Supes To Decide Whether To Implement It

Laura's Law is named for Laura Wilcox, who was murdered by a mentally ill man who refused treatment​In August, following a public outcry, the Board of Supervisors asked county healthcare employees to prepare a report explaining how Laura's Law would work -- and how much it would cost to implement ... More >>

[UPDATED with "Victim" Speaking:] Muslim Worker Told to Remove Hijab Sues Abercrombie & Fitch

​UPDATE, JUNE 27, 11:52 A.M.: The Muslim woman at the center of a lawsuit against Abercrombie & Fitch over being forced to remove her hijab while working in the stockroom of a Hollister Co. store in San Mateo spoke at this morning's press conference."When I was asked to remove my scarf after ... More >>

[UPDATED with Promotion for Liar:] Deanna Fogarty-Hardwick Wins Supreme Court Ruling Against County Taking Her Daughters

​UPDATE, APRIL 26, 11:52 A.M.: You might assume--wrongly, it turns out--that lying to a juvenile court commissioner so a woman's two daughters would be taken away from her for years would cost two County of Orange social workers their jobs. Even if you didn't believe those workers lied after the f ... More >>

Fox News Darling of Trumped-Up New Black Panther Voter Intimidation Case to Speak in Newport Beach

​J. Christian Adams, founder of the McLean, Virginia-based Election Law Center and frequent conservative media talking head, is coming to Newport Beach Wednesday to perpetuate something that has been labeled a right-wing fantasy: that New Black Panther Party for Self-Defense members intimidated P ... More >>

Tan Nguyen Gets Prison for Anti-Loretta Sanchez Vote Scheme

Tan Nguyen wins free housing​Tan Nguyen--the bizarre Little Saigon political figure who couldn't decide if he was a Republican or a Democrat--at least had one question resolved today: his future housing situation.Federal Judge David O. Carter has sentenced Nguyen to spend 366 days in prison follow ... More >>

Natalie Kennedy, OC Civil Rights Pioneer, Among Those We Lost in 2010

Photo by Kimberly ValenzuelaSharon and Natalie Kennedy​One of my all-time favorite quotes came not from a legend but rather a nun quoted in the National Catholic Reporter, who said, "When you work on the margins, you really don't expect much recognition at the center. This is the choice I made." S ... More >>

Obama Signs "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" Repeal

​As expected, President Barack Obama signed legislation today that repeals the 17-year-old "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" law that prevented gays and lesbians from serving openly in the U.S. military. However, it could still take months for military officials to completely lift the old policy.Still, Ob ... More >>

The Feds Bury Border Patrol Abuses of Immigrants

But what's been unearthed reveals a culture of cruelty

Election Monitor Named for People's Republic of Orange County

​An election monitor has been appointed for the People's Republic of Orange County. No, Jimmy Carter isn't coming Tuesday.  Assistant United States Attorney Dennis Mitchell, as he has done before, will serve as the District Election Officer for the Central District of California, which includ ... More >>

Leo Carrillo, Gonzalo Mendez, Frank Palomino, Carey McWilliams, and Lame-O Westminster/Garden Grove Unified School Districts

​The recent push by activists to have a school in the Orange Unified School District named after local civil rights pioneer Lorenzo Ramirez reminded me that the Westminster Unified School District still hasn't named a school after its famous civil rights pioneer: Gonzalo Mendez, who along with Ram ... More >>

Groups Step Up Opposition to Punishment for UC Irvine's Muslim Student Union

​Meant to get this up yesterday, but a group that protects the legal rights of Asians and Pacific Islanders sent word that it has joined 14 other civil rights organizations and professional bar associations from across the nation in condemning the recommended suspension of UC Irvine's Muslim Stude ... More >>

ACLU Issues Arizona Travel Advisory

​The American Civil Liberties Union of Southern California, whose coverage area includes Orange County, and the ACLUs of Northern California, San Diego and Imperial Counties and 26 other affiliates, issued an Arizona travel alert today.Arizona's response?"Meh."

Zack de la Rocha's Arizona Boycott Grows

​On July 29, the government of Arizona will enact Senate Bill 1070, also known as Our Law Enforcement and Safe Neighborhoods Act. The law addresses immigration control and regulation, which was traditionally a federal responsibility. This law makes Arizona the first state to require all aliens ... More >>

Bill Hunt, Running for OC Sheriff While Tied to Militia Kooks, Alarms Civil Rights Group

Photo by Christopher VictorioCan a Sheriff Bill Hunt enforce the U.S. Constitution better than anyone else in Orange County?​Orange County ain't big enough for sheriff candidate Bill Hunt and an internationally known nonprofit civil rights group.Hunt, who is running against appointed Sheriff Sandr ... More >>

Malinda Traudt's Suit Argues State Constitution Should Keep Her Dana Point Collective Open

From Beach Cities Collective's Facebook page​A San Clemente woman born with epilepsy, blindness and cerebral palsy has filed the first lawsuit by a medical-marijuana patient alleging Dana Point's dispensary ban unconstitutionally interferes with her fundamental rights to life and safety under the ... More >>

Ramona Ripston Retires as ACLU/SC Executive Director

Ramona Ripston​Ramona Ripston, who has been executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Southern California for 38 years, announced her retirement today."This organization has not only been my work but also my life for a long time, so a decision like this one certainly comes with m ... More >>

Major Donor Pulls Funding, Leaves ACLU and Locals Scrambling

​An item the New York Times posted online Tuesday night that outed David Gelbaum as a major anonymous donor to the American Civil Liberties Union and reported the Newport Beach philanthropist was cutting off $19 million in yearly donations because of economic setbacks has left the ACLU scrambling, ... More >>

Big Week for the ADA and the Disabled

Eddie Rea, 21, an emerging disability rights leader from Fresno, is the youth speaker at the Sacramento forum's luncheon.​It's a big week for the disabled in Sacramento--and, no, that was not a timely dig at the governor and legislature.Well, not this time.The 18th annual Youth Leadership Forum fo ... More >>

Loretta Sanchez Will Defend a Kid in Vietnam But Refuses to Support Kids Here?

Photo by Christopher VictorioWhat was Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez thinking today when she took to the floor in Congress to fight for the rights of a youth activist in Vietnam while she continues to ignore the youth activists pleading for her support in her own backyard? It's not that Nguyen Tien T ... More >>

Ward Connerly: Protector of High Asian Admissions at UC Irvine

Connerly: Asian fetishWard Connerly, the African American crusader who has never met a government set-aside based on race that he's liked, believes the University of California is hellbent on reducing Asian-American admissions--and Asian-American rights groups are not doing enough to stop them.Writi ... More >>

Sign From God? Rick Warren Shouted Down at MLK Service

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports that protesters interrupted pastor Rick Warren's speech to a packed house for the annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Day service at Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta today--one day before the leader of Saddleback Church in Lake Forest is to deliver a controversy ... More >>

Video from Anti-Prop 8 March and Rally in Long Beach - Friday, Nov. 7

I'm bad at guesstimating numbers, but considering how last-minute this anti-Prop 8 march was, I'd say around 5,000 must have turned out. The march began on the corner of Redondo and Broadway, and commenced down Broadway until it reached its final destination, Hamburger Mary's. At least three hel ... More >>

Nativo Lopez Organization Cowardly Stays "Neutral" on Propositions 8 and 4

Remember Nativo Lopez? Guy called Larry who became radicalized during the 1960s, led renter strikes against SanTana slumlords during the 1980s, served on the SanTana Unified School Board during the 1990s, then was recalled for his conflict-of-influenza, amongst other sins in early 2004? He's spent t ... More >>

God Squad Blasts Congressman Royce

No one ever criticizes Congressman Ed Royce (R-Fullerton) for the things he says because no one has ever heard him speak. But he apparently sends out emails that have caught the attention of a cross-denominational group of clergy folk who today sent Royce a letter asking him to stop using the phras ... More >>

Waterbored

It’s not torture, but Mideast thriller Rendition is as conventional as they come

Putting the Right in Civil Rights

Charlie Savage, the excellent Boston Globe reporter who broke the story of President Bush's governing-by-presidential-signing-statement trick, brings us more disturbing news. The Bush administration is quietly remaking the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division, filling the permanent ranks with ... More >>

Provisional, Proschmivisional

Bitching and moaning about having to cast a provisional ballot is one thing. Ladera Ranch resident Marcy Allen just ringy-dingy'd the Weekly to complain that she could not vote AT ALL! Like a good little citizen, Allen arrived at her polling place right when it opened so, like a good little employee ... More >>

Confused Voters, Stupid Congressmen

How far do you have to go in trying to stomp on the huddled masses yearning to breathe free before even Congressman James Sensenbrenner, the man whose draconian immigration bill sparked all those protests, calls bullshit? As far as trying to gut part of the 1965 Voting Rights Act. And unfortunately, ... More >>

F. Yoo!

UC Irvine protesters humiliate torture-memo author

Spiritual Justice

Constant Stars passion play

Suspicious Minds

Local libertarians look licked

Casting lott

The Martian Plan

Hate Sells

Tim Millers tale of gay love