Explore

US Education Department Removes Disparate Impact Rules, Sparking Civil Rights Concerns

US Education Department Removes Disparate Impact Rules, Sparking Civil Rights Concerns

The U.S. Education Department announced the removal of several 'disparate impact' regulations, which have historically prohibited policies and practices that unintentionally result in discrimination. This decision follows an executive order signed by President Trump in April 2025, which opposed these regulations and directed federal agencies not to enforce them. The move is part of a broader initiative by President Trump to challenge diversity measures, which he argues are anti-merit and discriminatory against groups such as white people and men. Civil rights advocates have criticized this action, arguing that it undermines protections for marginalized groups, including ethnic minorities, women, and the LGBT community. Sixty civil rights and education groups have condemned the change, emphasizing that these regulations are essential for preventing systemic discrimination in education.

Education Department Rescinds Disparate Impact Rule, Affecting School Discrimination Assessments

Education Department Rescinds Disparate Impact Rule, Affecting School Discrimination Assessments

The U.S. Education Department has rescinded the disparate impact rule, a key tool used to assess school discrimination under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act. This rule previously allowed for the consideration of school policies that disproportionately affected certain student groups as discriminatory, even if the discrimination was not intentional. The change means that only intentional discrimination will be considered in civil rights enforcement. This decision has sparked criticism from civil rights groups, who argue that it undermines efforts to address systemic discrimination in schools, particularly against Black students who face higher rates of disciplinary actions.

EEOC Moves to End 60-Year Demographic Data Collection Requirement

EEOC Moves to End 60-Year Demographic Data Collection Requirement

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), under a Republican majority, has voted 2-1 to propose ending the requirement for private sector employers to submit annual demographic data on race and sex. This requirement, known as EEO-1 reporting, has been a cornerstone of civil rights enforcement since the 1960s. The proposal will undergo a 30-day public comment period before potential finalization. EEOC Chair Andrea Lucas, a critic of diversity and inclusion practices, argues that the data collection may encourage discriminatory practices. The move has been met with opposition from civil rights groups and the sole Democratic commissioner, Kalpana Kotagal, who argue it will weaken protections for women and minorities.

Potential Shift in DOJ's Approach to Abortion Rights Under Todd Blanche

Potential Shift in DOJ's Approach to Abortion Rights Under Todd Blanche

Todd Blanche, nominated by President Trump to replace Pam Bondi as attorney general, has indicated a potential shift in the Department of Justice's approach to abortion rights. During his confirmation hearings, Blanche expressed support for using DOJ resources to curb telehealth abortion and suggested that the Comstock Act could serve as a national ban on abortion. This stance aligns with recent actions by Republican lawmakers, such as Missouri Sen. Josh Hawley's criminal referral involving Plan C, an organization providing information on obtaining abortion medication.

Senate Crypto Bill Proposes Ban on Federal Officials Issuing Digital Assets

Senate Crypto Bill Proposes Ban on Federal Officials Issuing Digital Assets

The U.S. Senate is considering an updated version of the Clarity Act, which includes a provision to ban federal officials, including presidents, from issuing or sponsoring digital assets. The bill, led by Sen. Cynthia Lummis, aims to establish a regulatory framework for digital assets and includes ethics provisions to prevent conflicts of interest. President Trump, who reportedly earned $1.2 billion from crypto-related activities, has agreed to the ethics section. The bill faces opposition from some Democrats who argue that the Department of Justice is not the appropriate body to enforce these provisions.

US Education Department probes five medical schools over admissions practices

US Education Department probes five medical schools over admissions practices

By Kanishka Singh WASHINGTON, July 22 (Reuters) - The U.S. Department of Education said on Wednesday it launched new probes into five medical schools over their admissions practices, marking the latest attempt by President Donald Trump's administration to crack down on diversity initiatives.

EEOC Moves to End Demographic Data Collection, Sparking Debate on Civil Rights Enforcement

EEOC Moves to End Demographic Data Collection, Sparking Debate on Civil Rights Enforcement

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has voted to end a 60-year-old requirement for private sector employers to submit workforce demographic reports. This decision, led by the EEOC's Republican majority, is part of President Trump's broader civil rights policy changes. The proposal will undergo a 30-day public commentary period before final approval. EEOC Chair Andrea Lucas argues that the data collection could promote racial stereotyping and discrimination. However, former Democratic EEOC commissioners and civil rights groups criticize the move, stating it will hinder the agency's ability to detect discrimination patterns and track progress since the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

House Republicans adopt $95 billion package for the Iran war and Trump's priorities

House Republicans adopt $95 billion package for the Iran war and Trump's priorities

The House adopted a Republican-only $95 billion budget proposal, a long-shot effort to fund the Iran war and other White House priorities

Electricity Prices Rise Nationwide as President Trump's Deadline Passes

Electricity Prices Rise Nationwide as President Trump's Deadline Passes

Electricity prices across the United States have risen despite President Trump's previous assurances to reduce them. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), residential electricity rates increased by 7.3% from April 2025 to April 2026. Since President Trump returned to office, prices have risen by over 18%, complicating his pre-election pledge to halve energy prices within 18 months. The increase is attributed to factors such as demand fluctuations, fuel costs, and the rollback of renewable energy policies.

Trump Administration Probes Harvard's Financial Aid for International Students Over Discrimination Concerns

Trump Administration Probes Harvard's Financial Aid for International Students Over Discrimination Concerns

The Justice Department has launched an investigation into Harvard University's financial aid practices, focusing on whether the university is allowing Chinese donors to create scholarships that exclude American students. This compliance review, initiated by the federal government, is part of a series of inquiries by the Trump administration into Harvard's operations. The investigation centers on Harvard's acceptance of foreign funding, particularly from Chinese sources, which has amounted to $630 million over several decades. The Justice Department is concerned that these funds may be used to provide financial aid to foreign students based on their national origin, potentially discriminating against U.S. students. Harvard has stated that it complies with legal obligations and does not unlawfully discriminate in its financial aid allocations.

House votes to adopt Department of War renaming in annual defense bill

House votes to adopt Department of War renaming in annual defense bill

The House has passed a defense policy bill that incorporates President Donald Trump’s request for a historic $1.15 trillion in spending for the Pentagon

Pardoned by Trump, Hernandez to return to Honduras and seek dismissal of local charges

Pardoned by Trump, Hernandez to return to Honduras and seek dismissal of local charges

By Marisa Taylor WASHINGTON, July 22 (Reuters) - Former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernandez, who was freed from a 45-year sentence over cocaine trafficking in the United States by U.S.