Principles for universities responding to campus protests over Gaza

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The student protests against the war in Gaza are growing rapidly, increasing in intensity, and taking place against the background of extraordinary external pressures exerted on university administrators. Congressional hearings and threats from donors have placed the harsh glare of the spotlight on campus leaders while concentrating enormous power against student activists. 

In this politically charged environment, there is an urgent need to establish a baseline to protect all students, faculty, and institutions of higher learning. 

We must also remember that colleges are not the center of policymaking on the conflict between Israel and Palestinians. In fact, centering the narrative of ungovernable students in liberal institutions distracts from the traumas in Gaza that require our full witness and advocacy in Washington, D.C.

From this stem five principles from the Center for American Progress that outline colleges’ responsibilities in responding to campus protests as they maintain the balance between protecting speech and ensuring safety.

Removing barriers to employment for LGBTQI+ people with records

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It’s well documented that living life with arrest or conviction records presents individuals with a unique set of discriminatory challenges when looking for employment. This is especially true for LGBTQI+ people. Due to a complex system of factors, LGBTQ+ people are overrepresented in the criminal legal system. LGBTQI+ people with records face increased barriers to employment not due to their identity or record alone but, instead, due to both of these factors combined.

Fortunately, there are policies to help address some of these unequal barriers to employment opportunities. Ban-the-box policies aim to prevent discrimination based on a job applicant’s involvement with the legal system, while LGBTQI+ nondiscrimination protections are critical for ensuring job applicants are not discriminated against for their real or perceived sexual orientation and gender identity.

Learn why states should pass ban-the-box laws and LGBTQI+ nondiscrimination protections to support equitable access to employment for LGBTQI+ people with records.

In addition to these protections, clean slate laws are another crucial step toward achieving equity for the LGBTQI+ community and others whose lives have been affected by the criminal legal system.

Clean slate laws at both the state and federal levels would help or require eligible records to be sealed or expunged automatically, without individuals having to navigate traditionally complex, confusing, and often costly petition processes.

Act now to help provide individuals who have paid their debt to society with a second chance: Tell Congress to pass the Clean Slate Act. Second chances can transform lives.

Public education is a pillar of our democracy

Earlier this week, CAP hosted the 2024 Summit on Education, where we reset the conversation concerning education, reframed it as an essential pillar of democracy, and explored reforms that will strengthen education as a crucial vehicle for opportunity for students and their families. 

National Education Association President Becky Pringle explains it best:

RSVP: ‘Citizens United Overreach’ virtual discussion

The U.S. Supreme Court’s 2010 decision in Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission is infamous for laying waste to corporate political spending restrictions and setting the stage for the super PAC era. 

Nonprofit corporate boards were not given the authority to spend in candidate elections from this decision, but those boards immediately started doing so anyway. A new report from CAP explains the legal risk of improperly handling U.S. citizens’ constitutional rights over to large shareholders and foreign nationals. 

Join us on Tuesday, May 7, at 1 p.m. EST for a virtual discussion with The Hon. Shana M. Broussard, commissioner of the Federal Election Commission; Sarah Haan, professor of law, Washington and Lee University School of Law; and Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-MD), with introductory remarks from Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI).

From our partners at CAP Action Fund: ‘The Tent’

“Deesha Dyer on Undiplomatic and Working in the White House”

Former White House Social Secretary Deesha Dyer joins the show to discuss her new book, Undiplomatic: How My Attitude Created the Best Kind of Trouble, overcoming imposter syndrome in political careers, and creating more opportunities for marginalized Americans. Daniella and Colin also discuss recent progressive federal policies and widespread protests on college campuses.

Federal investments in action

Explore the Biden Administration Investment Tracker to see the impacts of the administration’s legislation—including new jobs, better infrastructure, and more.