SOCIAL JUSTICE BLOG

Read and share extraordinary stories from the frontlines of social change

California Racial Justice Act Could Be a Check on Racist Gang Injunctions
Racial Justice, Criminal Justice Reform Ashley LaFranchi Racial Justice, Criminal Justice Reform Ashley LaFranchi

California Racial Justice Act Could Be a Check on Racist Gang Injunctions

Gangs are commonly associated with organized crime and terror. However, young people typically join gangs to find community, not to commit violent crime. The concept of a gang has racial implication as well, due to historical discrimination of young Black and Brown men. When we think of white supremacist organizations that commit violent crime, they are usually called “groups,” a word with much less stigma surrounding it. Because of the negative and violent associations pushed by the media and government around gangs, the public fear of gang violence increased from the late 20th century to the early 21st century. In an attempt to curb gang violence and reduce fear surrounding gangs, local governments across the country have implemented gang injunctions.

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Kids Win Big In Yazzie Case: New Mexico Court Says State Must Address Systemic Discrimination
Education, New Mexico Constitution, Children's Rights Teddy Basham-Witherington Education, New Mexico Constitution, Children's Rights Teddy Basham-Witherington

Kids Win Big In Yazzie Case: New Mexico Court Says State Must Address Systemic Discrimination

Like all parents, Wilhelmina Yazzie wants her children to have an education that gives them the opportunities they need to learn and thrive. But her 15-year-old son Xavier hasn’t been getting what he needs to be college and career ready because the state has been starving our public schools. Unfortunately, Wilhelmina’s son Xavier, like so many other students in New Mexico, has not had the benefit of the programming and resources he needs to thrive.

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