Tag Archives: New York Civil Rights Defense Attorneys
Department Of Education Proposes To Roll Back Civil Rights Protections for Victims of Sexual Assault and Harassment
On November 16, the Department of Education released a proposed rule to dramatically limit schools’ obligations to students who have experienced sexual violence. Although it preserves some important protections associated with the process, including the involvement of an impartial investigator, the opportunity to present rebuttal evidence, equal right to appeal for both parties, and… Read More »
U.S. Commission on Civil Rights Calls on Administration to Recommit to Police Oversight
After former Attorney General Jeff Sessions issued a memorandum reducing the ability of federal law enforcement officials to curb police abuse state-by-state, on November 15, the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights called on the Justice Department to recommit to police oversight, including the use of binding consent decrees in order to promote constitutional policing… Read More »
Pittsburgh Shooter Charged With Federal & State Homicide & Hate Crimes
The mass shooting at the Pittsburgh Synagogue that killed 11 people involves the overlap of criminal charges (criminal homicide, aggravated assault, and ethnic intimidation), hate crimes (obstruction the free exercise of religious beliefs), and civil rights issues. Armed with a number of assault rifles and handguns, the suspect allegedly opened fire inside the synagogue… Read More »
Brett Kavanaugh’s Nomination Concerned Civil Rights Advocates
The nomination of Brett Kavanaugh to the U.S. Supreme Court had a number of civil rights activists concerned; based on the judge’s decision record. In addition to concerns over his individual record, there were also overall concerns that his addition to the court would also make the current Chief Justice—a traditionally conservative voter—the swing… Read More »
New Report Implicates Racial Profiling In School Policing
A new report released in late September suggests that school policing involves racial profiling, criminal justice, and civil rights issues. The report is especially relevant at the moment, as debates surrounding how to make schools safer and stop shootings continue to intensify. As we hear more and more proposals that call for more police… Read More »
Administration’s Policy Of Separating Families & Children Violates Their Civil Rights
The current administration’s decision to separate families at the border (i.e. the “zero tolerance” policy) has garnered significant attention in the news, particularly in association with various civil rights concerns. Reports indicate that nearly 700 children were separated from their families between October and April, and another 638 just between May 6 and 19… Read More »
NYPD & New York City Sued For Misusing Arrest Records
On April 24th, a class action lawsuit was filed against the NYPD police department and the city of New York alleging that the department illegally kept and accessed sealed arrest records in order to target particular communities for investigations and law enforcement activities. The lawsuit alleges that the department used the records in the… Read More »
Two New Jersey Police Officers Arrested For Misconduct
Two New Jersey police officers—Jonathan Bustios and Eudy Ramos—were recently investigated and arrested by the FBI for illegally stopping and searching vehicles, detaining the occupants, and stealing items from them. Both officers worked for the Paterson police department for four years and were assigned to the Hillcrest neighborhood and St. Joseph’s Regional Medical Center…. Read More »
Rikers Island Facility May Close Early To Better Protect Inmates’ Civil Rights
A 70-page report delivered to Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo and the New York State Legislature on February 14th documents the rise in violent incidents and violations of inmates’ constitutional rights at Rikers Island, leading the state commission that oversees New York City’s jail system (the Commission of Correction) to possibly try to close the… Read More »
Defense Attorneys’ Protest Outside Of Brooklyn Courthouse Highlights Flaws In Immigration & Criminal Justice Overlap
On November 28th, nearly 100 New York criminal defense attorneys organized a protest, making a statement against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, who arrested one of their clients on an immigration charge at the Brooklyn courthouse. For defense attorneys committed to representing their clients, every courthouse represents a safe haven that is… Read More »
