The California Coalition for Civil Rights (CaCCR or Coalition) seeks a Civil Rights Convening Manager to plan and implement a California civil rights convening in 2009 on behalf of CaCCR. Despite years of erosion of civil rights gains at federal, regional, and local levels, civil rights advocates in California have weathered the storm, achieved gains, and are now uniquely positioned to take advantage of the upcoming opportunities with the potential change in administration.  CaCCR seeks to capitalize on this pivotal moment by organizing a meaningful forum for the California civil rights community to build connections with one another, clarify our collective goals, and establish a plan for future coordination. Click here to check out the invitation to apply.

The following article by Kim Minugh of the Sacramento Bee was published on Wednesday, April 23, 2008, on Page B4.

A San Francisco law firm focused on equality in schools has filed two legal complaints alleging that staffing issues and inappropriate class placements at Hiram Johnson High School have denied equal access for some of the school’s neediest teens.

Lawyers with Public Advocates say Hiram Johnson administrators violated federal law when they moved at least two dozen English-language learners out of an intensive English class and into seemingly random classes such as landscaping and French. Read the rest of this entry »

The California Coalition for Civil Rights sent Sen. Feinstein a letter yesterday asking her to oppose Richard Honaker’s nomination:

As one of only three district court judges in Wyoming, Mr. Honaker would wield considerable power over the people of the state if confirmed. He would also be eligible to sit by designation on the Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit. Mr. Honaker’s work and writings cast doubt upon his ability to set aside his personal beliefs in order to respect established legal principles and the dictates of higher federal courts. His refusal to tender records of his legislative work shows disdain for transparency in government and disrespect for the Senate’s important role in the “advice and consent” process. Because Mr. Honaker has failed to demonstrate that he will respect the legal principles important to all Californians, and indeed, all Americans, we urge you to reject his nomination.

Read the full letter below:

Read the rest of this entry »

The Asian Law Caucus (ALC) and Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) filed suit today against the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for denying access to public records on the questioning and searches of travelers at U.S. borders. Filed under the Freedom of Information Act, the suit responds to growing complaints by U.S. citizens and immigrants of excessive or repeated screenings by U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents. Read the rest of this entry »

The Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights invites the media to a press conference in response to the recent murder of Terrell Rogers, a prominent community anti-violence activist. The Lawyers’ Committee calls for a meaningful commitment from the City to fully investigate the rising homicide rate against African-Americans, particularly in Bayview-Hunters Point. Read the rest of this entry »