The hottest Civil Rights Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top U.S. Politics Topics

How Reagan-Era Battles over Affirmative Action Fueled Unitary Executive Theory

Can We Still Govern? • 96 implied HN points • 20 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Civil Rights Executive Power Political theory Conservative movement Legal history
  1. The conservative push to change civil rights policies is a long-standing effort that has influenced how presidential power is viewed. This control allows presidents to shape administrative rules regarding diversity and inclusion.
  2. In the past, disputes between administrations and civil rights agencies show the struggle over how those laws are interpreted. This includes efforts by past administrations to assert control over agencies like the EEOC and USCCR.
  3. Recent administrations have built on these historical battles, aiming to enforce policies that challenge affirmative action and DEI initiatives. This reflects a broader conservative strategy to limit the role of civil rights agencies.

God Save Us

Disaffected Newsletter • 2877 implied HN points • 13 Jul 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Rhetoric Civil Rights Social Issues Conflict
  1. Some people are very concerned about the actions and beliefs of those on the left, feeling that they pose a real threat. It’s important to be aware and cautious about who you trust among friends and family.
  2. There is a belief that the situation could escalate to serious conflict, possibly a civil war, and some are preparing to defend themselves. Being ready is viewed as a priority by some.
  3. It’s suggested to put distance between yourself and those who hold opposing views, as they might not have your best interests at heart. Staying safe means creating boundaries with certain people.

Finding the devil in legislative details

Disaffected Newsletter • 1518 implied HN points • 09 Aug 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Policy Advocacy Governance Civil Rights
  1. Legislative language can be complicated and confusing, making it hard for everyday people to understand what laws really mean. It's important to break down legal terms into simple language so everyone can grasp their implications.
  2. Some laws might have hidden meanings that could cause major issues, like how definitions in legislation can change the way we understand terms like 'sexual orientation.' This can lead to unintended consequences that affect society.
  3. Activists sometimes downplay the real effects of laws, which can be alarming. It's crucial to stay informed and critically assess what legislation truly entails to protect the rights and safety of all individuals.

'First Blood,' Individual Rights, and the Subversion of the Law

The Take (by Jon Miltimore) • 337 implied HN points • 05 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Law enforcement Civil Rights Police Reform Social justice Crime Prevention
  1. The film 'First Blood' shows how misinterpretations of the law can lead to violence. It highlights that police encounters aimed at enforcing minor laws can escalate badly.
  2. Rambo's experience reminds us that police are people who can make mistakes. This stresses the idea that policing should focus on real crimes rather than petty behaviors.
  3. When the law is used to infringe on individual rights, it loses its true purpose. The film teaches us to question the role of police in everyday situations.

Eithan Haim: ‘We Took On the Federal Leviathan and We Won’

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 7410 implied HN points • 25 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legal Healthcare Civil Rights Government Politics
  1. Dr. Eithan Haim faced serious legal trouble after exposing a children's hospital for performing gender surgeries on minors. He believed it was important to stand up against this practice.
  2. After a hard-fought battle, the charges against him were dropped by the Trump administration, allowing him to move on with his life and celebrate with his family.
  3. Despite the financial and emotional toll, Haim and his wife feel proud of their actions and believe they made the world a better place for children.
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Q&A: Genocide in Gaza, Political Assassinations in America and War With Iran (Tomorrow, 7pm ET)

The Chris Hedges Report • 74 implied HN points • 15 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political News Military Affairs International relations Civil Rights Public Opinion
  1. There will be a live Q&A discussing important topics like the situation in Gaza and the potential war with Iran. It's happening tomorrow at 7pm ET.
  2. People can ask questions during the livestream on YouTube or X, but you need to be a paid subscriber to post questions on the Substack.
  3. If you miss the live stream, you can still watch it later on all platforms once it's done.

A Chicago judge just erased her predecessor's historic ruling on forensic firearms analysis

The Watch • 726 implied HN points • 14 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Judicial system Criminal Justice Legal Reform Civil Rights
  1. A judge in Chicago recently overturned a significant ruling that questioned the reliability of forensic firearms analysis. This ruling had previously stopped prosecutors from presenting certain expert testimony in court.
  2. Forensic firearms analysis lacks strong scientific backing, and there's little evidence showing that analysts can accurately match bullets to guns. This raises doubts about its validity as a reliable tool in criminal cases.
  3. The legal system often prefers to maintain the status quo, which can prevent important scientific critiques from being heard. This means flawed methods can remain in use, making it hard to achieve true justice for those accused.

Thoughts on Trump Ending Affirmative Action in Contracting

Richard Hanania's Newsletter • 4925 implied HN points • 22 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Analysis Political theory Civil Rights Political Activism Government regulations
  1. It's possible to change policy even if you aren't famous or super connected. By bringing important issues to people's attention and making a strong argument, you can influence the conversation around those policies.
  2. Timing is key in politics. Being vocal about an issue when it matters most can lead to real changes. If people are focused on something important, it's a good time to suggest new ideas.
  3. Conservatives have started realizing the need to fight against 'wokeness' and its influence in government and business. The recent action to end certain affirmative action policies shows a significant shift in their approach.

In The Fight Against Tyranny, Don't Let Your Happiness Depend On Big Wins

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2184 implied HN points • 26 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Civil Rights Activism Government Social Issues Mental health Philosophy
  1. It's important to find happiness outside of big victories. Relying on large wins can lead to disappointment and frustration.
  2. Your happiness can positively impact others. Allowing joy into your life can spread happiness to those around you.
  3. Cultivating happiness is a valuable skill. Learning to be happy can make you more effective in your efforts to make a difference.

Did Google, Facebook, and Amazon Endorse Jim Crow?

BIG by Matt Stoller • 25210 implied HN points • 02 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Monopoly Antitrust Regulation Civil Rights First Amendment
  1. The Supreme Court is currently considering a case involving tech giants like Google, Facebook, and Amazon and the question of whether economic regulations for these platforms are unconstitutional under the First Amendment.
  2. The case has broad societal implications, touching on antitrust, privacy, civil rights, and speech liability claims against big tech firms. The argument raised questions about the extent of tech companies' rights to make decisions like racial segregation or account deletions based on political views.
  3. The case illustrates how the influence of Robert Bork, a conservative antitrust lawyer, has shaped modern American corporate state, particularly the broad support for a society run by big tech, challenging the traditional role of democratically elected officials in regulating private tech platforms.

Life in The Age of Moral Panics

OK Doomer • 129 implied HN points • 12 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political History Social Issues Civil Rights Government Power Public Discourse
  1. Moral panics often happen in society, where people blame others for their problems. This can lead to targeting vulnerable groups instead of addressing real issues.
  2. History shows that powerful people use scapegoats to distract the public from bigger problems. This tactic has been around for a long time, similar to the witch hunts in the past.
  3. The patterns of moral panic are still present today, and they show that society hasn't really changed. Instead of learning from history, we seem to repeat the same mistakes.

The Free Speech Union of Canada

Critical Mass • 24 implied HN points • 18 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech Legislation Governance Civil Rights Activism
  1. The Free Speech Union of Canada has launched to protect and promote free speech rights in Canada. It aims to help people understand their rights and offer support for anyone facing issues.
  2. There is concern about proposed laws, like the Online Harms Act, that could limit free speech by allowing the government to shut down social media access based on accusations of hate speech. This could unfairly silence people.
  3. The union will lobby against anti-free speech legislation and provide resources for members, including legal representation if needed. The ultimate goal is to make the organization unnecessary by restoring and maintaining free speech rights.

Across the Divide: What It Means to Be American

Papyrus Rampant • 138 implied HN points • 12 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics National Identity Political division Historical Narratives Civic engagement Civil Rights
  1. People often have different views of history based on their experiences and backgrounds. This can lead to disagreements over what events mean and how they shape our identities.
  2. National stories are important because they give people a sense of belonging. These narratives help define what it means to be part of a nation and influence how people understand each other.
  3. It's okay to disagree, but we need to learn to accept our differences without hostility. True connection comes from love and understanding, even across political divides.

Transcript - America This Week, December 06, 2024: "The Immaculate Pardon"

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 1368 implied HN points • 07 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Legislation Political Commentary Public Opinion Civil Rights
  1. Pardons are a hot topic right now, especially after Joe Biden pardoned his son. Many people are questioning the fairness and implications of such pardons.
  2. There's a feeling that some media figures are only now criticizing the Democrats after being quiet for years. This shift feels a bit like they’re deserting a sinking ship.
  3. Jon Stewart and others who criticize the current political landscape might not have faced the same backlash that others, like Taibbi and Kirn, experienced. It raises questions about their credibility in the current discourse.

The Changing Face of Antisemitism in the US

Heterodox STEM • 128 implied HN points • 11 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Antisemitism Civil Rights Political Extremism Higher education Terrorism
  1. Antisemitism in the US is changing, with a notable rise in left-wing and Islamist perspectives often aimed at Israel. Many incidents are now more closely linked to social justice movements rather than traditional right-wing extremism.
  2. The ADL's reports may overstate right-wing antisemitism while underreporting incidents from leftist or Islamist sources. This can distort public perception about who is actually perpetuating antisemitism today.
  3. Recent data suggests that a significant majority of antisemitic incidents are linked to leftist or Islamist narratives, especially related to Israel, challenging the belief that right-wing white supremacy is the main source of antisemitism.

Oh No, Now The US Will Have A President Who Does Bad Things

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2323 implied HN points • 07 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Election Analysis Political Commentary Party Politics Civil Rights
  1. Democrats often seem to ignore the harm they've caused, focusing on fears of future bad leadership instead. They have a history of inaction while criticizing others.
  2. There's a belief that both political parties are more similar than they let on. Both sides cater to the wealthy and powerful, keeping the status quo intact.
  3. People on the left may express more genuine concerns about morality, while others seem to care more about their image than taking a stand against wrongdoing.

This Super Bowl, Snoop Dog & Tom Brady Will Defend The Ethnic Cleansing of Gaza

JoeWrote • 189 implied HN points • 06 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Propaganda Media Civil Rights Foreign Policy Israel-Palestine
  1. Snoop Dog and Tom Brady will be seen in a Super Bowl ad that promotes standing up against hate. However, the underlying message is seen as supporting controversial views related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
  2. The Foundation to Combat Antisemitism, behind the ad, is accused of misusing the fight against hate to silence criticism of Israel. Critics believe it manipulates social justice themes to push a political agenda.
  3. Concerns are raised about how alleged antisemitism is measured and reported by FCAS, suggesting their methods might mislead the public. The focus on antisemitism may overshadow awareness of the struggles faced by Palestinians.

Things Worth Remembering: The Zionism of Martin Luther King

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 4595 implied HN points • 19 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Civil Rights Historical Figures Social movements
  1. Martin Luther King Jr. believed that peace and security in Israel were important for democracy. He emphasized that Israel needed a sense of safety to thrive.
  2. King was known for his powerful speeches and moral courage. His words continue to inspire people to work towards justice and equality.
  3. Despite his tragic assassination, King's vision for a better future lives on. He motivated many to strive for a promised land of freedom and justice.

Gulag For You

Points And Figures • 959 implied HN points • 24 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Corruption Law enforcement Government Accountability Civil Rights Political Commentary
  1. Corruption in Illinois is rampant, especially within its government and judicial systems. Many residents feel they can't get a fair trial due to biased and corrupt officials.
  2. The case of Steve Fanady shows how the judicial system can mistreat individuals, holding them indefinitely while ignoring their rights. His situation raises concerns about the motivations behind such actions.
  3. Many believe that political leaders prioritize their power and financial interests over the welfare of citizens. This has led to calls for better investigative journalism to expose and address these corrupt practices.

How the Sall Grover event went in Christchurch NZ, and how the audience that questions gender ideology has changed in three years.

A B’Old Woman • 1458 implied HN points • 11 Jul 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Issues Civil Rights Activism Public Policy Women's Rights
  1. Sall Grover's event in Christchurch showed a growing audience that is concerned about gender ideology. People are more aware and ready to take action compared to a similar gathering three years ago.
  2. There has been a noticeable change in attitudes towards gender issues, with attendees at Grover's event feeling frustrated and motivated to fight against gender self-identification practices. The need for clarity and support in women's rights has become a pressing issue.
  3. Different groups are willing to set aside their differences to focus on key goals, like protecting single-sex spaces for women and safeguarding children from harmful gender ideology. There’s a sense of determination to work together for these objectives.

What Is a Constitution?

God's Spies by Thomas Neuburger • 70 implied HN points • 28 May 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Constitution Government Legal system Civil Rights Political theory
  1. The American Constitution has changed three major times, usually during crises, to fix problems with the earlier versions.
  2. The current Constitution has strayed far from what was originally agreed upon, indicating that we might need a new one soon.
  3. Many rights and protections in the Constitution have been weakened or ignored, showing a shift in how they are applied today.

The Explosion of Jew-Hate in Trudeau’s Canada

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 5147 implied HN points • 11 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Antisemitism Government Public Safety Social Issues Civil Rights
  1. There has been a huge spike in antisemitic incidents in Canada, increasing by 670% recently. This alarming trend shows a significant rise in hatred and attacks against Jewish people.
  2. Many Canadian Jews feel increasingly unsafe and targeted, with feelings of victimization growing. Surveys indicate that a lot of them doubt the situation will improve anytime soon.
  3. Incidents of overt antisemitism have become more common on campuses and in communities, leading to a troubling normalization of hatred. This shift in attitudes is deeply concerning for those affected.

Democrats Weaponized FBI To Falsely Claim White Supremacists Posed Greater Terror Threat Than Radical Islamists

Public • 528 implied HN points • 02 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political violence Terrorism Government oversight Civil Rights Public Policy
  1. The FBI has claimed that white supremacists are the biggest terrorism threat, but this claim lacks solid evidence. Many believe that radical Islamist violence is actually a bigger concern.
  2. A recent terrorist attack in New Orleans was carried out by someone motivated by radical Islamic beliefs. This incident contradicts the FBI's focus on white supremacy as the main threat.
  3. The government agencies, including the FBI and DHS, have consistently highlighted white supremacist violence, raising questions about their motives and the accuracy of their assessments.

Christopher Caldwell: The Biggest Policy Change of the Century

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2810 implied HN points • 28 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy change Affirmative Action Civil Rights Executive orders Trump administration
  1. Trump's decision to repeal affirmative action is seen as a massive shift in U.S. policy, more impactful than healthcare reforms or pandemic responses.
  2. For decades, affirmative action has been a major strategy for promoting desegregation and supporting minority rights, but it has recently faced growing criticism.
  3. Despite its significance, many mainstream news outlets are downplaying this policy change, treating it as just a minor leadership adjustment.

Police Use of DNA to Create a Suspect’s Face Is Dangerous Junk Science & Why Aren't More Black People Voting?

kareem • 6151 implied HN points • 06 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Civil Rights Justice System Political Activism Historical Events
  1. Be cautious of the dangerous junk science involved in using DNA to predict a suspect's face and running facial recognition on it.
  2. Black History Month is crucial to celebrate the contributions of Black individuals that have been historically overlooked and ignored.
  3. Efforts to restrict Black voting rights are a serious issue, with people of color being underrepresented in the electorate despite making up a significant portion of eligible voters.

Bill Removing Trans Civil Rights Protections Defeated In Iowa; Hundreds Show Up Against

Erin In The Morning • 6368 implied HN points • 01 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Civil Rights Legislation Transgender rights Activism Social Issues
  1. Hundreds showed up to protest against a bill removing trans civil rights protections in Iowa.
  2. The bill sponsor made derogatory remarks about transgender individuals during the hearing.
  3. The bill was defeated in the subcommittee with a 3-0 vote against passing it.

Breaking: Travel bans proposed in Tennessee & Oklahoma

All in Her Head by Jessica Valenti • 6564 implied HN points • 23 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Reproductive Rights Legislation Civil Rights Legal issues
  1. Travel bans proposed in Tennessee & Oklahoma target helpers of teens seeking abortion care.
  2. Bills broad definitions could criminalize family and friends just for providing support.
  3. Proposed laws in Tennessee and Oklahoma are extreme, punish people over abortion, and allow civil lawsuits.

More on the Violence in L.A.

KERFUFFLE • 21 implied HN points • 10 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Protests Violence Immigration Police Civil Rights
  1. There was violence during recent immigration protests in Los Angeles, with protesters throwing rocks at police vehicles. This shows a tense and escalating situation between protesters and law enforcement.
  2. The California Highway Patrol responded to the chaos by closing parts of the freeway, indicating that safety was a major concern during the protests.
  3. A detailed discussion on the events is available through an interview, presenting different perspectives on the situation in Los Angeles. Listening to it can provide more context about the unrest.

Pardon The Death Of Liberal Democracy

The Weekly Dish • 94 implied HN points • 30 May 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political system Elections Governance Political parties Civil Rights
  1. Trump's use of his pardon power is changing how we view the rule of law in America. It's making people question the fairness of justice.
  2. The concept of liberal democracy is at risk due to actions that bypass legal accountability. This could affect everyone's rights and freedoms.
  3. There’s a growing concern about maintaining democratic values in politics. Many people feel these values are being undermined by recent political moves.

It’s Time for the Government to Abolish ‘Race’

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 4219 implied HN points • 03 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Race Issues Government Policy Civil Rights Identity politics
  1. The government has been categorizing people into limited racial groups since 1977, which critics argue is outdated and arbitrary.
  2. Changes to these categories are coming, with the 2030 census set to have seven defined races instead of five, but these classifications are still seen as confusing and nonsensical.
  3. Some people believe that instead of having these set racial categories, the concept of race should be completely abolished in government practices.

The Putinization of America

Daniel Pinchbeck’s Newsletter • 13 implied HN points • 16 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Authoritarianism Democracy Civil Rights Media Control Political strategy
  1. Modern authoritarian leaders have learned from each other and use advanced techniques to control power. They focus on methods like controlling media, centralizing power, and shutting down opposition.
  2. In the U.S., some political groups are drawing inspiration from authoritarian regimes to weaken democracy. This creates a serious risk for the future of freedoms and rights in America.
  3. Many people in the U.S. are unaware of how close the country is to losing democratic values. If Americans do not become more engaged and aware, they risk losing their freedoms without even realizing it.

Protestors Stage Die-Ins At Several Florida DMVs Over Trans Drivers License Ban

Erin In The Morning • 5011 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Transgender rights Protests Legislation Social justice Civil Rights
  1. Protesters staged die-ins at multiple Florida DMVs against the new policy prohibiting transgender individuals from changing their gender markers on driver's licenses.
  2. The protests were organized by various organizations in Florida and involved over 100 participants laying on the ground for 37 minutes to symbolize the challenges faced by transgender individuals.
  3. The risks associated with incorrect gender markers on official documents for transgender individuals include increased harassment and abuse, while correct gender markers are crucial for lowering suicide risk and supporting their transition.

A Mom Asked for Public School Board Records. They Charged Her $33 Million.

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 3426 implied HN points • 18 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Education Transparency Public Policy Legal issues Civil Rights
  1. Parents are increasingly suing schools to find out what their children are learning. This shows a demand for transparency in education.
  2. Some schools are responding by suing parents to silence them. This creates a conflict between parents' rights to know and schools' desire to keep information private.
  3. A mom was quoted a shocking amount of over $33 million to access public school records. This highlights how expensive and complicated it can be to get information from schools.

Florida: "Misrepresenting" Gender On Drivers Licenses Is Fraud, Changes Now Banned

Erin In The Morning • 5228 implied HN points • 30 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Transgender rights Legislation Civil Rights Equality
  1. Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles no longer allows gender changes on driver's licenses, and trans people could be charged with fraud
  2. Florida considers gender and biological sex to be equivalent, leading to strict penalties for misrepresenting gender on licenses
  3. The new policy in Florida could lead to legal challenges for transgender individuals during traffic stops and impact their daily life significantly

Sall Grover gets cancelled in New Zealand, as entirely expected.

A B’Old Woman • 1059 implied HN points • 26 Jun 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech Cancel Culture Political Activism Civil Rights Public Policy
  1. Sall Grover's speaking event in New Zealand was canceled by a taxpayer-funded venue. This shows how some organizations can be influenced by public opinion.
  2. The Women's Rights Party is looking for alternate venues for the event and has a backup plan in place. They believe in standing up for free speech.
  3. Complaints were made against the event, but it's unclear how many were legitimate. It raises questions about how venues handle bookings based on public sentiment.

How USAID Funded Ukraine’s Propaganda Machine. Plus. . .

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1567 implied HN points • 19 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Media Foreign Policy Elections Civil Rights
  1. USAID has been involved in funding media in Ukraine, some of which reportedly suppress important stories, raising concerns about press freedom.
  2. There are ongoing legal battles in Hollywood, particularly between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni, which highlight the complexities of the #MeToo movement.
  3. Recent incidents in Australia involving nurses making harmful comments highlight growing concerns about antisemitism in the country.