The hottest Civil Rights Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top U.S. Politics Topics

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.

OSD 311: The courts will never protect your rights

Open Source Defense • 52 implied HN points • 04 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Judicial system Civil Rights Criminal Justice Legal Reform
  1. Courts are often seen as protectors of rights, but they mainly follow existing rules rather than actively defending individual freedoms. This means real change often comes from cultural shifts instead.
  2. Most criminal cases end in plea deals, not trials. This shows how courts can actually support systems that pressure people into giving up their rights to fight their charges.
  3. Historical examples show that courts sometimes fail to protect rights when it matters most. Cultures and societal values shape the law more than court decisions, so real progress comes from public support and action.

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.

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
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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.

War on Gaza (w/ Joe Sacco) | The Chris Hedges Report

The Chris Hedges Report • 111 implied HN points • 22 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Civil Rights Foreign Relations Media Criticism Censorship
  1. Joe Sacco uses graphic journalism to share stories from war zones, bringing a unique perspective that traditional media often misses. His work combines drawings and humor to convey tough realities.
  2. Sacco raises important questions about how we define aggression and self-defense, especially in context of the violence in Gaza. He suggests we need new terms to describe the complex nature of these conflicts.
  3. The discussion highlights the moral dilemmas faced in voting and supporting policies that contribute to violence, questioning how citizens can remain complicit while wanting change.

Now that men have been given control of female spaces in New Zealand, what do we do from here?

A B’Old Woman • 1119 implied HN points • 14 Jun 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Rights LGBTQ+ Issues Public Policy Social Issues Civil Rights
  1. Women and girls in New Zealand are feeling unsafe because they might have to share their spaces with men who identify as women. This makes many women uncomfortable and worried about their privacy.
  2. There are concerns about unisex toilets, as they may not be safe or clean for everyone. Some people believe that having clear male and female spaces could help reduce risks.
  3. A new group called Inflection Point is working to raise awareness about these issues and bring people together to fight against gender ideology, even if they have different beliefs.

What to watch for: Aaron Reichlin-Melnick on immigration and mass deportations

The Watch • 416 implied HN points • 20 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Immigration Deportation Policy Analysis Political Commentary Civil Rights
  1. The Trump administration's immigration plan could cause a lot of harm, affecting not only undocumented immigrants but also their families and the U.S. economy. There’s a risk of mass deportations, which can create fear in communities.
  2. There are many challenges to implementing plans for mass deportation. Even though there are threats and promises, practical limitations like resources, laws, and the need for due process can make it very difficult to achieve the massive deportation numbers that have been proposed.
  3. Fear is a powerful tool used in immigration policy, impacting how people live their daily lives. Even without actual mass deportations, the threat alone can lead to many people feeling unsafe and acting differently, which can hurt communities and their social fabric.

crying is not an emergency

bad cattitude • 266 implied HN points • 21 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Social Issues Civil Rights Education Politics Psychology
  1. Crying shouldn't stop the fun for everyone. If a kid cries during a ride, the ride shouldn't have to stop because it ruins the experience for others.
  2. Making every cry an emergency creates bad habits. It allows people to misuse their feelings to control situations, which can be frustrating for others.
  3. Growing up means learning to handle tough situations without dramatic reactions. It's important for everyone to participate and enjoy life, instead of making everything about personal feelings.

Taking to the Streets with Georgia’s Pro-Western Protesters

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 380 implied HN points • 16 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Protests Government International relations Civil Rights Law enforcement
  1. Protests in Georgia have been intense, with riot police using tear gas and water cannons against demonstrators. Many protesters are sharing stories of violence they faced from law enforcement.
  2. The protests started after the Georgian Prime Minister announced that the country wouldn't seek EU membership until 2028, which angered those who support a pro-Western path.
  3. Activists and protestors are facing severe police crackdowns, with reports of arrests and assaults, signaling a tough stance from the government against dissent.

America's Academic Gulag (w/ MIT Student Activists) | The Chris Hedges Report

The Chris Hedges Report • 124 implied HN points • 15 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Civil Rights Education & Policy Activism Human Rights
  1. Students at MIT are speaking out against the university's involvement in military research that supports violence. They believe their work should be aligned with ethics and not contribute to harm.
  2. The university administration has been accused of trying to silence dissenting voices by disciplining students who criticize military collaborations. This raises concerns about freedom of speech and the treatment of student activists.
  3. There is a growing call for universities to reconsider their partnerships with the military and to support human rights. Students want their research to promote peace rather than contribute to violence.

I am a man

Lucian Truscott Newsletter • 3891 implied HN points • 16 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Civil Rights History
  1. The phrase 'I am a man' was used in a powerful civil rights march in 1968 led by Martin Luther King Jr. in support of Memphis sanitation workers.
  2. Martin Luther King Jr.'s famous 'I've been to the mountaintop' speech showed his dedication to civil rights despite knowing he might die soon.
  3. Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy led to the establishment of Martin Luther King Jr. Day as a national holiday, promoting equality and civil rights.

OSD 310: How to take a newbie to the range

Open Source Defense • 56 implied HN points • 27 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gun Rights Legal issues Public Policy Civil Rights
  1. Introduce newbies to guns slowly and safely. Start with talking about noise and safety, and allow them time to get comfortable before shooting.
  2. Choose the right kind of gun for their first experience. A .22 LR is good for beginners as it has less recoil and noise compared to larger firearms.
  3. Make the range visit fun and pressure-free. Focus on their comfort and enjoyment rather than on rules or complex topics like gun laws.

The Zionists Kill Doctors in Gaza and Silence Them Here (w/ Rupa Marya) | The Chris Hedges Report

The Chris Hedges Report • 156 implied HN points • 09 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Civil Rights Health Policy International relations Public Health Activism
  1. Hospitals are supposed to be safe places during war, but the attacks on medical facilities in Gaza are a serious violation of international law. Medical workers and their facilities should always be protected.
  2. There is a troubling connection between the silencing of healthcare workers in the U.S. and the violence against them in Gaza. By keeping doctors quiet here, it allows for the continuation of harm abroad.
  3. The ongoing health crisis in Gaza, caused by lack of resources and intentional targeting, is creating a humanitarian disaster. Immediate aid and changes in policy are needed to support the health and life of Palestinian people.

Iowa Governor's Bill Would Mandate Trans People Have Both Gender Markers On Licenses

Erin In The Morning • 3262 implied HN points • 01 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Transgender rights Legislation Civil Rights Gender identity
  1. Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds introduced a bill to mandate trans people display both gender markers on licenses if they undergo surgery.
  2. The bill would make it evident on IDs that the person is transgender, potentially leading to dangerous situations and discrimination.
  3. This bill represents a significant policy priority as it is introduced by the Governor and could make Iowa the third state to target transgender people's driver's licenses.

DEI, Is Trump's New Code For Spic, Whore, Nigger & Fag!

C.O.P. Central Organizing Principle. • 30 implied HN points • 01 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary Social Issues Civil Rights Government Policies Racism
  1. There's a belief that the terms 'DEI' may be used to covertly express racist and sexist ideas, suggesting they're more about exclusion than inclusion. This implies that these words could hide harmful attitudes.
  2. Some argue that actions taken by figures like Musk and Trump are damaging the diversity in government jobs and that this could lead to serious legal challenges for discrimination. This raises concerns about fairness in hiring based on factors like race and gender.
  3. There’s a sentiment that the right-wing is intentionally undermining government functionality to push a political agenda. This could create a backlash where people hold leaders accountable for these perceived failures.

POSIWID and the Moderate Liberal Meltdown

Letters from Fiddler's Greene • 3478 implied HN points • 15 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social Issues Policy Civil Rights Political Discourse
  1. POSIWID principle emphasizes that the purpose of a system is what it does, leading to accountability and prevention of excuses.
  2. Political discourse on the right is increasingly incorporating the POSIWID principle to analyze and address complex system-level issues.
  3. There is a disconnect in moderate liberal views, as they advocate for meritocracy while ignoring the actual results of policies and systems, highlighting the importance of honesty in addressing societal issues.

Civilian Control, 1.5 Degrees, and Your Friendly Neighborhood National Security State

God's Spies by Thomas Neuburger • 65 implied HN points • 16 May 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Military Climate National Security Civil Rights Government
  1. Civilian control of the military is important, but there are concerns about military leaders pushing back against civilian authority. Sometimes people desire military intervention to resolve political issues.
  2. Global warming has surpassed the 1.5°C threshold, which raises alarms about climate change and its impact. Reports show that we might already be facing this critical level of warming.
  3. The security state seems to be increasing its focus on citizens with different opinions. This could lead to targeting individuals who hold views contrary to those in power.

penny for your thoughts

bad cattitude • 304 implied HN points • 06 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Criminal Justice Civil Rights Public Safety Law enforcement Social Issues
  1. There's a struggle over what kind of society we want, and people are deeply divided on how to protect it. One side sees Daniel Penny as a hero for stopping a threat, while the other views him as a dangerous killer.
  2. The justice system seems to favor criminals over victims, which creates fear. Prosecutors often act based on threats of violence, leading to a breakdown in law and order that affects everyone.
  3. We need to allow society to protect itself. People should be able to defend themselves and each other safely, without fear of harsh penalties for taking a stand against wrongdoers.

The Politics of Cultural Despair

The Chris Hedges Report • 607 implied HN points • 06 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Elections Social Issues Corporate Influence Civil Rights
  1. Despair is a major issue in society today. Many people are struggling with feelings of hopelessness due to lost jobs, poor economic conditions, and a lack of political representation.
  2. The rise of cult leaders reflects a society that feels powerless. People often turn to these leaders in hope of regaining control and finding meaning in their lives.
  3. To create real change, we need to focus on organizing and striking against corporate power. This can help restore dignity and purpose to people's lives and tackle the problems caused by a failing system.

DEI Blitz Reaches Buckeye Nation

OpenTheBooks Substack • 177 implied HN points • 30 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Education & Policy Ideology Funding Civil Rights
  1. Ohio State University is investing a lot of money into diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, spending over $13 million on DEI staff last year. This raises questions about the role of DEI in education and its impact on students.
  2. A significant amount of funding for universities comes from foreign sources, with Ohio State reporting millions from countries like China and Saudi Arabia. This highlights concerns about foreign influence on American education.
  3. Despite receiving billions in federal funding, Ohio State still accepted COVID-related financial help, even as other wealthy universities declined such funds. This reflects broader issues regarding financial management in higher education.

the penny drops?

bad cattitude • 280 implied HN points • 07 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legal system Criminal Justice Public Safety Civil Rights Political Activism
  1. The jury in the Daniel Penny trial struggled to reach a verdict on the manslaughter charge, leading to confusion over legal instructions. This situation highlights the complexities in legal processes that can affect trial outcomes.
  2. The legal system may be encouraging prosecutors to overcharge defendants, creating a risky environment for those accused. This could lead to unfair trials and pressure on defendants to accept plea deals.
  3. Many believe that Daniel Penny was justified in his actions against a violent individual on the subway, while others criticize the system for allowing such threats to persist. This reflects a broader debate about public safety and the responsibility of the justice system.

Department Of Homeland Security Illegally Targeted Covid Dissent, New Documents Suggest

Michael Shellenberger • 1354 implied HN points • 19 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Censorship Surveillance Public Health Civil Rights
  1. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) might have illegally targeted people who disagreed with COVID-19 policies by pushing social media to censor certain opinions.
  2. New documents suggest that DHS started monitoring COVID-related speech as early as February 2020, raising concerns about overstepping its legal boundaries.
  3. This surveillance and censorship might violate laws that restrict government agencies from involving themselves in issues without clear permission from Congress.

Springtime for Musk and Thiel

Daniel Pinchbeck’s Newsletter • 20 implied HN points • 04 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Power Government Democracy Oligarchy Civil Rights
  1. Elon Musk and his allies are gaining a lot of power over the U.S. government, which is causing concerns about their intentions and impact on democracy.
  2. These tech billionaires benefit a lot from government support but often criticize welfare programs and public services for others.
  3. The leadership style of people like Musk and Trump seems driven by deep personal issues, leading to actions that may not consider the well-being of society.

The Good News Supplement: 22nd January - Sunday 28th January

The Glinner Update • 2358 implied HN points • 29 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Rights Legislation Legal case Civil Rights Public Figures
  1. Professor Jo Phoenix won her legal case against the Open University for discrimination and harassment because of her gender critical views.
  2. Ohio Senate has overridden Governor DeWine's veto, preventing medical interventions for gender-confused children.
  3. Kemi Badenoch is addressing the issue of gender pay gap data being recorded based on self-declared gender identity, rather than biological sex, in the Civil Service.

Chris Hedges Live Q&A Tomorrow: What Happens Under Trump in Palestine

The Chris Hedges Report • 57 implied HN points • 23 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Foreign Policy Civil Rights Political Commentary Government
  1. There will be a live Q&A discussing what might happen in Palestine under a Trump administration. This means viewers can ask questions and get insights directly.
  2. The talk is set for a specific time, and people can participate by posting their questions beforehand. It's a good opportunity for those who are engaged in this topic.
  3. The event is focused on understanding the future relationship between the U.S. and Palestine, especially with recent developments like a ceasefire. It's important to keep questions brief to get good answers.

February 4, 2025

Letters from an American • 25 implied HN points • 05 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Legislation Elections Political parties Civil Rights
  1. A young engineer gained access to crucial U.S. government systems, which could allow him to disrupt major government payments. This raised serious concerns about security and control over federal funds.
  2. Elon Musk's team is planning to use AI to change government software, which might lead to security risks. There are worries that using AI could unintentionally create vulnerabilities in sensitive systems.
  3. There is increasing tension over Musk's influence on government programs and potential illegal actions. Protests and legal efforts are rising to push back against what many see as an overreach of power.

Vibe Shift

KERFUFFLE • 107 implied HN points • 31 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Governance Public Opinion Political parties Civil Rights
  1. In 2024, the political climate feels surprisingly normal compared to the chaos of previous years. People are not reacting with protests or major disruptions like before.
  2. Many believed the political tensions would lead to severe unrest after the elections, but this did not happen, showing a shift in how people view these issues.
  3. The election has changed how we think about American politics, making it seem less dramatic and more stable than it used to be.

January 31, 2025

Letters from an American • 28 implied HN points • 01 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Civil Rights Social movements History Legislation Government actions
  1. Julia Ward Howe wrote the 'Battle Hymn of the Republic' during the Civil War, capturing the fight for freedom and defining it as a holy cause. It became an anthem for the Union troops.
  2. On February 1, 1960, students protested against segregation at a Woolworth's lunch counter, sparking the sit-in movement that led to desegregation in public spaces.
  3. February 1 was later recognized as the first day of Black History Month, but by 2025, the U.S. government's stance on diversity and inclusion programs showed the ongoing struggles for equality.

February 1, 2025

Letters from an American • 26 implied HN points • 02 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Governance Elections Legislation Civil Rights Political parties
  1. Donald Trump's supporters are trying to dismantle the federal government. They want revenge on anyone who held him accountable, making it hard for him and his allies to face the law.
  2. There's a group that wants to change how the U.S. government treats its citizens, favoring certain groups while discriminating against others. This includes targeting transgender individuals and limiting rights based on race and gender.
  3. Elon Musk and other wealthy backers aim to control government resources for their own needs. They're pushing for big cuts to federal aid and trying to access sensitive government systems, which raises concerns about security and legality.

Ibram Kendi's Crusade against the Enlightenment

Glenn Loury • 3591 implied HN points • 15 Oct 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Ideology Education Ethics Civil Rights Government
  1. The article discusses Ibram Kendi's rejection of the western intellectual tradition and his call for a new academic discipline.
  2. Kendi criticizes standardized tests in education as a racist policy that degrades black minds and bodies.
  3. Kendi proposes a radical solution to racism in the United States, advocating for a totalitarian government run by 'formally trained experts in racism.'

I Was Fired for Supporting Women’s Sex-Based Rights. Now I’m Suing.

Reality's Last Stand • 3066 implied HN points • 22 Feb 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Civil Rights Feminism Discrimination Gender identity Workplace Issues
  1. Women's rights are in jeopardy when the ability to name ourselves and our sex-based rights is taken away.
  2. It is important to fight against discrimination and silencing of women in the workplace.
  3. Advocating for sex-based rights and standing up for one's beliefs is crucial for maintaining equality and basic human rights.

OSD 309: You can’t ban things that have hit escape velocity

Open Source Defense • 38 implied HN points • 21 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Government Economics Civil Rights Social Issues
  1. Once something becomes very popular and widely used, it's really hard to ban it. People may talk about banning things like TikTok or certain guns, but actually doing it is much tougher.
  2. Banning things is often just talk. Many who support a ban won't follow through if it means facing real consequences or backlash.
  3. Public opinion shifts as something becomes more popular. Just like with TikTok and guns, the more people that use something, the harder it becomes to take it away from them.

Why I Am No Longer Woke

Skeptic • 203 implied HN points • 04 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social justice Political Ideologies Civil Rights Political Movements Human nature
  1. The idea of being 'woke' started as a way to be aware of social injustices, but it has now become a term used to criticize extreme leftist ideologies. People who once identified with the woke movement may feel disconnected from it due to its transformation into something else.
  2. A key issue with the woke movement is its belief that humans are a 'blank slate.' This means that it assumes all inequalities stem from social discrimination rather than differences in abilities or personal responsibility.
  3. Many moderate thinkers believe in a 'Realistic Vision' of human nature, which acknowledges that people vary in abilities and that social systems should take these differences into account rather than trying to enforce equal outcomes.

The Widening Gyre

Gideon's Substack • 57 implied HN points • 20 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Constitutional Law Political theory Civil Rights Government Policy State power
  1. There's a big difference between law and sheer power. Law can be understood and followed, while totalitarian regimes can do whatever they want without following the law.
  2. Biden's declaration about the Equal Rights Amendment raises questions. If he can declare something to be law just because he believes it, then what prevents future presidents from doing the same with their own beliefs?
  3. The whole situation might just be for show and not really change anything. This can make people lose trust in what the law actually is and think it's just about who has the most power.