Public Policy & NGOs
Here's a look at documents from public policy and non-governmental organizations
Featured Stories
National Convening Unites Attorneys and Advocates to Discuss Improved Accountability for Misconduct in Face of Expanding Immigration Enforcement Raids
WASHINGTON, June 13 -- Democracy Forward, an organization that says it advances democracy and social progress through litigation, policy and public education and regulatory engagement, issued the following news release:
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National Convening Unites Attorneys and Advocates to Discuss Improved Accountability for Misconduct in Face of Expanding Immigration Enforcement Raids
Federal Tort Claims Act Highlighted as Civil Rights Accountability Tool
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Chicago - Over 100 attorneys and advocates representing over 60 organizations from around the country united in Chicago this week for a national
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, June 13 -- Democracy Forward, an organization that says it advances democracy and social progress through litigation, policy and public education and regulatory engagement, issued the following news release:
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National Convening Unites Attorneys and Advocates to Discuss Improved Accountability for Misconduct in Face of Expanding Immigration Enforcement Raids
Federal Tort Claims Act Highlighted as Civil Rights Accountability Tool
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Chicago - Over 100 attorneys and advocates representing over 60 organizations from around the country united in Chicago this week for a nationalconvening aimed at training and empowering lawyers to use the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) to hold federal law enforcement officers accountable for misconduct and abuse. Attendees examined emerging issues in FTCA litigation, shared lessons from ongoing and past cases, explored strategies for documenting harm and building claims, and discussed opportunities to strengthen networks of practitioners working to advance accountability.
The convening, hosted by Democracy Forward and UnidosUS, alongside partners the Institute for Justice, The Chicago Project, MacArthur Justice Center, and the National Immigrant Justice Center, focused on how ongoing expansions of immigration enforcement have increased the importance of using the FTCA to seek accountability when the misconduct occurs.
Democracy Forward and UnidosUS recently launched a new national initiative to expand the use of the FTCA as a tool to pursue accountability for federal misconduct, particularly in the context of immigration enforcement and protest-related abuses. Democracy Forward has built significant infrastructure to support this effort, including a comprehensive FTCA litigation toolkit, a growing national attorney network and listserv, referral and intake pathways for potential claims, and training materials designed to support advocates and practitioners nationwide.
"We know that accountability is important and are committed to working alongside people across the nation to ensure victims of unlawful federal enforcement activity are compensated and that bad actors are exposed. From teargassing children to pulling citizens from through car windows to brutalizing peaceful protestors, at a time when the Trump-Vance administration has escalated unlawful enforcement actions that are causing serious harm to people and communities across the country, it was incredible to see the robust organizations and people together to pursue accountability against federal misconduct," said Skye Perryman, President and CEO of Democracy Forward. "The Federal Tort Claims Act can be an incredibly powerful civil rights accountability tool. This convening is just the beginning of what will be a coordinated network of attorneys representing people harmed by federal officers' actions at the administrative claim stage and in federal litigation, and Democracy Forward is honored to offer training, research, litigation guidance, screening tools, and ongoing technical support to make sure partners have the tools they need to hold government accountable."
The two-day convening included expert panels, strategic discussions, and opportunities for attorneys and advocates to strengthen collaboration across the growing national network of practitioners. Participants also previewed the litigation toolkit, coordinated attorney network, and expanded referral pathways for individuals seeking accountability and justice.
The FTCA was effectively used during the Trump-Pence administration as officials went to drastic measures to separate and harm immigrant families. The law requires an administrative claim be made -- and typically a six-month waiting period -- before someone can file an FTCA lawsuit. Democracy Forward and its partners have already filed a number of claims against some of the Trump-Vance administration's more egregious actions, laying the groundwork for future litigation.
More information about Democracy Forward's new FTCA practice can be found here (https://democracyforward.org/ftca-accountability-project/).
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Democracy Forward Foundation is a national legal organization that advances democracy and social progress through litigation, policy, public education, and regulatory engagement. For more information, please visit www.democracyforward.org.
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Original text here: https://democracyforward.org/news/press-releases/national-convening-unites-attorneys-and-advocates-to-discuss-improved-accountability-for-misconduct-in-face-of-expanding-immigration-enforcement-raids/
[Category: Political]
Democracy Forward: Federal Court Blocks Trump-Vance Administration's $1.776 Billion Slush Fund While the Case Continues
WASHINGTON, June 13 -- Democracy Forward, an organization that says it advances democracy and social progress through litigation, policy and public education and regulatory engagement, issued the following news release on June 12, 2026:
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Federal Court Blocks Trump-Vance Administration's $1.776 Billion Slush Fund While the Case Continues
Court Grants Preliminary Injunction, Halts Funds While Litigation Proceeds
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Alexandria, Va. -- A federal court today granted plaintiffs' motion for a preliminary injunction, blocking the Trump-Vance administration from implementing its $1.776 billion
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, June 13 -- Democracy Forward, an organization that says it advances democracy and social progress through litigation, policy and public education and regulatory engagement, issued the following news release on June 12, 2026:
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Federal Court Blocks Trump-Vance Administration's $1.776 Billion Slush Fund While the Case Continues
Court Grants Preliminary Injunction, Halts Funds While Litigation Proceeds
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Alexandria, Va. -- A federal court today granted plaintiffs' motion for a preliminary injunction, blocking the Trump-Vance administration from implementing its $1.776 billionso-called "Anti-Weaponization Fund" while litigation challenging the program moves forward.
The plaintiffs include former career federal prosecutor Andrew Floyd, Professor Jonathan Caravello, the City of New Haven, the National Abortion Federation, and Common Cause. Plaintiffs are represented by Democracy Forward.
The court's order halts the Trump-Vance administration's slush fund while the case proceeds on the merits.
The ruling also comes after the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) declined to provide evidence supporting its unsworn representations that the slush fund was"not going forward," despite plaintiffs' repeated communications seeking confirmation regarding the status of the program, including whether any funds had been transferred, claims processed, or members appointed. The court's decision ensures that the administration cannot proceed with the slush fund, finding that plaintiffs demonstrated a likelihood of success on the merits of their claims.
The lawsuit challenges the creation of a taxpayer-funded compensation program designed to provide benefits to individuals who claim they were harmed by actions of Democratic administrations. Plaintiffs argue the fund violates the First Amendment, equal protection principles, separation of powers, the Administrative Procedure Act, and constitutional restrictions governing federal spending.
In granting preliminary relief, the court concluded that plaintiffs satisfied the standard for a preliminary injunction and that maintaining the status quo was warranted.
"I'm heartened that the injunction continues to prevent $1.776 billion in taxpayer money from being used to pay off those who attacked our democracy. I will continue this litigation to ensure that this unconstitutional fund does not erase the accountability imposed by judges and impartial jurors--and the hard-earned work of the victims, witnesses, law enforcement officers, and prosecutors who delivered it," said Andrew Floyd.
"While this win acts as a defense against a blatant violation of our legal code, the structures that direct the flow of U.S. taxpayer money into violence both domestic and abroad still stand," said Professor Jonathan Caravello. "The courts are sites of political struggle. The question we must ask ourselves now is 'How can we, the people, build power in the aftermath of this legal ruling?'"
"Today's ruling affirms what New Haveners and Americans across the country recognized from the moment the Trump administration announced its so-called 'Anti-Weaponization Fund': that this is an improper, illegal and unconstitutional use of federal taxpayer dollars created to reward President Trump's political allies and advance President Trump's personal political interests and that it should not be allowed to proceed. We have a lot of challenges to address in our cities, states and country, and our taxpayer dollars should be spent on critical priorities that benefit all Americans - not a political slush fund that rewards the select few," said New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker. "As a city, we will continue to stand up for our residents and that our federal government adheres to the rule of law."
"Today's ruling is a victory for abortion providers, their patients, and everyone who believes the federal government should not be in the business of rewarding extremists. This slush fund was never about justice - it was a taxpayer-funded payday for people who blockaded abortion clinics, assaulted healthcare workers, and terrorized patients seeking abortion care," said Brittany Fonteno, President and CEO of the National Abortion Federation. "As targeted attacks against abortion clinics and patients continue, we need to ensure federal laws like the FACE Act are fully enforced and that violators are held accountable for their violence and disruptions."
"The Trump administration cannot be trusted with the public's money," said Omar Noureldin, Common Cause's Senior Vice President for Policy and Litigation. "Today's ruling is a massive win, ensuring hard-earned tax dollars stay out of the hands of the President's cronies and people who violently assaulted law enforcement on January 6 while we're securing justice for American taxpayers in court. We've successfully locked the President's personal slush fund for now, and we'll keep the pressure on until it's shut down for good."
"This ruling is a significant victory for the Constitution, the rule of law, and people in America," said Skye Perryman, President and CEO of Democracy Forward. "The court recognized the serious legal concerns raised by the Trump-Vance administration's attempt to create a secretive, taxpayer-funded compensation program operating outside the constitutional safeguards that govern public spending. Despite the administration's shifting explanations about the future of the slush fund, the court's order ensures that taxpayer dollars cannot be distributed through this unlawful scheme while the courts fully consider the serious constitutional issues at stake. We look forward to continuing this challenge on behalf of our clients."
The so-called Anti-Weaponization Fund was created following the private agreement in President Trump's lawsuit against the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Under the program, nearly $1.8 billion in taxpayer funds would be transferred to a newly created entity empowered to receive and adjudicate claims with minimal transparency, limited oversight, and no meaningful judicial review.
The case is Andrew Floyd et al. v. U.S. Department of Justice et al., and the legal team at Democracy Forward includes Pooja Boisture, Jyoti Jasrasaria, Aman George, Ayesha Khan, Robin Thurston, and Skye Perryman.
Find the written order here (https://democracyforward.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/189115193387.pdf).
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Democracy Forward Foundation is a national legal organization that advances democracy and social progress through litigation, policy, public education, and regulatory engagement. For more information, please visit www.democracyforward.org.
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Original text here: https://democracyforward.org/news/press-releases/federal-court-blocks-trump-vance-administrations-1-776-billion-slush-fund-while-the-case-continues/
[Category: Political]
Democracy Forward: Court Blocks Unlawful Trump-Vance Attempt to Gut the Affordable Care Act
WASHINGTON, June 13 -- Democracy Forward, an organization that says it advances democracy and social progress through litigation, policy and public education and regulatory engagement, issued the following news release:
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Court Blocks Unlawful Trump-Vance Attempt to Gut the Affordable Care Act
Ruling Comes in Challenge Brought by Cities, Doctors, and Small Business Advocates
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Baltimore, Md. - The U.S. District Court of Maryland has ruled in favor of a coalition that includes the City of Columbus, Mayor and City Council of Baltimore, City of Chicago, Doctors for America, and the Main Street
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, June 13 -- Democracy Forward, an organization that says it advances democracy and social progress through litigation, policy and public education and regulatory engagement, issued the following news release:
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Court Blocks Unlawful Trump-Vance Attempt to Gut the Affordable Care Act
Ruling Comes in Challenge Brought by Cities, Doctors, and Small Business Advocates
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Baltimore, Md. - The U.S. District Court of Maryland has ruled in favor of a coalition that includes the City of Columbus, Mayor and City Council of Baltimore, City of Chicago, Doctors for America, and the Main StreetAlliance, declaring that the Trump-Vance administration's so-called "Marketplace Integrity and Affordability" health care rule unlawfully imposes new fees, weakens coverage standards, and creates barriers that would make it harder -- and in some cases impossible -- for people to get and keep affordable health insurance. Democracy Forward represents the coalition on this matter.
The ruling is a major victory for the coalition, which challenged the administration's dangerous 2025 rule, which was projected to strip health coverage from more than 2.2 million people, raise costs for working families, and undermine the Affordable Care Act's (ACA) core protections.
The court had previously granted a preliminary injunction blocking implementation of the rule, and this ruling enshrines the relief offered by that injunction to millions of people who rely on ACA coverage. The decision means that the challenged provisions of the rule are struck down and that federal protections for affordable health care remain intact for those who need them.
"Every American deserves quality, affordable healthcare, which is why we've repeatedly fought back against the Trump-Vance administration's illegal attempts to undermine the Affordable Care Act," said Columbus City Attorney Zach Klein. "This ruling is a significant win for millions of Americans, including thousands in Ohio, who would have been denied coverage or seen their out-of-pocket costs skyrocket due to this president and his administration. We will continue to fight to protect healthcare coverage for all Americans whenever it's threatened."
"This victory will protect access to health care and save American families money--but our work is not over," said Baltimore Mayor Brandon M. Scott. "We will continue to fight back against any attempts by this administration to slash protections under the ACA, and will not stop fighting until every person in this nation has access to the affordable, quality health care they deserve."
"This ruling is a victory for small business owners, their employees, and millions of Americans who depend on affordable health coverage. The Trump-Vance administration's unlawful attempt to undermine the Affordable Care Act would have increased costs, created unnecessary barriers to coverage, and made it harder for entrepreneurs and workers to get the care they need. Small business owners cannot grow their businesses when health care becomes more expensive and less accessible. We are grateful that the court has protected these critical safeguards and reaffirmed that affordable health care remains essential to a strong economy and thriving Main Streets across the country," said Richard Trent, Executive Director, Main Street Alliance
"The Trump-Vance administration last year attempted to strip lifesaving access to health care for millions of Americans. And yet again, a court blocked it and ruled for the people. We are pleased that the court has stopped the president's disastrous and harmful attempt to take health care away from working families," said Skye Perryman, President and CEO of Democracy Forward. "We are honored to represent brave plaintiffs, whose dedication to protecting our democracy means that millions of people will still be able to access the affordable health care services they need."
The case is City of Columbus et al. v. Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., et al. and the legal team at Democracy Forward includes Joel McElvain, Cortney Robinson Henderson, and Christine Coogle.
Read the decision here (https://democracyforward.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/City-of-Columbus-et-al.-v.-Robert-F.-Kennedy-Jr-MSJ-Order.pdf) and read more about this case here (https://democracyforward.org/work/legal/cities-doctors-and-small-business-advocates-sue-to-block-affordable-care-act-rollback-that-threatens-coverage-for-millions/).
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Democracy Forward Foundation is a national legal organization that advances democracy and social progress through litigation, policy, public education, and regulatory engagement. For more information, please visit www.democracyforward.org.
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Original text here: https://democracyforward.org/news/press-releases/court-blocks-unlawful-trump-vance-attempt-to-gut-the-affordable-care-act/
[Category: Political]
Democracy Forward: Court Blocks Censorship and Erasure of American History and Science at National Parks
WASHINGTON, June 13 -- Democracy Forward, an organization that says it advances democracy and social progress through litigation, policy and public education and regulatory engagement, issued the following news release on June 12, 2026:
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Court Blocks Censorship and Erasure of American History and Science at National Parks
Injunction Halts Effort to Unlawfully Remove History and Science from Park Displays
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Boston - A U.S. District Court has issued an order stopping the Trump-Vance administration from censoring American history and science and ordering the restoration of unlawfully censored
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, June 13 -- Democracy Forward, an organization that says it advances democracy and social progress through litigation, policy and public education and regulatory engagement, issued the following news release on June 12, 2026:
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Court Blocks Censorship and Erasure of American History and Science at National Parks
Injunction Halts Effort to Unlawfully Remove History and Science from Park Displays
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Boston - A U.S. District Court has issued an order stopping the Trump-Vance administration from censoring American history and science and ordering the restoration of unlawfully censoredinformation displayed in America's largest classroom - our national parks. The preliminary injunction comes in National Parks Conservation Association et al. v. Department of the Interior, et al., a case brought by a coalition of organizations committed to protecting America's national parks, preserving and sharing history, promoting scientific literacy and access, and providing high-quality interpretive materials.
The coalition, which includes the National Parks Conservation Association, American Association for State and Local History, Association of National Park Rangers, Coalition to Protect America's National Parks, Society for Experiential Graphic Design, and Union of Concerned Scientists, filed a challenge earlier this year to a U.S. Department of the Interior policy that is actively erasing history and science from national parks. Democracy Forward represents the coalition in the matter.
In March 2025, President Trump issued an executive order directing the rewriting and sanitization of American history and science at national parks. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum followed suit on May 20, issuing a secretary's order that launched the implementation of the president's directive within the National Park Service (NPS). This order has led to the removal and censorship of exhibits that share factually accurate and relevant U.S. history and scientific knowledge.
This campaign by the Trump-Vance administration has escalated, leading to the removal of many exhibits that discuss the history of slavery and enslaved people, civil rights, treatment of Indigenous peoples, climate science, and other core elements of the American experience. Some examples of how censorship is affecting parks, history and science at locations across the country are available here. Today's order gives the government three weeks to restore interpretive materials that have been altered or removed since May 20, 2025, and also blocks Defendants from further censoring exhibits at park sites under the secretary's order while litigation is pending. Today's order also requires the administration to provide the court with an update on progress restoring the censored information within five days and once each week thereafter.
"This summer, millions of visitors will flock to America's national parks to take in breathtaking park landscapes and walk in the footsteps of our fascinating history, 250 years after our nation was founded. Today's court ruling will help protect national parks from the administration's unprecedented campaign to erase history and science at these one-of-a-kind places. National parks belong to the American people and censorship of any kind goes against the values these places represent. Americans count on national parks to help us understand our full, rich history. Stories of triumph and tragedy alike deserve to be told out loud at parks." said Alan Spears, National Parks Conservation Association Senior Director for Cultural Resources.
"We are encouraged by the judge's order and grateful for the relief it grants National Park Service sites and the broader history field. America's history organizations offer vital forums for education, bridge-building, and civic practice, and they must be allowed to conduct their work free from government intimidation and censorship. On the eve of the 250th anniversary of our democracy, it's more important than ever to defend the public's access to a whole and honest story of America," said John R. Dichtl, President & CEO of the American Association for State and Local History.
"This is incredibly good news for all National Parks, but even more so for the many employees and former employees, who for decades have prided themselves for being able to provide truthful, accurate and unbiased information to the millions of visitors who have come to expect that from the stewards of their National Parks," said Bill Wade, Executive Director, Association of National Park Rangers.
"National parks have a sacred mandate: to preserve and interpret the full breadth of the American experience, the good and the bad," said Emily Thompson, Executive Director of the Coalition to Protect America's National Parks. "Visitors come not just to witness awe-inspiring landscapes, but to confront the complex, often painful tapestry of our history and our world -- the triumphs and the failings. National parks are not propaganda tools nor should they be used for partisan purposes. They exist to preserve and interpret the full American story, not just the parts that make some politicians comfortable. This ruling will help ensure that remains the case."
"SEGD members design the experiences that help people connect with America's national parks: the exhibits, wayfinding, and interpretive displays that turn a visit into understanding. Our profession exists to communicate truth clearly and accessibly. When that truth is censored, it's not just history that's erased, it's the public's ability to see themselves in the full story of this country. We're proud to stand with this coalition to ensure our national parks remain places of honest learning for the 250th anniversary and beyond," said Cybelle Jones, CEO, Society for Experiential Graphic Design (SEGD).
"Today is a win for science and for ensuring that all visitors to our national parks can learn the truth about our nation's history and climate," said Dr. Gretchen Goldman, President and CEO at the Union of Concerned Scientists. "National parks are America's largest classroom, and removing science and history from these places isn't just wrong, it's a direct attack on the public's access to factual information. You don't protect our national parks by sanitizing them--you protect them by telling the full story, including the science of climate change. When the government erases science and history, it erases our ability to understand what's at stake."
The NPS is one of the country's largest storytellers of American history, teaching millions of visitors about a wide variety of stories at more than 430 national park sites throughout the United States. Congress has repeatedly established that national parks are intended for the benefit and enjoyment of all, and Congress has been clear that no action may be taken "in derogation of" this purpose, "except as directly and specifically provided by Congress."
The often conflicting, contradictory, and confusing statements issued by the Interior Department in an attempt to implement the president's censorship directive - about what materials at parks are under review and what signs, films, books, or brochures must be removed - make clear that the department ignored well-established principles and legal requirements when seeking to censor information at national parks.
"We are grateful that once again, judicial intervention has halted the unlawful overreach of the reckless Trump-Vance administration," said Skye Perryman, President and CEO of Democracy Forward. "And we are grateful the court not only stopped further censorship, but recognized the need to restore the exhibits the administration already illegally removed. We are honored to work with this amazingly brave coalition to defend America's largest classroom."
The legal team at Democracy Forward working on the case includes Brooke Menschel, Michael Torcello, Pablo Moraga, Mark Samburg, Steven Bressler, and Robin Thurston.
Read today's court order here (https://democracyforward.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Parks-PI-Order.pdf).
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Democracy Forward Foundation is a national legal organization that advances democracy and social progress through litigation, policy, public education, and regulatory engagement. For more information, please visit www.democracyforward.org.
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Original text here: https://democracyforward.org/news/press-releases/court-blocks-censorship-and-erasure-of-american-history-and-science-at-national-parks/
[Category: Political]
Common Cause: Federal Court Blocks Trump-Vance Administration's $1.776 Billion Slush Fund While the Case Continues
NEW YORK, June 13 -- Common Cause - New York issued the following news release on June 12, 2026:
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Federal Court Blocks Trump-Vance Administration's $1.776 Billion Slush Fund While the Case Continues
Court Grants Preliminary Injunction, Halts Funds While Litigation Proceeds
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Alexandria, Va. -- A federal court today granted plaintiffs' motion for a preliminary injunction, blocking the Trump-Vance administration from implementing its $1.776 billion so-called "Anti-Weaponization Fund" while litigation challenging the program moves forward.
The plaintiffs include former career federal prosecutor
... Show Full Article
NEW YORK, June 13 -- Common Cause - New York issued the following news release on June 12, 2026:
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Federal Court Blocks Trump-Vance Administration's $1.776 Billion Slush Fund While the Case Continues
Court Grants Preliminary Injunction, Halts Funds While Litigation Proceeds
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Alexandria, Va. -- A federal court today granted plaintiffs' motion for a preliminary injunction, blocking the Trump-Vance administration from implementing its $1.776 billion so-called "Anti-Weaponization Fund" while litigation challenging the program moves forward.
The plaintiffs include former career federal prosecutorAndrew Floyd, Professor Jonathan Caravello, the City of New Haven, the National Abortion Federation, and Common Cause. Plaintiffs are represented by Democracy Forward.
The court's order halts the Trump-Vance administration's slush fund while the case proceeds on the merits.
The ruling also comes after the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) declined to provide evidence supporting its unsworn representations that the slush fund was"not going forward," despite plaintiffs' repeated communications seeking confirmation regarding the status of the program, including whether any funds had been transferred, claims processed, or members appointed. The court's decision ensures that the administration cannot proceed with the slush fund, finding that plaintiffs demonstrated a likelihood of success on the merits of their claims.
The lawsuit challenges the creation of a taxpayer-funded compensation program designed to provide benefits to individuals who claim they were harmed by actions of Democratic administrations. Plaintiffs argue the fund violates the First Amendment, equal protection principles, separation of powers, the Administrative Procedure Act, and constitutional restrictions governing federal spending.
In granting preliminary relief, the court concluded that plaintiffs satisfied the standard for a preliminary injunction and that maintaining the status quo was warranted.
"The Trump administration cannot be trusted with the public's money," said Omar Noureldin, Common Cause's Senior Vice President for Policy and Litigation. "Today's ruling is a massive win, ensuring hard-earned tax dollars stay out of the hands of the President's cronies and people who violently assaulted law enforcement on January 6 while we're securing justice for American taxpayers in court. We've successfully locked the President's personal slush fund for now, and we'll keep the pressure on until it's shut down for good."
"I'm heartened that the injunction continues to prevent $1.776 billion in taxpayer money from being used to pay off those who attacked our democracy. I will continue this litigation to ensure that this unconstitutional fund does not erase the accountability imposed by judges and impartial jurors--and the hard-earned work of the victims, witnesses, law enforcement officers, and prosecutors who delivered it," said Andrew Floyd.
"While this win acts as a defense against a blatant violation of our legal code, the structures that direct the flow of U.S. taxpayer money into violence both domestic and abroad still stand," said Professor Jonathan Caravello. "The courts are sites of political struggle. The question we must ask ourselves now is 'How can we, the people, build power in the aftermath of this legal ruling?'"
"Today's ruling affirms what New Haveners and Americans across the country recognized from the moment the Trump administration announced its so-called 'Anti-Weaponization Fund': that this is an improper, illegal and unconstitutional use of federal taxpayer dollars created to reward President Trump's political allies and advance President Trump's personal political interests and that it should not be allowed to proceed. We have a lot of challenges to address in our cities, states and country, and our taxpayer dollars should be spent on critical priorities that benefit all Americans - not a political slush fund that rewards the select few," said New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker. "As a city, we will continue to stand up for our residents and that our federal government adheres to the rule of law."
"Today's ruling is a victory for abortion providers, their patients, and everyone who believes the federal government should not be in the business of rewarding extremists. This slush fund was never about justice - it was a taxpayer-funded payday for people who blockaded abortion clinics, assaulted healthcare workers, and terrorized patients seeking abortion care," said Brittany Fonteno, President and CEO of the National Abortion Federation. "As targeted attacks against abortion clinics and patients continue, we need to ensure federal laws like the FACE Act are fully enforced and that violators are held accountable for their violence and disruptions."
"This ruling is a significant victory for the Constitution, the rule of law, and people in America," said Skye Perryman, President and CEO of Democracy Forward. "The court recognized the serious legal concerns raised by the Trump-Vance administration's attempt to create a secretive, taxpayer-funded compensation program operating outside the constitutional safeguards that govern public spending. Despite the administration's shifting explanations about the future of the slush fund, the court's order ensures that taxpayer dollars cannot be distributed through this unlawful scheme while the courts fully consider the serious constitutional issues at stake. We look forward to continuing this challenge on behalf of our clients."
The so-called Anti-Weaponization Fund was created following the private agreement in President Trump's lawsuit against the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Under the program, nearly $1.8 billion in taxpayer funds would be transferred to a newly created entity empowered to receive and adjudicate claims with minimal transparency, limited oversight, and no meaningful judicial review.
The case is Andrew Floyd et al. v. U.S. Department of Justice et al., and the legal team at Democracy Forward includes Pooja Boisture, Jyoti Jasrasaria, Aman George, Ayesha Khan, Robin Thurston, and Skye Perryman.
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Original text here: https://www.commoncause.org/press/federal-court-blocks-trump-vance-administrations-1-776-billion-slush-fund-while-the-case-continues/
[Category: Political]
CAIR-NJ Urges Montclair School District to Rescind Guidance on IHRA Definition of Antisemitism
WASHINGTON, June 13 -- The Council on American-Islamic Relations posted the following news release:
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CAIR-NJ Urges Montclair School District to Rescind Guidance on IHRA Definition of Antisemitism
The New Jersey chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NJ), the nation's largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, urged the Montclair Board of Education to rescind recent guidance regarding educators' responsibilities to adhere to the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism, which falsely conflates criticism of Israel's human
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, June 13 -- The Council on American-Islamic Relations posted the following news release:
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CAIR-NJ Urges Montclair School District to Rescind Guidance on IHRA Definition of Antisemitism
The New Jersey chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NJ), the nation's largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, urged the Montclair Board of Education to rescind recent guidance regarding educators' responsibilities to adhere to the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism, which falsely conflates criticism of Israel's humanrights abuses and genocide with antisemitism.
On June 2, 2026, attorney Mr. David Nash, on behalf of the New Jersey Principals and Superintendents Association (NJPSA), delivered guidance to Montclair Public Schools faculty on what constitutes hostility or harassment in classrooms. In it, he claimed New Jersey Schools are bound by the IHRA definition of antisemitism, citing a 2019 Executive Order by President Trump.
CAIR-NJ wrote a letter to Montclair Public Schools Superintendent highlighting New Jersey's repeated refusal to adopt the IHRA definition of antisemitism, the unconstitutionality of this attempt to impose restrictions on students' and teachers' First Amendment rights, and called for the district to take corrective measures.
SEE: CAIR-NJ Letter to Montclair School District (https://cair-nj.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/CAIR-NJ-Letter-to-Superintendent-Re_-IHRA-Definition-1.pdf)
In a statement, CAIR-NJ Public Affairs Director Naureen Akhter said:
"It is absolutely chilling to free speech for a school district to characterize critique of Israel as antisemitic. Drawing historical comparisons between the actions of Israel, particularly in Gaza, to that of other genocidal regimes is valid political discourse. The training goes further to say 'claiming the state of Israel is a racist endeavor' is an example of antisemitism. Israel's very own 'Nation-State Law' restricts the rights of its Arab citizens - limiting discourse around this does nothing to address antisemitism.
"This training, by reinforcing the IHRA definition, violates New Jersey standards for discrimination and infringes on students' and teachers' constitutional rights. The school district should clarify Trump's Executive Order is just that - a non legally binding recommendation for his executive agencies - and stay firm in its commitment to free expression and student safety."
Last year, CAIR and CAIR Action, its advocacy affiliate, released a factsheet, called "Voices of Resistance Against the IHRA Definition and the Antisemitism Awareness Act." That publication documents how the controversial IHRA definition of antisemitism is being weaponized across the country to silence advocacy against genocide and for Palestinian human rights.
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CAIR's mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
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Original text here: https://www.cair.com/press_releases/cair-nj-urges-montclair-school-district-to-rescind-guidance-on-ihra-definition-of-antisemitism/
[Category: Sociological]
Agudath Israel Welcomes NJ Assembly Decision to Remove Religious Liberty Threat From Bill
NEW YORK, June 13 -- Agudath Israel of America, an arm and voice of American Orthodox Jewry, issued the following news on June 11, 2026:
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Agudath Israel Welcomes NJ Assembly Decision to Remove Religious Liberty Threat from Bill
Today, the New Jersey State Assembly removed language from a bill that would have jeopardized religious rights. The legislation had allowed individuals to sue anyone accused of interfering with their decision to obtain reproductive or gender-related health care services and seek damages for harm to their business or personal reputation, financial harm, or pain and
... Show Full Article
NEW YORK, June 13 -- Agudath Israel of America, an arm and voice of American Orthodox Jewry, issued the following news on June 11, 2026:
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Agudath Israel Welcomes NJ Assembly Decision to Remove Religious Liberty Threat from Bill
Today, the New Jersey State Assembly removed language from a bill that would have jeopardized religious rights. The legislation had allowed individuals to sue anyone accused of interfering with their decision to obtain reproductive or gender-related health care services and seek damages for harm to their business or personal reputation, financial harm, or pain andsuffering, mental anguish, and emotional harm.
Agudath Israel of America's New Jersey Office led opposition to the language, warning that its broad and undefined terms could expose rabbis, educators, counselors, schools, and parents to costly litigation for providing guidance or expressing views regarding gender-related medical procedures. In addition to working with legislators in both chambers, the Agudah issued an action alert urging residents across the state to contact their Assembly members and oppose the bill.
"We are grateful to the bill sponsors and legislative leadership for recognizing the serious concerns included in this provision and for addressing them," Shlomo Schorr, Director of Legislative Affairs for Agudath Israel of America's New Jersey Office, said.
"The removal of this language is an important victory for religious liberty, free speech, and parental rights.
We especially thank the thousands of New Jersey residents who responded to our action alert and contacted their legislators to make their voices heard. Their advocacy helped ensure that constitutionally protected speech and religious expression will not be subjected to vague and potentially far-reaching civil liability."
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Original text here: https://agudah.org/agudath-israel-welcomes-nj-assembly-decision-to-remove-religious-liberty-threat-from-bill
[Category: Religion]
