Public Policy & NGOs
Here's a look at documents from public policy and non-governmental organizations
Featured Stories
Human Rights Campaign Foundation Launches Class Action Against Trump Administration on Behalf of Federal Workers and their Families Over Loss of Gender-Affirming Healthcare Coverage
WASHINGTON, Jan. 1 [Category: Political] -- The Human Rights Campaign posted the following news release:
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Human Rights Campaign Foundation Launches Class Action Against Trump Administration on Behalf of Federal Workers and their Families Over Loss of Gender-Affirming Healthcare Coverage
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The Human Rights Campaign Foundation initiated litigation against the US Office of Personnel Management (OPM) on behalf of federal employees and their families. The matter has been filed on a class basis in response to an OPM Carrier Letter directing insurance providers to deny coverage for gender affirming
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Jan. 1 [Category: Political] -- The Human Rights Campaign posted the following news release:
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Human Rights Campaign Foundation Launches Class Action Against Trump Administration on Behalf of Federal Workers and their Families Over Loss of Gender-Affirming Healthcare Coverage
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The Human Rights Campaign Foundation initiated litigation against the US Office of Personnel Management (OPM) on behalf of federal employees and their families. The matter has been filed on a class basis in response to an OPM Carrier Letter directing insurance providers to deny coverage for gender affirmingcare under the Federal Employee Health Benefits (FEHB) and Postal Service Health Benefits (PSHB) plans.
As a result, federal employees and their dependents will lose their insurance coverage for vital healthcare starting today, potentially placing care out of reach for many people solely because of who they are. Transgender people continue to face numerous barriers to access best-practice, potentially life-saving medical care, and this move represents just the latest attack from a Trump administration obsessed with undermining the rights and freedoms of transgender people.
"Starting today, untold numbers of federal employees and their families will be left out to dry at the hands of a shameless administration hell-bent on targeting the transgender community. This policy is not about cost or care - it is about driving transgender people and people with transgender spouses, children, and dependents out of the federal workforce," said Human Rights Campaign Foundation President Kelley Robinson. "These federal employees will now be forced into an impossible situation that pits them between their jobs and access to the care they need. That is discrimination, plain and simple, and the HRC Foundation refuses to let it stand without a fight. Our litigation seeks to honor those federal workers and preserve the rights, respect, and dignity they deserve."
The filing with OPM asserts that excluding coverage for gender-affirming healthcare in the FEHB and PSHB programs is in violation of Title VII. The claims are based on Title VII's protections against discrimination based on sex, which apply to the terms, conditions, and privileges of employment.
"No Federal employee should be discriminated against in health care or otherwise. The law protects them," said Cathy Harris of Correia and Puth.
To receive updates on the case, visit https://www.hrc.org/fehp-class-action.
Benefits of Transgender Medical Care:
For many people, medical care for purposes of gender transition is medically necessary care that is supported by every major medical and mental health organization as best-practice medicine including the American Medical Association, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the American Psychological Association. Research has consistently found that the receipt of gender-affirming care can significantly improve the lives of people who receive it.
The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) is the nation's largest LGBTQ+ civil rights organization working to achieve equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) people, with 3.6 million members and supporters. The HRC Foundation (a 501(c)(3)) works to ensure LGBTQ+ people are safe, seen and supported where it matters most: at school, at work and in every community across the country. From the courtroom to the classroom, from Congress to corporate America, HRC and the HRC Foundation build power through partnerships, storytelling, and actionworking to create a future rooted in equity, freedom and belonging for all LGBTQ+ people.
Correia & Puth, PLLC is a civil rights law firm based in the District of Columbia dedicated to representing individuals confronting discrimination, retaliation, and unfair treatment. The lawyers of Correia & Puth are staunch advocates for individuals who face discrimination in the workplace, schools, healthcare settings, and other places of public accommodation. For more information, visit https://correiaputh.com/.
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Original text here: https://www.hrc.org/press-releases/human-rights-campaign-foundation-launches-class-action-against-trump-administration-on-behalf-of-federal-workers-and-their-families-over-loss-of-gender-affirming-healthcare-coverage
CAIR-MN Calls for Probe of Bias Motive for Vandalism Targeting Somali-Run Day Care
WASHINGTON, Dec. 31 [Category: Sociological] -- The Council on American-Islamic Relations posted the following news release:
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CAIR-MN Calls for Probe of Bias Motive for Vandalism Targeting Somali-Run Day Care
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The Minnesota chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-MN) today called for an investigation of a possible bias motive for a reported act of vandalism targeting a Somali-run day care in Minneapolis.
According to media reports, the Nokomis Daycare Center was vandalized following a wave of online misinformation and hostile rhetoric directed at Minnesota's Somali
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Dec. 31 [Category: Sociological] -- The Council on American-Islamic Relations posted the following news release:
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CAIR-MN Calls for Probe of Bias Motive for Vandalism Targeting Somali-Run Day Care
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The Minnesota chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-MN) today called for an investigation of a possible bias motive for a reported act of vandalism targeting a Somali-run day care in Minneapolis.
According to media reports, the Nokomis Daycare Center was vandalized following a wave of online misinformation and hostile rhetoric directed at Minnesota's Somalicommunity. That facility was not included in a viral social media video that has fueled right-wing attacks and false narratives about Somali-run childcare providers.
In a statement, CAIR-MN Executive Director Jaylani Hussein said:
"This disturbing incident raises serious concerns about the real-world consequences of anti-Somali, anti-immigrant and anti-Muslim hate speech circulating online. When misinformation and dehumanizing rhetoric about an entire community are allowed to spread unchecked, acts of intimidation and vandalism become more likely. Even though this day care had no connection to the viral video being circulated online, it was still targeted. That raises serious questions about whether bias played a role in the vandalism, and those questions deserve a thorough investigation by law enforcement authorities."
CAIR-MN has previously condemned racist and dishonest attacks on Rep. Ilhan Omar and the broader Somali-American community and has repeatedly warned that such rhetoric can lead to harassment, discrimination, and violence.
CAIR-MN: Minnesota Rep. Tom Emmer calls for deportation of Somali-American citizens - CBS
CAIR-MN: Trump administration freezes child care payments to Minnesota amid federal investigation into alleged fraud - CNN
CAIR-MN is the state's leading Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization. Its mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
END
CONTACTS: Jaylani Hussein, Executive Director, CAIR-MN 612-406-0070 jhussein@cair.com ; Suleiman Adan, Deputy Executive Director, CAIR-MN 612-408-7183 sadan@cair.com
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Original text here: https://www.cair.com/press_releases/cair-mn-calls-for-probe-of-bias-motive-for-vandalism-targeting-somali-run-day-care/
CAIR-CT Condemns Vandalism of Menorah at Bridgeport Synagogue
WASHINGTON, Dec. 31 [Category: Sociological] -- The Council on American-Islamic Relations posted the following news release:
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CAIR-CT Condemns Vandalism of Menorah at Bridgeport Synagogue
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The Connecticut chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-CT) strongly condemns the recent vandalism of the outdoor menorah at Congregation B'nai Israel in Bridgeport.
On December 24, 2025, a person was recorded on surveillance footage deliberately toppling a large menorah at Congregation B'nai Israel. Police are actively investigating this incident as vandalism and have identified
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Dec. 31 [Category: Sociological] -- The Council on American-Islamic Relations posted the following news release:
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CAIR-CT Condemns Vandalism of Menorah at Bridgeport Synagogue
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The Connecticut chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-CT) strongly condemns the recent vandalism of the outdoor menorah at Congregation B'nai Israel in Bridgeport.
On December 24, 2025, a person was recorded on surveillance footage deliberately toppling a large menorah at Congregation B'nai Israel. Police are actively investigating this incident as vandalism and have identifieda person of interest.
"These hateful acts targeting any religious symbols or intentionally disrespecting any faith are attacks on the dignity and safety of all faith communities in Connecticut," said Farhan Memon, Chairman of CAIR-CT. "We stand in solidarity with the Jewish community and call on law enforcement to fully investigate the incident and hold perpetrators accountable. Connecticut must be a place where people of all backgrounds can worship, celebrate, and live without fear."
He said CAIR and the American Muslim community stand in solidarity with all those challenging antisemitism, systemic anti-Black racism, xenophobia, anti-Muslim hate, white supremacy, and all other forms of bigotry.
CAIR-CT's mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
La mision de CAIR-CT es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprension del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos.
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CONTACT: Farhan Memon, CAIR-CT Chairman, 203-517-6526, fmemon@cair.com
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Original text here: https://www.cair.com/press_releases/cair-ct-condemns-vandalism-of-menorah-at-bridgeport-synagogue/
CAIR-CA Responds to 'Lazy, Unoriginal' Anti-Muslim Commentary in the Western Journal
WASHINGTON, Dec. 31 [Category: Sociological] -- The Council on American-Islamic Relations posted the following news release:
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CAIR-CA Responds to 'Lazy, Unoriginal' Anti-Muslim Commentary in the Western Journal
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"The overt bigotry expressed by contributing writer Samuel Short in his recent commentary, where he claims to speak on behalf of 'Western civilization,' is an appalling and downright dangerous continuation of the blatant anti-Muslim rhetoric that has made its way back into the political and societal norm."
READ THE RESPONSE.
About the Author
Hussam Ayloush is the CEO of
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Dec. 31 [Category: Sociological] -- The Council on American-Islamic Relations posted the following news release:
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CAIR-CA Responds to 'Lazy, Unoriginal' Anti-Muslim Commentary in the Western Journal
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"The overt bigotry expressed by contributing writer Samuel Short in his recent commentary, where he claims to speak on behalf of 'Western civilization,' is an appalling and downright dangerous continuation of the blatant anti-Muslim rhetoric that has made its way back into the political and societal norm."
READ THE RESPONSE.
About the Author
Hussam Ayloush is the CEO ofCAIR California, a chapter of the nation's largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, and a lifelong advocate for human rights and democracy both here and abroad.
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Original text here: https://www.cair.com/press_releases/cair-ca-responds-to-lazy-unoriginal-anti-muslim-commentary-in-the-western-journal/
CAIR in the News, December 31, 2026
WASHINGTON, Dec. 31 [Category: Sociological] -- The Council on American-Islamic Relations posted the following news release:
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CAIR in the News, December 31, 2026
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Video: CAIR-Austin Welcomes City Policy Change After Religious Harassment at Park Targeting Muslims
CAIR: Pentagon to pay Boeing $8.6B to make fighters for Israel, raising concerns - The Seattle Times
"The Pentagon's decision to funnel billions of American taxpayer dollars and advanced weaponry to the Israeli military is morally indefensible," CAIR National Deputy Director Edward Ahmed Mitchell said in a statement. "This
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Dec. 31 [Category: Sociological] -- The Council on American-Islamic Relations posted the following news release:
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CAIR in the News, December 31, 2026
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Video: CAIR-Austin Welcomes City Policy Change After Religious Harassment at Park Targeting Muslims
CAIR: Pentagon to pay Boeing $8.6B to make fighters for Israel, raising concerns - The Seattle Times
"The Pentagon's decision to funnel billions of American taxpayer dollars and advanced weaponry to the Israeli military is morally indefensible," CAIR National Deputy Director Edward Ahmed Mitchell said in a statement. "ThisBoeing contract sends a clear message that U.S. defense contractors and foreign governments can profit from Israel's crimes against humanity without consequence," he continued. "It is a reward for genocide, paid for by American taxpayers."
CAIR: US Muslim group condemns Pentagon's contract with Boeing for Israeli F-15 fighter jets - Anadolu Agency
CAIR denounces Pentagon's approval of fighter jet contract for Israel - MENAFN
CAIR-MN: Minnesota Rep. Tom Emmer calls for deportation of Somali-American citizens - CBS
"The rhetoric that's right now online, on social media, that is racist, and targeting of our community should not be policy," Jaylani Hussein, executive director of Council on American-Islamic Relations Minnesota, said.
CAIR-MN: Trump administration freezes child care payments to Minnesota amid federal investigation into alleged fraud - CNN
"The Somali community in the Twin Cities is overwhelmingly made up of hardworking families, small business owners, healthcare workers, students, and taxpayers who contribute every day to Minnesota's economy and civic life," Jaylani Hussein, the executive director of the Council on American-Islamic Relation's Minnesota chapter, told CNN in an email.
CAIR: Muslim families harassed at Austin park - FOX 7 Austin
CAIR-Austin: Austin Muslims targeted at family gathering in park - AsAmNews
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Original text here: https://www.cair.com/press_releases/cair-in-the-news-december-31-2026/
America First Legal Wins Major Appeal in Mesa Public Schools Case; Arizona Court Revives Parent's Challenge to Secret In-School Gender Transition
WASHINGTON, Dec. 31 [Category: Political] -- America First Legal, a civil rights organization, posted the following news release:
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America First Legal Wins Major Appeal in Mesa Public Schools Case; Arizona Court Revives Parent's Challenge to Secret In-School Gender Transition
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America First Legal (AFL) has secured a significant victory in its lawsuit challenging Mesa Public Schools' (MPS) practice of concealing students' in-school gender transition from parents. MPS is the largest school district in the State of Arizona, with 53,000 students in 82 schools and programs. The Arizona Court
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Dec. 31 [Category: Political] -- America First Legal, a civil rights organization, posted the following news release:
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America First Legal Wins Major Appeal in Mesa Public Schools Case; Arizona Court Revives Parent's Challenge to Secret In-School Gender Transition
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America First Legal (AFL) has secured a significant victory in its lawsuit challenging Mesa Public Schools' (MPS) practice of concealing students' in-school gender transition from parents. MPS is the largest school district in the State of Arizona, with 53,000 students in 82 schools and programs. The Arizona Courtof Appeals issued an opinion affirming parents' rights and rejecting the school district's attempt to dismiss the case on procedural grounds.
The three-judge panel rejected the trial court's dismissal of the case and reinstated claims challenging MPS's controversial transgender policy. This policy requires teachers and school staff to secretly conceal students' in-school gender transitions from their parents in direct violation of Arizona's Parents' Bill of Rights. The case involves a parent, identified by the pseudonym of Jane Doe in court filings, who discovered that her daughter had been encouraged to adopt a male name and identity at school, without the mother's knowledge or consent. Even worse, administrators and teachers eventually admitted that they had deliberately withheld this information from the girl's parents and that it was official MPS policy not to tell parents about such matters.
Jane Doe met with her daughter's junior high school principal, who refused to provide additional details on what school officials had been saying to her child about gender and sexuality. The principal also admitted that:
* Teachers and administrators permitted and encouraged the use of a new name and gender identity at school without parental knowledge or consent.
* School personnel deliberately avoided updating the daughter's official student records to prevent automatic parental notification.
The court rejected MPS's arguments that Jane Doe lacked standing or waited too long to sue, explaining that when a challenged policy remains in effect, parents may seek judicial review to prevent future violations of their rights even if the school claims the harm has already passed.
"Arizona law puts parents, not school bureaucrats, in charge of their children's upbringing, education, and mental health, and districts must answer when they cross that line," said James Rogers, Senior Counsel at America First Legal. "Parents have the God-given right and responsibility to raise and nurture their children. Government schools should never try to secretly usurp that role. Teachers and administrators should not deceive parents or hide critical information about their children's welfare."
AFL will continue to fight to hold Mesa Unified School District accountable, defend parents' rights, and save children from radical ideology in America's public schools.
Read the court's decision here.
Read more about this case here.
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Original text here: https://aflegal.org/press-release/america-first-legal-wins-major-appeal-in-mesa-public-schools-case-arizona-court-revives-parents-challenge-to-secret-in-school-gender-transition/
AJC Applauds Federal Court Ruling Upholding California's Landmark Classroom Bias Prevention Law
NEW YORK, Dec. 31 [Category: Religion] -- The American Jewish Committee posted the following news release:
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AJC Applauds Federal Court Ruling Upholding California's Landmark Classroom Bias Prevention Law
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American Jewish Committee (AJC) welcomed a federal court ruling today ensuring that AB 715, California's newly enacted law protecting public school students from bias and discrimination in the classroom, will go into effect on Jan. 1.
Denying a challenge that sought to block the law, U.S. District Court Judge Noel Wise, said the state had the right to regulate what is taught in public-school
... Show Full Article
NEW YORK, Dec. 31 [Category: Religion] -- The American Jewish Committee posted the following news release:
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AJC Applauds Federal Court Ruling Upholding California's Landmark Classroom Bias Prevention Law
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American Jewish Committee (AJC) welcomed a federal court ruling today ensuring that AB 715, California's newly enacted law protecting public school students from bias and discrimination in the classroom, will go into effect on Jan. 1.
Denying a challenge that sought to block the law, U.S. District Court Judge Noel Wise, said the state had the right to regulate what is taught in public-schoolclassrooms and when.
"As public-school education belongs to the government, the government may regulate [teachers'] speech to accord with the government's educational goals. It is of no significance that the curricula and the attendant speech required to teach it may advance a single viewpoint to the exclusion of another."
The Court's ruling upheld that AB 715which bars teachers from injecting personal beliefs and bias into instruction and provides added protections for all students, including Jewish studentsis constitutional, despite the plaintiff's claims otherwise. The decision affirmed California's right to require that instruction is accurate, inclusive, and nondiscriminatory, and denied plaintiffs' arguments that teachers have a right to free speech that trumps these safeguards.
"Judge Wise's ruling affirms that constitutional law aligns with common sense," said AJC CEO Ted Deutch. "Public schools need to be welcoming to all, including Jews, and must not be used as platforms for teachers to express individual political views. Bias and discrimination that can lead to outright antisemitism has no place in California - or any - classrooms."
AB 715, passed unanimously on the final day of the 2025 legislative session and signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom on Oct. 7, 2025, works in tandem with a separate law, SB 48, to establish a new Office of Civil Rights within California's Department of Education. This office will include an Antisemitism Prevention Coordinator alongside coordinators addressing other types of discrimination.
The law also requires schools and teachers to consider the U.S. National Strategy to Counter Antisemitism, including its reference to the widely used International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) Working Definitionwhich has been embraced by the national strategy when analyzing antisemitism.
In addition to submitting a "friend of the court" brief in support of AB715, AJC played a significant role in building support for the law's passage.
"We are grateful for today's ruling," said Seth Brysk, AJC Northern California Director. "Now schools must ensure they comply with these nondiscrimination mandates. AJC stands ready to assist students, families, teachers, and administrators in creating and strengthening educational spaces that foster inclusion and resilience against antisemitism."
AJC thanks California Attorney General Rob Bonta for vigorously defending AB 715 in court.
Through its Center for Education Advocacy, AJC offers resources to help families, students, and K-12 school administrators create educational spaces that are resilient against antisemitism. AJC's Guide to Understanding AB 715 is here.
AJC is the global advocacy organization for the Jewish people. With headquarters in New York, 25 regional offices across the United States, 15 overseas posts, as well as partnerships with 38 Jewish community organizations worldwide, AJC's mission is to enhance the well-being of the Jewish people and Israel and to advance human rights and democratic values in the United States and around the world. For more, please visit www.ajc.org.
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Original text here: https://www.ajc.org/news/ajc-applauds-federal-court-ruling-upholding-californias-landmark-classroom-bias-prevention-law
