"He grabbed me, twisted my arm on my back and shoved me in the grass and started pulling the back of my braids," — 15-year-old Dajerria Becton This past Friday, McKinney law enforcement responded to a call from white residents that a group of Black teens, 13 — 16 years old, attending a pool party “did not have permission to be there.” One of the residents is reported in having told the kids to go back to “Section 8 housing.” Officer Eric Casebolt violently arrested, verbally assaulted and physically attacked a number of the teens, including Dajerria Becton who was body slammed, pinned down and put in handcuffs while unarmed and wearing a bikini. Ofc. Casebolt then drew his gun at teens who came to Dajerria’s rescue. McKinney law enforcement and Officer Casebolt's violence against these teens highlight the systemic abuse, injustice, and criminalization that Black girls and women face at the hands of law enforcement every day. Police treated all of the Black teens unjustly, but the gender and racial stereotypes underlying their behavior are highlighted when Officer Casebolt spoke to the group of Black girls. "Stop running your mouth" and "get your a***** out of here," he shouted to the group of teenage girls in bathing suits before violently grabbing Dajerria by the hair, slamming her head into the pavement, and digging his knee into her back while she laid face down in the grass. In addition to Officer Casebolt, the other 11 police officers who stood by and allowed this violence to continue must be held accountable and Attorney General Lynch should launch a full investigation into the discriminatory policing practices of the McKinney Police Department. Join us in urging local officials to fire Officer Casebolt and charge him with assault and battery for his brutal and discriminatory actions.

Nobody should have to choose between a job and healthy pregnancy, especially at the moment they need it most. Recently introduced with BIPARTISAN support, the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act would make it unmistakable: Employers must provide reasonable accommodations to pregnant workers who need them. Despite the Pregnancy Discrimination Act's requirement that pregnant workers receive equal treatment, the fact is that some employers are still firing pregnant employees for requesting simple accommodations, such as avoiding heavy lifting or even being able to take extra water breaks. Tell your members of Congress to support the Pregnant Worker Fairness Act now!

Every eligible American should have an equal opportunity to vote, and it should be free, fair and easily accessible. But due to outdated standards and practices, far too many people find themselves excluded from exercising this right. Same-Day Registration (SDR) is a pro-voter reform that fixes this problem and re-orients our democratic systems back towards the people. Senator Margaret Rose Henry is working to expand voting rights in Delaware by sponsoring an SDR bill that will allow eligible Delaware voters to register to vote on Election Day and then immediately cast a ballot. SDR pays numerous dividends. First, it provides an important opportunity to dramatically increase voter registration and electoral participation, as SDR states typically rank among the highest in the nation in voter turnout. Second, SDR remedies inaccurate voter rolls and protects the integrity of the vote, by allowing voters to update their records at all polling locations. Third, SDR is cost-effective, as it reduces the need for paper provisional ballots — ballots that often go uncounted in Delaware. SDR particularly facilitates higher turnout among marginalized communities historically underrepresented in our democracy, including (but not limited to) citizens who are low-income, young people, and people of color. In a 1957 speech titled "Give Us The Ballot," Dr. King made a vivid case for why voting rights are so critical in our society: "So long as I do not firmly and irrevocably possess the right to vote I do not possess myself. I cannot make up my mind — it is made up for me. I cannot live as a democratic citizen, observing the laws I have helped to enact — I can only submit to the edict of others." Tell the Delaware State Senate to adopt a common-sense upgrade to the state’s electoral system, and ensure that all those who are qualified to vote possess the most efficient means to do so.

Workplace bullying is a major problem and significantly affects the lives and health of those affected. It is status blind. Targets of workplace abuse not covered by standard harassment laws supporting protected classes require support. Employers need to take responsibility and provide a healthy working environment. Bullying in the workplace causes the loss of billions from our economy, targets may suffer health harming effects and career damage.

I am a blind American who wants to maintain my independence so I am starting this petition in order to promote safety for blind citizens as they cross the street

It is time for this country to stand by a portion of its citizens who are constantly the target of hate, violence, and acts of discrimination that should not be targeted at anyone simply because of their sexual orientation. It is long overdue for people to stand up and say "Enough! Hate will not be accepted against any minority including race, color, sexuality, gender, or disability!" Discrimination in any form is wrong and regardless of one's personal beliefs, discrimination needs to be stopped and laws need to be enacted protecting the LGBT communities across the nation from this great social injustice. The time has come to tell our leaders in Arizona to stand up for what is right, and to end hate in America NOW.

A piece of ground known as Oak Flats just a little east of Phoenix, close to the town of Superior, Arizona has been a spiritual sanctuary for the Apache tribe for several centuries. However, underneath this sacred land is - to some - some of the most valuable copper in North America, if not the world. And so, in February, the U.S. Senate allowed that sacred land to be traded to a foreign company for mining rights. Learn more by reading these articles: http://www.nytimes.com/2015/05/29/opinion/selling-off-apache-holy-land.html?_r=0 http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/12/12/defense-bill-passes-rio-tinto_n_6317946.html "The deal is an impressive new low in congressional corruption, unworthy of our country’s ideals no matter what side of the aisle you’re on. It’s exactly the kind of cynical maneuvering that has taught the electorate to disrespect politicians — a disdain for government that hurts everyone. If ever there was a time for Congress to prove its moral mettle to the public, this is that time. The rider should be repealed. " Lydia Millet

When your child is too sick to go to school, you often have no choice but to stay home with them. It’s not a choice at all -- it’s your obligation as a parent. Yet, for too many of Oregon’s working families living paycheck-to-paycheck, a sudden illness or accident could spell financial disaster. It means lost wages, or even a lost job. It could mean coming up short on your rent payment, and even eviction. Oregon workers shouldn’t have to choose between paying the bills and staying home when they or their child gets sick. Sign the petition: tell the Legislature to make paid sick time a reality for all Oregonians!

I am starting this petition because I have family members who are veterans, friends who are veterans, and work for and with veterans who have received honorable and general discharges and wish they could get the same privileges of shopping on military installations due to their service to the United States of America. Some folks could not make it to retirement status due to disabilities, which they do not receive 100% compensation for and some may have had a family member that they needed to care for because their superiors would not grant a hardship for. Please take this petition and consider it. Veterans deserve to be treated equally and veterans who do not have dishonorable discharges deserve military installations privileges

I was a beneficiary in this system for many years, and successfully returned to the workforce after furthering my education. I have been given many opportunities in life, and want to see our legislators reform this system so those who are able to return to the workforce are able to receive job training without penalty. The current system places severe time limits and income restrictions on beneficiaries who want to move ahead with their lives. In a time of huge inequality, everyone should have the opportunity to improve their future.

The diversity makeup on the 46th Ward Zoning & Development Committee is unacceptable in this day and age, period. For updates & more info: http://UptownChicago.Rocks

" As one of 3 Black females in a department of ~1000, I have witnessed the callous and hostile culture an almost all white male department has towards the minority employees; and the poor and colored citizens that call 911 for help. People are being hurt with one known death and possible more due to inadequate medical care by Hills. County Fire Rescue personnel".