We are afraid that Carleton's Bias Incident Response Team is not focused enough on the issues it was convened to deal with: systemic oppression. The current definition could be used against "reverse racism," which we don't think should be covered. We strongly recommend the BIRT Working Group develop a definition that is conditional upon a legacy of systemic oppression.

I have friends who could benefit from the legal use of medical marijuana.

I am a Vietnam Veteran suffering with PTSD. I have used marijuana to help me control my emotions. I would like to be able to do this legally without having to move to another state. If marijuana was legalized, medical research could be conducted for the treatment of PTSD and other ailments.

My baby grandaughter, Gabriella Victoria Aurora, was murdered by her father, and because of a new law, is eligible for parole. It doesn't matter what the crime was, but since he has not been in trouble lately he's eligible.... No! I disagree.... He should not be able to be free. My one-year-old grandaughter did not get a life due to this individual... Say no! Help us stop him from getting out!

Not only would decriminalization benefit the people of Tennessee, but the revenue generated by taxes would help the state.

This bill potentially weakens the FCC's ability to ensure that all Americans have equal access to the Internet. The language of this bill handcuffs the FCC from acting to prohibit corporate ISPs from enacting measures that would restrict fair access to the Internet for gain.

I was diagnosed with ALS several years ago and while I have been very fortunate with it, a body breaking down can be a very painful experience, both physically and emotionally. Medical use of marijuana offers the possibility of treating potentially debilitating disease symptoms like neuropathy, loss of appetite, anxiety, muscle spasms without the devastating side effects of other prescribed solutions.

I've watched the data pile up year after year, confirming what many knew 50 years ago, that drug prohibition doesn't stop drug abuse and doesn't prevent addiction; it only criminalizes a behavioral disorder and stigmatizes millions of people who need treatment not jail time. Now that four states have legalized pot and have shown that public safety has not suffered from it, it's time for Texas to accept defeat on the War on Drugs, and follow suit in legalizing marijuana. No state has got it right yet, though, as we need not only to end drug prohibition, we need to dramatically increase drug addiction treatment opportunities for all people.

The Florida State Legislature recently passed a law defunding Planned Parenthood, which Governor Rick Scott signed. This action would force Planned Parenthood clinics across the state to close later this year. As a result, millions of low income women will be left without basic reproductive health care. They will be unable to receive screening and diagnostic tests that prevent the spread of cancer, std's and other diseases, at an affordable cost. They would also be unable to access birth control, which prevents the need for abortions in the first place. How many women will die because of the actions of Governor Scott and the Florida legislature?

Second Fiddle, a bar in Nashville, displays a Confederate flag prominently. When asked about taking it down, bar staff defended it saying only uneducated people would want it taken down. They clearly do not understand the racial implications of this symbol. Please help the South become more integrated by getting rid of racist symbols in public places.

After writing an email to South Carolina Senator Mike Fair asking him to consider a ban on "pray away the gay" therapy, the Senator sent me an email back saying “Your warped advocacies are shameful” and that he is tired of the “sick behavior involving same sex” people. It was extremely inappropriate for the Senator to call a gay advocate “sick” and “shameful” from his government email account. Is this even proper protocol when responding to a concerned citizen? If he disagreed with my email, he should have been civil and respectfully said “I disagree” or “thanks” or simply not responded. Where his comments were absurd and disrespectful, his email certainly empowers me to keep up the important fight. Senator Fair is failing to protect our young people and the State of South Carolina. Please join me in urging him to immediately resign. A copy of the correspondence can be found below: Coverage by Advocate Magazine: http://www.advocate.com/politics/2016/4/15/sc-senator-lgbt-advocate-youre-warped-sick-shameful --------------------------------------------------- Begin forwarded message: From: Mike Fair Subject: Re: Ban Conversion Therapy Date: April 10, 2016 at 10:34:23 AM EDT To: Caleb Laieski Please do not ignore the science in promoting your agenda. Pediatric neurologists recognize and stand by the claim, empirically proven, that the brain's elasticity doesn't disappear following puberty and kids continue to change remarkably right through the end of adolescence which could be the mid twenties. Your encouragement of life altering surgery as a young teen but fighting against counseling from those who are no longer in the ethereal and sick behavior involving same sex sexual profligacy is beyond irresponsibility. Your warped advocacies are shameful. MF On Apr 9, 2016, at 2:38 AM, Caleb Laieski wrote: As an elected leader, I urge you to ensure legislation is introduced and passed to ban damaging conversion therapy. Conversion therapy refers to the practice to change and help "cure" someone's sexual orientation. Sadly, this practice is used on minors, who have no legal authority to make their own medical decisions. These practices lead to depression, decreased self-esteem, substance abuse, suicidal behavior, and frequently result in suicide. That is why physiological, medical, and counseling associations are against this practice. The associations also agree that this practice is ineffective, as well as extremely harmful, and damaging to individuals that go through these programs. A few of these organizations include: The American Medical Association, American Psychological Association, American Counseling Association, National Association of Social Workers, and the World Health Organization. Without question, there is very clear evidence that conversion therapy does not work and only traumatizes patients more. Several states have passed laws banning licensed therapists from subjecting minors to such treatment, and I urge you to join the movement. Please introduce and pass legislation that prohibits state-licensed mental healthcare providers from advertising or providing “conversion therapy” or "pray away the gay" therapy to anyone under the age of eighteen. Thank you very much for your time and consideration, Caleb Laieski National Advocate for the LGBT Community, Public Safety, and the Environment

Blue Crest Energy of Texas will begin fracking off the Kenai Peninsula, Alaska this June. As data begins to come in about hydro fracking from states and communities that have been adversely affected by fracking, the news that this beautiful and wild area of Alaska is next to be fracked is disturbing. This area is home to the Kenai Moose Refuge, salmon fishing, and Beluga Whales. Tourism in this area is based on the health of the ecosystem. Fishing is world class and the area is home to many whose recreation and economics are dependent on this area being uncontaminated and having clean air and clean water. In addition, this area is very seismic, prone to earthquakes on a regular basis without the risk of fracking creating more and uncontrolled earthquakes. This affects all who live here and those who love this area and come to visit and appreciate one of the last great wild places.