Policies work best when they are fair, consistent, and well implemented. Politics work best when they are representative and support effective policy. Principles work best when they are applied to both policy and politics to ensure just outcomes. But when these three interface, we often have tensions and challenges. That has especially been the case in the recent decisions of the Trump Administration relating to separating children from adults crossing the border and also in the recent decision to withdraw from the U.N. Human Rights Council. The following provides some perspective on each of these decisions in light of recent policy, political, and principle challenges.
AB 2943: The Slippery Slope of Repressing Religious Expression - May 2018
California’s AB 2943 is a bill that raises a number of First Amendment concerns for religious freedom. Religious freedom is one of the most significant of our rights since it is foundational to many other rights and freedoms (see also my article in the Trinity Law Review here). AB 2943 is unconstitutionally repressing this foundational right in the effort to promote other purposes.
Global Advocacy for Women & the Status of Women Worldwide
For the past 25+ years, I have served as a human rights advocate in various contexts and on various issues. Throughout these years of studying human rights concerns worldwide, I have confirmed that addressing human rights issues requires specifically addressing issues affecting women. That is because human rights abuses disproportionately and generationally impact women and, in turn, their communities. But when human rights are realized among women, it has an exponentially positive impact on children, the elderly, men, and the community. Based on this understanding, it is important to consider the current status of women worldwide and how we as individuals can best advocate for women throughout the globe. The following summarizes some key indicators of the political, economic, and social status of women worldwide and highlights ways to provide advocacy for women in our communities and around the globe.
International Women's Day 2018: Value and Worth – Lauren Moustakas
This International Women’s Day we celebrate women everywhere, the work that has been done to advance women’s rights, and the work that is currently being done to benefit women and girls globally. On this day especially, I am grateful for the women who have gone before me and the women who have shaped and influenced the woman I have become.
International Women's Day: Why, How, and Now in Achieving Women's Rights – Sosamma Samuel-Burnett, JD
Women make up about half of the world’s population. Women provide the majority of resources, support, and services to men, other women, children, elderly, disabled, and others in their care. Women serve countless hours in the home and in the marketplace. And there is no man, woman, or child in this world that did not start their life through a woman who conceived, carried, and delivered that person into the world. So why is it that women are still facing disparity, discrimination, and abuse in political, social, and economic terms? On this International Women’s Day, let us take a closer look at the questions of “why?” but also the question of “how?” women can achieve human rights worldwide.