Education Department removing 'disparate impact' discrimination rule

The Department of Education has narrowed its civil rights enforcement, ruling that school policies resulting in unequal outcomes for certain groups will no longer be considered discriminatory unless intent is proven.

New White House report says Smithsonian leadership 'can't be trusted'

The White House report comes after President Donald earlier this year announced plans to force changes at the Smithsonian Institution with an executive order that targeted funding for programs that he claims advanced certain ideologies.

Transgender people won’t face criminal charges for using public restrooms in Idaho, judge rules

Idaho's restrictions on public facilities hit a major legal setback after a federal judge put a hold on penalties targeting transgender individuals. The judge ruled that parts of the law were too vague to enact.

DOJ challenges Chicago suburb's $25K reparations payments in court

The U.S. Department of Justice has moved to intervene in a federal lawsuit challenging the City of Evanston's reparations program, arguing the race-based initiative violates the Constitution and federal housing law.

Deadly antisemitic attacks reach 30-year high in 2025, report finds

A new report from Tel Aviv University found that 2025 was the deadliest year for antisemitic violence in more than three decades.

Supreme Court rules against law banning 'conversion therapy' for LGBTQ+ kids

The Supreme Court on Tuesday ruled against a law banning "conversion therapy" for LGBTQ+ kids in Colorado, one of about two dozen states that banned the discredited practice. 

The Nora Project promotes disability inclusion in classrooms during awareness month
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Co-founder Lauren Schrero explains how the program helps students understand disability as part of human diversity and encourages more inclusive mindsets from an early age.

Trump administration sued over new signage policy affecting national parks

A lawsuit against the Trump administration claims it’s erasing history and science from America's national parks with new signage policies. Here is what the lawsuit says has been changed in recent months.

Nike’s diversity initiatives under EEOC scrutiny for alleged discrimination against White workers

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission is investigating Nike over allegations that the company’s diversity initiatives unlawfully discriminated against White employees and job applicants.

Finding a voice: Inside Clearbrook’s PAL Program

Clearbrook’s PAL Program empowers adults with developmental disabilities to communicate, make choices and take meaningful steps toward independence.

Barbie introduces first autistic doll to promote inclusion and acceptance
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Barbie’s new Fashionista autistic doll marks a major step toward representation, with local autism advocates explaining its impact, available community resources, and an upcoming Chicago Auto Show fundraiser supporting autism services.

FBI agents fired for kneeling during 2020 protest sue over termination

Twelve former FBI agents filed a lawsuit to get their jobs back after being fired for kneeling during a 2020 racial justice protest, an action they claim was meant to avoid a volatile situation.

Student loan forgiveness program getting Trump overhaul: What’s changing

Here’s a look at how President Trump and the Education Department are looking to reshape the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program, which cancels student debt for some employees after 10 years.

Bolingbrook firefighters inspire young women with hands-on training Camp EmpowHer

Camp EmpowHer, a free program started by Bolingbrook firefighters, introduces young women to firefighting careers through hands-on training and mentorship.