Equity & Research

Photo by Joshua Franzos Photo by Joshua Franzos Photo by Joshua Franzos

Overview

Early in 2016, The Heinz Endowments introduced the concept of a “Just Pittsburgh” to the public as a term to describe some of the major challenges and aspirations for the Pittsburgh region. An unexpectedly widespread conversation was sparked about what the concept represents and our community’s hopes and ambitions for the future.

From the Endowments’ perspective, a Just Pittsburgh would be a place that is unafraid of difference and embraces all with an open heart and mind. It would be intolerant of hiding behind one Pittsburgh that is celebrated in “best of” lists while letting a second Pittsburgh languish in poverty and discrimination. 

Today, we use “Just Pittsburgh” as an aspirational vision of the region, a Pittsburgh where everyone is treated with fairness, dignity and respect, and where everyone has an equitable opportunity to reach her or his fullest potential and to thrive.

The Endowments’ equity agenda is an outgrowth of the Just Pittsburgh vision. It is an intentional, focused effort to address the historical structural barriers, disparities in opportunity, bias and racism that affect far too many.

To rectify these long-standing issues, we must work differently. Every sector must be transformed to become more open, inclusive and equitable, and to create environments that are healthy and sustainable.  This includes how we at the Endowments use our resources; voice; convening power; and partnerships with grantees, government and community allies. 

For our foundation, this effort also means that we must listen to and engage with community residents in ways that honor their understanding about the assets and resources in their communities, and respect their views about the needs to be addressed that will strengthen families and build security. 

Our equity agenda explicitly integrates the goal of advancing a Just Pittsburgh into the Endowments’ grantmaking as a guiding principle for all our work, although a core ethical commitment to equity has always been at the heart of the foundation’s mission. We are working to create a just community, and we are doing that through our focus on the critical pathways of sustainability, creativity and learning.

Even with a distinct agenda in place, we realize that a Just Pittsburgh is a long-term work in progress. As former Endowments President Grant Oliphant said in a blog post, “If we are willing to dream of a Just Pittsburgh, we can create it — we simply have to want to try.”

Scholarship Opportunity Women of Color

Scholarship OpportunityThe scholarship program is designed for women who are interested in developing their project management skills and preparing themselves for the job market. The program offers a comprehensive training curriculum that covers various aspects of project management, including project planning, budgeting, risk management, and team management. Participants will also receive career development support, including resume building, job search strategies, interview preparation, and 1:1 mentorship. Applications due May 10!

Learn more

Videos now available from Fall Programs on Race + Disability

PeoplesHub and FISA Foundation, The Heinz Endowments and The Pittsburgh Foundation are sponsoring a series of webinars as part of a broader effort to address the intersection of race and disability. Please join us as we learn to face our history and move forward together in more just, fair and inclusive ways.

Race + Disability: Continuing the Conversation - FREE Virtual Conferences

  • Keynote: Understanding Disability as Political in Anti-Ableism Work, Presented by Dustin Gibson, Director of Access, Disability and Language Justice at PeoplesHub
  • Panel Discussion: Strategies to Fight Ableism in a Moment of Opportunity and Despair
  • Developing Analysis and Shifting Culture: The Journey of Practicing Disability Justice

View Race + Disability recordings


 

Bender Leadership Academy Digital Accessibility Initiative

The Bender Leadership Academy is partnering with Bender Consulting’s HighTest digital accessibility team to deliver accessible content to the nonprofit community. Reach out for help in making your website and documents accessible.  Get started!

Student Arrests in Allegheny County Schools: The Need for Transparency and Accountability

2021 Webinar Series || Race + Disability

The Black Lives Matter movement has held up a mirror, inviting us to see the many ways racism divides our country and profoundly shapes the experiences of people of color and of white people. FISA Foundation, The Heinz Endowments and The Pittsburgh Foundation sponsored a series of webinars, as part of a broader effort to address the intersection of race and disability. Please join us as we learn to face our history and move forward together in more just, fair and inclusive ways.

Recordings of past programs:

Race + Disability Check-in
If you’ve been attending our programs and working on addressing diversity, equity and inclusion efforts in your work, please join us for this interactive lunchtime conversation.  You’ll be able to talk with and hear from peers who are also working on strengthening anti-racism and anti-ableist practices.(Recording of panel discussion)

 

Race, Disability, Organizational Culture, and Social Change: Promising Practices from Centers for Independent Living
Historically, disability services were designed to accommodate a singular identity: person with a disability; all other aspects of an individual’s experience were considered secondary. But structuring services that ignore the lived experience of racism has created and exacerbated inequities within disability services. Treating disability as race-neutral has also created unwelcoming and sometimes unsafe working conditions for people of color with disabilities who are on staff. This session will explore promising practices in cultivating a welcoming and equitable culture, designed to include people of color with disabilities who are both consumers of services and staff offering support. Presenters represent various Centers for Independent Living. All panelists are multiply marginalized people with disabilities who are recognized for their efforts to advocate for equity in both the provision of supports and the leadership of staff. (Recording of Promising Practices)

 

Race + Disability Deep Dive: Three sessions addressing abuse of people of color with disabilities

  • Session 1 – Meeting the Needs of Human Trafficking Victims with Disabilities. People with disabilities (including autism and intellectual disabilities) are at high risk for both sex and labor trafficking, with many cases including an element that is unique to people with disabilities: traffickers stealing their government benefits, such as Supplemental Security Income or Social Security Disability Insurance. This session will explore the issues facing victims of trafficking who have disabilities, including the unique ways they are trafficked and implications for service providers. (Recording of Deep Dive - Session 1)
  • Session 2 – From Classroom to Dorm Room: Serving Survivors with Disabilities on Campus. Undergraduate students who have disabilities are nearly twice as likely as those without to report sexual violence. However, survivors with disabilities have been historically excluded by campus programs designed to prevent abuse and support survivors. This session will provide an overview on the barriers that student survivors with disabilities face in seeking out and receiving services on campus as well as solutions that educational institutions can implement to meet the needs of all students who experience sexual assault. (Recording of Deep Dive - Session 2)
  • Session 3 – Transformative Justice in the Lives of Survivors with Disabilities. With high rates of victimization and incarceration, people with disabilities have an elevated likelihood of having contact with the criminal legal system. This contact can be deadly, with 50% of people killed by police in the United States having a disability. This long history of being harmed by the state-sponsored justice system has led people with disabilities, and specifically people of color with disabilities, to seek alternative ways to heal and promote accountability. Transformative Justice (TJ) was created by and for people from marginalized communities to respond to violence when calling the police may not be a viable or safe option. (Recording of Deep Dive - Session 3)

 

Race + Disability Deep Dive: Addressing the school-to-prison Pipeline for students of color and students with disabilities

School-to-Prison Pipeline: Examining the Role of Police in Schools and the Impacts of Policing on Students of Color and Students with Disabilities.

Nationally and locally, Black students and other students of color are being harshly punished, arrested and issued citations at school for behavior that is not very different from white students. Students with disabilities are being excluded from the classroom through suspensions and expulsions and referred to the police for manifestations of their disabilities. Arrest rates for Allegheny County public school students are more than double the state average and 3.5 times the rate of Philadelphia. This session will share new local data on disparities in school arrests by race, gender and disability status. Presenters will explore the consequences for students when police become involved in non-criminal disciplinary matters and discuss the steps school administrators can take to better define the role of police and to limit police involvement to criminal matters. 
(Recording of Policing Impact)

 

Dismantling the School-to-Prison Pipeline for Students of Color and Students with Disabilities
In schools across the United States, Black students and other students of color are being harshly punished, arrested and issued citations at school for behavior that is not very different from white students. Students with disabilities are being excluded from the classroom through suspensions and expulsions and referred to the police for behavioral manifestations of their disabilities. Students of color who have disabilities experience compounded harms of racism and ableism.

Most of the infractions that result in criminal charges are minor and do not threaten school safety. When police become involved in non-criminal disciplinary matters, the consequences for students, particularly students of color and those with disabilities can be profound and long-lasting. A panel of experts, including civil rights attorneys, scholars and advocates will explore these issues in more depth and propose changes in policy and practice that can build public schools that are safe, affirming, and inclusive for all students.
(Recording of School-To-Prison-Pipeline) 

Materials from the session:

 

Inside-out work: Embedding racial equity in organizational culture
In recent years, many organizations have expressed a commitment to racial equity and justice and taken important first steps. Truly integrating this commitment into the fabric of a nonprofit’s mission takes leadership, intentionality, and tangible, practical work. The journey requires authenticity, vulnerability, and a willingness to make mistakes, learn and do better. Please join us for this engaged conversation between Michelle McMurray, Vice President of Program and Community Engagement at The Pittsburgh Foundation, and Tricia Gadson, CEO of Macedonia FACE, about what it takes to embed equity into organizational culture. Speakers will share progress that organizations have made in this area and note challenges associated with this work. 
(Recording of Embedding Racial Equity)

 

Race + Disability: Fostering Cultural Humility in Disability Services 
This workshop is designed to provide tools and strategies to increase multicultural awareness, knowledge, and the skills necessary to effectively work with and relate to ethnically and culturally diverse clients receiving disability services. Topics covered include intersectionality, disability justice and advocacy, implicit bias, cross-cultural communication, and microaggressions. Cultural humility will be introduced as a process to help build authentic cross-cultural relationships and will provide a culturally relevant strategic approach to reducing disparities. Presented by Dr. Channing Moreland, director of the Wellness Pavilion at the University of Pittsburgh Community Engagement Center in Homewood. 
(Recording of Fostering Cultural Humility). Note: you have to scroll down to the bottom of the page.

 

Race + Disability: Understanding Intersectional Oppression
Disability occurs in every ethnic and racial group, yet it is often presented as a “white person’s experience.” This workshop will explore why this is so and will dig into the intersection of race and disability and present ableism as a social justice issue. Learn why experiences of disability faced by historical figures of color are often overlooked, and explore the current struggles of disabled people of color. Presented by national experts Andraéa LeVant, Rosemary McDonnell-Horita and Sofia Webster, all of whom were involved in the Obama Netflix documentary Crip Camp. 

 

 

2021 State of Black America, The New Normal: Diverse, Equitable & Inclusive

The State of Black America is the signature reporting of the National Urban League. The 2021 State of Black America, The New Normal: Diverse, Equitable & Inclusive, continues to build on the Urban League's COVID-19 reporting and asks: “Where do we go from here?” As the risk of infection and death plummets, there is an overwhelming desire to “get back to normal.” Given the litany of disparities that defined our pre-pandemic “normal,” we cannot—and must not—return to our inequitable status quo. We are called to reimagine and forge a new, diverse, equitable and inclusive normal.

Pennsylvania Racial Equity Report

Racial disparities in the Pittsburgh region

Reports on racial disparities in the Pittsburgh region by Ralph Bangs, Ph.D., depict persistently poor quality-of-life conditions for Black residents in areas such as employment, homeownership, education, and poverty and arrest rates. The findings are bleak, but they also can be motivation for equally persistent efforts to address inequity and injustice.

Current Education Data by Race in Pittsburgh, Ralph Bangs, PhD, Feb. 23, 2021

Pittsburgh's Deplorable Black Living Conditions, Ralph Bangs, PhD, Feb. 23, 2021

Black-White Disparities in Arrests in the City of Pittsburgh, Ralph Bangs, PhD, Feb. 23, 2021

Study finds life-without-parole sentence for second-degree murder costly & ineffective

Mandatory life-without-parole sentences for second-degree murder in Pennsylvania ruin lives and cost taxpayers billions without improving safety, according to the report “Life Without Parole for Second-Degree Murder in Pennsylvania: An Objective Assessment of Sentencing.”  Philadelphia Lawyers for Social Equity (PLSE) conducted the sentencing study, which was commissioned by Lt. Gov. John Fetterman and funded by a grant from The Heinz Endowments.

Read the report

Webinar Series || Disability Inclusion & Access: Moving Forward

The Heinz Endowments and the FISA Foundation convened nearly 250 nonprofit and foundation leaders launched Disability Inclusion & Access: Moving Forward, an initiative aimed at encouraging foundations and nonprofit organizations to commit to basic accessibility improvements that would make programs and services more welcoming.  The event was the first step in the foundations’ efforts, which also include a directory of online resources, upcoming webinars (see below) and a small grants program in 2020.

FREE How-to Webinar Series - Short (one hour) webinars, free of charge, to address common accessibility issues:

Session 1: Disability 101: Understanding the Terms of Engagement
Cultural Factors and Considerations when Engaging with People with Disabilities
(Recording of Session 1)
 
Session 2: Website Accessibility: The Ramps and Rails of the Digital World
Why Basic Website Accessibility is Important for Your Organization
(Recording of Session 2)
 
Session 3: Document Accessibility: Can You Read This?
Creating Accessible Documents, Brochures, PDFs, Flyers, Reports and more
(Recording of Session 3)
 
Session 4: Social Media Accessibility: Our Network Depends on it
Accessible Social Media Posts and Campaigns
(Recording of Session 4)
 
Session 5: Disability Smart Events: Welcoming, Not Simply Accommodating
Accessible Planning for Conferences, Workshops, Galas, Staff Meetings and More
(Recording of Session 5) 

Equity Initiatives in the Pittsburgh Region

Despite the challenges in ensuring equity for all in our society, the encouraging news is that efforts to increase equity and address unfair practices and systems are underway in the Pittsburgh region and beyond. The Heinz Endowments is providing this list of ongoing equity initiatives in our region so that readers will be aware of what is happening locally and can engage in their areas of interest. 

  Equity Initiatives

Having informed conversations about equity and following up with meaningful action may seem daunting, but you don’t have to do it alone. There are a myriad of resources available to help guide discussion, identify areas that need attention, and formulate a plan to achieve your equity goals. Click here for more information

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What We're Reading

In "So You Want to Talk About Race," Ijeoma Oluo guides readers of all races through subjects ranging from police brutality and cultural appropriation to the model minority myth in an attempt to make the seemingly impossible possible: honest conversations about race, and about how racism infects every aspect of American life.



 

Buy the book
Program Staff
Carmen A. Anderson
Carmen A. Anderson Vice President, Equity & Research
Josie  Innamorato
Josie Innamorato Manager of Measurement and Evaluation
Becky Thatcher Baer
Becky Thatcher Baer Data Specialist
Vicki Beattie
Vicki Beattie Program Assistant, Learning
Pittsburgh newsrooms collaborate to improve DEIB
Readings set for 'Pittsburgh Live/Ability' and 'Flash Fiction America'
New fund aims to preserve affordable housing in Pittsburgh and Allegheny County
UPrep's resets: A school meant to bring Pitt's resources to Hill students goes back to the drawing board
Prenatal-to-Three in Allegheny County - Child Trends
Declining population and small racial diversity threatens Pittsburgh's future tech scene, RAND report finds
PBGH's new CEO speaks about priorities for the organization
Black Pittsburgh website launched to share the great things happening in the Black community
Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey promises to unite city in inaugural address
Bipartisan bill aims to allow Pa. lifers a chance at parole
Adults with intellectual disabilities voice needs, seek support in relationships | S3, Ep. 2
Formerly incarcerated people are getting a chance at change through coding
Pittsburgh Planning Commission raises concerns about proposed Oakland Crossings development
Casa San José helps immigrant families preserve holiday traditions and embrace new ones in Pittsburgh
Healthy social inclusion — the ‘next frontier’ for people with intellectual disabilities | S3, Ep. 1
From participant to paid employee, recent Woodlands Foundation hires show what people with disabilities bring to the workforce
A ‘RAY’ OF HOPE: Support growing for Black mothers who experience stillbirths
Pitt center provides resources for police accountability
Group aims to ensure racial equity by expanding Internet access
New study identifies stark health care disparities for Black Pennsylvanians
For some workers with disabilities, the pandemic brought surprising benefits. Now the flexibility is fading with a return to the old ways of working.
Same-Sex Couples Can Now Claim Fully Equal Social Security Benefits
An analysis of financial institutions in Black-majority communities:
How newsrooms, police departments, and social media fail missing people of color
Pittsburgh police now required to publish incident data with race, gender breakdowns
Port Authority study pushes more diverse development around transit stations
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Tactical Plan town hall outlines Pitt’s diversity goals and strategies
Defining diversity: Pittsburgh ranked as the most diverse tech hub in one report, but the distinction left many with questions
Thriving instead of surviving, Pittsburgh therapist talks Black mental health
Vibrant Pittsburgh releases annual report on ‘Diversity, Equity and Inclusion’
Mapping America’s diversity with the 2020 census
Report: African Americans received only 3.5% of all bank home loans from ’07-’19
Longevity Equity—for Life Expectancy
School policing falls hardest on Black students and those with disabilities, study shows
Pennsylvania Receives Grant Funding to Promote Racial Equity in Pregnancy and Child Health
The PA justice system often fails autistic people. Can these activists and judges bring reform?
YWCA Greater Pittsburgh gains momentum in mission to fight racism and empower women
Some Racial Evidence to Be Permitted in PA School Funding Lawsuit
Wellness center for people with disabilities moves to Lawrenceville
Pittsburgh ranked with the lowest percentage of law firm partners of color in U.S.
Pittsburgh nonprofits receive $70K in grants focused on social equity
Tony Norman: Comparing the Tuskegee Experiment to our current COVID crisis
A blueprint for the nation’s infrastructure urges inclusion in housing, small business and student debt
KDKA Investigates: Examining Connections Between Plea Deals And Race In Allegheny County DA’s Office
Economy and racial equity in Pa. would benefit from increased public transit funds in federal infrastructure bill, says report
Barriers to care: Black Americans at higher risk for Alzheimer’s and less likely to seek help
Community leaders urge allocation of COVID relief funds for Pittsburgh region’s Black residents
Bloomfield and Polish Hill seek Inclusionary Zoning requirement to create affordable housing
Inclusionary zoning proposed for Bloomfield and Polish Hill to create more affordable housing
Pittsburgh police and community health experts to develop crisis response model
Pa. students of color don’t have equal access to in-person learning, study finds
‘Right kind of gay, wrong kind of queer’: Navigating LGBTQ discrimination in Pennsylvania
Head judge says it’s time to acknowledge systemic racism in Allegheny County’s courts
Police-reform activists call for decrease in Pittsburgh police funding and increase in community investment
New study reveals economic benefits of naturalizing Pa.'s undocumented immigrants
Passage of statewide LGBTQ discrimination protections remains uncertain
Pittsburgh City Council recognizes LGBTQ-owned businesses and ensures equitable contracting opportunities
Pittsburgh City Council unanimously passes hate crime bill
Pittsburgh City Council Holding Public Hearing Regarding Concerns Over Pittsburgh’s Declining Black Population
With a majority of Pittsburgh Public Schools’ board seats up for grabs, candidates are pushing for racial equity and accountability
City council to hold hearing on loss of Black population in Pittsburgh
New Pittsburgh police website tracks changes on reform
A better path forward for criminal justice: Changing prisons to help people change
Pitt LGBTQIA+ Task Force proposes LGBTQIA+ center and support for faculty, staff, and students
Celebrating the contributions of those with disabilities
How rising rents and renovations have displaced Pittsburghers and added to the city’s ongoing issues with gentrification
Peduto aims to fill gap in state hate crime law with bill to protect sexual orientation
After almost 3 years, Allegheny County Council votes to create police review board
New Report: A High Number Of Arrests And Unbalanced Application Of Cash Bail Against Black People Causing ‘Racial Apartheid’ In Allegheny County
New Study Shows Negative Toll Police Killings Has On Mental Health Of Black Americans
Two Black activist groups look toward the future of racial justice in Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh police reform task force member, Pittsburgh activist discuss improving policing
‘We’re gonna keep fighting’: Chauvin guilty verdict brings bittersweet hope, continued calls for criminal justice reform
Beyond statements: Four reflections on anti-Asian racism and healing in Pittsburgh
Local civil rights activists push for policing changes at the federal level
Latino community having trouble getting vaccinated across Pittsburgh area
New PAC focused on racial equality in education endorses PPS school board candidates
He's tireless about helping refugee and immigrant families
Community leaders discuss why Black residents are leaving Pittsburgh
The county’s Human Relations Commission investigates discrimination. It’s hoping to boost its modest caseload.
'On The Frontline Of Injustice': Community Health Workers Could Improve How Long And Well You Live
The art of ‘angelic troublemaking,’ as seen by youth in the Pittsburgh area
Other Voices: The best first step for Biden-era immigration reform
LGBTQ Pennsylvanians could have less COVID-19 vaccine access, more hesitancy
Pittsburgh officers prioritizing ‘relational policing’ to bridge community divide, chief says
COVID Pushed Black Unemployment Higher In PA Than Anywhere In The Nation, Report Says
Police Facebook Group Leads To Amplified Calls For Independent Oversight
Third Protest In Wake Of Atlanta Shootings Emphasizes Intersectionality In Social Justice Movements
HUD's Pledge To Investigate Discrimination Met By Cautious Optimism Among Local LGBTQ Housing Groups
Hundreds gather Downtown to honor those killed in Atlanta-area shooting spree
Speakers discuss discrimination, violence and stereotypes at vigil for Atlanta victims
Pitt, Carnegie Mellon launch joint center to combat extremist hate
As states move on anti-trans bills, Pa.’s LGBTQ residents are still vulnerable to discrimination | Friday Morning Coffee
Hugh Lane Wellness Foundation's new program seeks to fill gaps in care for LGBTQ youth
From tests to vaccines, Pa. health officials still missing crucial race data for COVID-19
Glitches In PA Unemployment Program 'A Disaster' For Vulnerable Residents
County Executive Rich Fitzgerald Is Legally Required To Attend Jail Oversight Board Meetings, So Why Hasn’t He Gone In Nearly A Decade?
The recent deaths of trans people of color in Western Pennsylvania signal an alarming trend of violence
Glitches in Pa. unemployment program ‘a disaster’ for vulnerable residents
Different Viruses, Same Results: Why Black Americans Are More Likely To Die From Both HIV & COVID-19
Commentary: Pittsburgh is America’s apartheid city
Activists looking to remake police oversight in Pittsburgh
Poor neighborhoods linked to higher mortality risk from COVID-19, Duquesne U. professor finds
Public Health Program Highlights Equity and Reproductive Justice
H.R. 40: Exploring the Path to Reparative Justice in America
Need for inclusion of those with disabilities is magnified during pandemic
Pa.’s lack of data prevents tracking of racial, ethnic disparities in vaccine distribution
Panel discusses white privilege, white supremacy at Pitt
Nickolas Summa: LGBT Americans deserve federal nondiscrimination protection
Sentences, Bail Decisions For Black Protesters And White Rioters Differ Greatly
YWCA Greater Pittsburgh receives $20 million grant from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott to advance racial justice and gender equity
Black-led Community Spotlight: ULYP of Greater Pittsburgh is building a network of young and successful Black professionals
Lack of targeted outreach, translated materials leaves Latino community behind as Pa. struggles with vaccine rollout
Biden's Executive Orders To Examine Policies Affecting Thousands Of Pennsylvania Immigrants
Mayor Bill Peduto names appointees to Pittsburgh’s new LGBTQIA+ Commission
Peduto To Appoint 17 Members To LGBTQIA+ Commission
CMU study shows racial disparities in vaccine distribution, acceptance
Other Voices: Striking rates of food insecurity in the Hill District and Homewood
Pa. fails to enforce vaccine order to track racial data
Black, Hispanic Kids Are Less Likely Than White Kids To Receive Diagnostic Imaging During ER Visit
The Legislature dashed hopes for LGBTQ equality in Pa. — again | Frank Pizzoli
Pittsburgh mayor bestows high honor to Juneteenth while celebration is excluded from American history
Peduto bill to be introduced making Juneteenth a Pittsburgh holiday
PPG commits $20 million to diversity and inclusion efforts over next 5 years
COVID-19’s disparate impact on Americans of color: Experts identify 10 key takeaways
Pittsburgh leaders encouraged by Biden memo to correct Black housing inequities
PA Immigrants, Advocates Look To Biden Administration With Hope And Eye On Accountability
Biden signs executive orders aimed at tackling racism in America
Pennsylvania Department Of Human Services Releases First-Of-Its-Kind Racial Equity Report
Dare We Hope? What LGBTQ People Really Expect from the Biden Presidency
Pa. State Police resume tracking racial data during traffic stops in response to Spotlight PA report
White supremacist terrorism: Key trends to watch in 2021
NAACP, BLM leaders react to Capitol protest
There Are Still Barriers Keeping People of Color from Mental Health Care
Equitable access to coronavirus vaccine emerges as next challenge amid slow rollout
Pittsburgh Public Schools announces new equity task force, lays out plans for return to buildings
Pittsburgh's Jessica Benham makes history as first LGBTQ woman, openly autistic candidate elected to PA state legislature
Records show racial disparities in Pittsburgh police traffic stops
Local Groups Try To Stay Connected To LGBTQ Youth Through The Pandemic
Mayor: Pittsburgh’s board tilt toward diversity is no accident
Black-led community spotlight: Gwen’s Girls empowers Pittsburgh girls and young women
Pittsburgh residents vote to expand powers of Pittsburgh police review board
Hello Neighbor Helps Immigrant Community
Want to Bridge the Inequality Divide? Build Bridges Where Low-Income People Live, Study Says
What’s At Stake: The Lives Of Trans Youths Must Be Protected.
People's Pride Returns For Fourth Year, Centered On The Black Trans Experience
Port Authority To Start Hiring For Equity And Inclusion Team
Yes, it’s still legal for businesses to discriminate against gay people in most of Pa.
Is mental health care available for Pittsburghers who have experienced racial trauma?
What to know about the Pittsburgh Citizen Police Review Board 2020 ballot question
Peduto submits legislation to protect Black Pittsburghers from hairstyle discrimination
Pittsburgh schools play outsized role in overcriminalization of Black youth, new report shows
Amid a global pandemic, Central Outreach continues its mission to provide health for every community
Hundreds march through Downtown Pittsburgh in wake of Louisville police decision
Residents Of Historically Redlined Neighborhoods May Experience More COVID-19 Risk Factors
Local businesses say ‘Black Lives Matter.’ But what does that mean for Pittsburgh nightlife?
New Online Tool From Pa. Dept. Of Education Will Help School Districts Track Their “Equity Journey”
Pittsburgh Foundation establishes racial justice fund
Report finds Black girls in Pittsburgh are 10 times more likely than white girls to be referred to juvenile justice. Why and what can be done?
Activists call for action beyond protesting at final Civil Saturdays march in Pittsburgh
Nearly $9.8 million paid in police use-of-force cases in Allegheny County
COVID-19 racial disparities in Allegheny County increased after early summer surge in cases
Gwen’s Girls launches See the Best in Me campaign to celebrate Black Girls Equity Month
Judge Faces Ethics Charges Over Racist, Demeaning Comments
Rollbacks Of Protections For Transgender People Has ‘Marginalized the Community Even Further’
Processing Racial Trauma Through Therapy
‘Lifetime of discrimination’ equals increased hypertension in African Americans
Poise Foundation raising more funds to support Black community
Dr. Rachel Levine: Transphobic incidents are ‘hurting the thousands of LGBTQ Pennsylvanians’
We are experiencing a cultural reset, and we must include Deaf and Disability culture in our discussions of change
Black Journalists Hope Media's Racial Reckoning Can Create Change
‘Racism is a pollution that impacts the human race’ – Kimberly Crawford-Champion studying ‘racial trauma’
A new Latino-focused magazine is hoping to teach Pittsburgh about its burgeoning Latinx culture and serve a fast-growing Latino community
New LGBTQIA+ Commission Aims To Address Community’s ‘Specific Challenges’
Pittsburgh announces new program to help keep people out of criminal justice system
Pittsburgh City Council passes bills designed to eliminate racial disparities
New LGBTQ youth center announced in Pittsburgh after former program lost its funding
Carnegie Mellon University Unveils Actions And Steps To Address Racism
First Police-Reform Bills After Protests Go To Governor
‘Time for playing it safe is over’: City report calls for swift action on inequities between Black and white Pittsburgh
Gender Equity Commission to city: Address police violence, pay equity, among other issues
‘Listen to Black women’: Black women’s health is intersectional justice
Hundreds Hold A Downtown Sit-In To Demand PA Change Use Of Force Law
Pitt Names New Vice Chancellor for Diversity and Inclusion
Bills Move On Police Training, Dealing With Diverse People
Gender Equity Commission Urges Reforms To Ensure Justice In The 'New Normal'
https://www.wesa.fm/post/bills-move-police-training-dealing-diverse-people#stream/0
Task Force On Police Reform To Offer ‘People Oriented Solutions’
Report: Pennsylvania’s State Economy Has Some Of The Most Racial Inequality In The Country
This is what happens when you're threatened by diversity
Justice Department launches portal to report civil rights violations
Wilkinsburg Mayor Marita Garrett Explains Why The Current Push For Racial Equality Is Different
LGBTQ people in Pa. finally have workplace nondiscrimination protections after US Supreme Court ruling
Pittsburgh Faces The 'Clash Of Two Pandemics' In Racism, COVID-19
Why the Supreme Court’s decision on LGBTQ workers is a huge deal for Pennsylvania
Environmental injustice in Pittsburgh: Poor, minority neighborhoods see higher rates of deaths from air pollution
"We have systemic issues, we have cyclical issues"
Faith Leaders Come Together To Talk About Racism In America
When police shoot or kill, who investigates? Pittsburgh, police union wrestle over process
Pittsburgh City Council introduces public safety reform legislation, but residents demand more
Pittsburgh YWCA announces plan supporting race and gender equity
‘The silence is what’s killing us.’ Public defenders protest against institutional racism in criminal justice system
New Pittsburgh Coalition Tackles Racial Inequities And The Pandemic
Tom Purcell: Our national discussion on race is far from over
What It Means to Be a Black Journalist in Pittsburgh Right Now
Gov. Wolf, Mayor Peduto call for police reform on the sixth day of Black Lives Matter protests in Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette removes a Black reporter from George Floyd protest coverage, says union
Wolf calls for police oversight, troopers association calls it an attack on law enforcement
Wolf will appoint misconduct watchdog, establish commission to oversee Pa. State Police
1Hood, Urbankind Panel Discusses Recent Protests And What Black People Need To Know
Hundreds unite against racism, discrimination in hushed vigil at East Liberty Presbyterian Church
Black Lives Matter: Now is the time to lift up black voices
Our cities are burning, and so is the mental health of this African-American teen
What Do Coronavirus Racial Disparities Look Like State By State?
New partnership bringing COVID-19 tests to low-income health centers in Allegheny County
Black businesses matter, but will they get fair share of COVID-19 aid money?
Our ‘new normal’ should be inclusive
Latinos coping with COVID-19 challenges get food, rent and other supports from community center
Panel Looks At The State Of Policing And Incarceration Of Black People During COVID-19
City Council unanimously passes housing protections for immigration status, language
The Next Step in Promoting Equity
Protesters say more inmates should be released from the Allegheny County Jail
Book Discussions Build Community, Aim to Create Equity in Schools
Making Black Lives Matter in Economic Policy
Racial equity task force proposed for coronavirus response in Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh City Council looking to end housing discrimination based on perceived immigration status
'It's hard on all of us': Providers for the disabled worry about protective equipment, changed routines, financial strains
Councilwoman, mayor to introduce bill to fight housing discrimination in Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh councilwoman says coronavirus has led to more discrimination complaints
For Pittsburgh’s immigrants, COVID-19 amplifies language barriers, food scarcity and limited work
ACLU urges Pa. officials to collect, release race, ethic data of COVID-19 cases
Protesters decry conditions at jail, seek release of more inmates
COVID-19, African Americans, mental health and the need for ‘reaching out’
LGBTQ Groups Tell Federal Government to Prevent COVID-19 Discrimination
Allegheny County COVID-19 Map Might Disguise Impact On Black Communities
African Americans dying from coronavirus at alarming rates – Courier urges Allegheny County to collect racial data on COVID-19 cases
A virtual town hall discusses what Black Pittsburgh needs to know about COVID-19
Coping with disease and disability in the time of coronavirus
Amid Pandemic, Activists Call Prison Crowding Cruel And Unusual Punishment
Derrick Z. Jackson: Fighting for a just COVID-19 response
County council shows little urgency in taking stand on Allegheny County Jail population
County Councilors Bring Legislation To Reduce Spread Of COVID-19 By Releasing Some County Jail Inmates
Pitt’s School of Education’s Department-Wide Book Club Discusses Racial Inequity in Education
Pittsburgh Black women represented at Black Women’s Roundtable National Summit
Voting rights are under attack
Professional Development Series Helps Teachers Address Race In Classrooms
Report Sees Ways To Improve Outcomes Among Released Inmates
Residents raise concerns about bias in Allegheny County’s automated decision-making tools
Retreat prison no stranger to closure controversy
Pittsburgh Council to consider legislation aimed at eliminating racial inequalities
https://pittnews.com/article/156056/featured/pitt-alum-tackles-racism-as-naacp-director/
The Cover Up: On being a prop in the system we claimed to dismantle
Partnering to solve economic and health disparities in Pittsburgh
Pitt alum tackles racism as NAACP director
Pennsylvania ACLU hopes to join voter roll purge lawsuit
Casa San Jose volunteers go knocking to boost census participation
Police and Black Americans: How to Tackle Racism’s Legacy
URA’s deputy director reflects on childhood, communities that need ‘more investment … more partnership’
The 2020 Pittsburgh Racial Justice Summit
Protesters call on Pennsylvania AG to ‘show mercy’ and commute more life sentences
Rallies Planned In Pittsburgh, Philadelphia To Urge AG Shapiro To Support More Commutations
‘Advancing Just Health For All’
Arguments Heard In Transgender Name Change Law
Allegheny County Council Votes To Restrict Conversion Therapy For Minors
As a Pennsylvanian with a disability, I’m forced to choose between higher pay and essential benefits
Systemic Racism And Bias In Pittsburgh Media
African Americans are ready for the illustrious ‘C-Suite’
CMU created a map excluding Pittsburgh’s Black neighborhoods. It’s not the only one.
Tony Norman: Another sticky development at Allegheny County Common Pleas Court
CMU apologizes for excluding historically black communities from tourist map
Pittsburgh NAACP hires new executive director
Allegheny County Council to gather more feedback on police review board proposal
NEXT Up: De’netta Benjamin-Miller on equitable healthcare and helping communities heal
County Executive Fitzgerald touts African Americans being hired at double the rate of the county’s Black population
How Racism Became a Public Health Crisis in Pittsburgh
Sexual misconduct prevention panel plots course
Gender-Affirming Parenting Is Allowing Kids To Explore Their Own Identities
Refugee relief: A response from Pittsburgh students
Africana Studies Can 'Correct The Lens' Through Which We Study History
Allegheny County Council Reconsidering Civilian Police Review Board Proposal
Councilors Question Legality, Motivation For New Hateful Activities Bill
County Council To Get A Second Look At Measure To Form Police Review Board
Lawmakers to introduce legislation targeting "school-to-prison pipeline" in Pennsylvania
Pa. has some work to do on racial equity, new report finds | Tuesday Morning Coffee
Pittsburgh council postpones vote on ‘hateful activities’ bill
Pittsburgh was a sanctuary city 150 years ago. Now racism is a public health crisis
Lawmakers, Educators, Prosecutors And More Will Study Pa.’s Juvenile Justice Issues
Study: Transgender Teens' Suicide Risk Higher Than Cisgendered Peers'
Repair the World's Racial and Economic Justice Shabbat Dinner
Martin Luther King Jr. event notes unfinished business
Lawmakers Aim To Stop Closure Of 2 Institutions For Disabled
Pa. moves to close another prison as incarceration rates drop
Advocates push for Alina’s Law for additional protections in domestic abuse
Race, Fear And Law In Police Confrontations
Will New Bill Deal Blow To Racism, Or Just Settle Scores?
Report: Allegheny County Jail population drops 7 percent
Girl Talk: Voices of the Hill District features strong Black women interviewed by strong Black girls
What ‘Livability’ Looks Like for Black Women
Expungement Clinic In Homewood Saturday To Help With Clearing Criminal Records
Report: County needs new department to address kids' needs
A Design for Workforce Equity
City council urged to confront inequities, institutions hindering Pittsburgh’s black residents
Gov. Wolf Says Pennsylvania Will Keep Accepting Refugees
Some want apologies and reparations from Pittsburgh for racial injustices
A New Book Takes You Inside Prison Walls To Show Us Why We Need To Reform The Sentences.
Black women and femmes say Pittsburgh’s inequity report exemplifies the problem: Black voices are left out.
Parole System Could See Changes After Review Of Murder Cases
Pitt Study Finds Large Number Of Transgender Teens Have Suicidal Thoughts
The number of disabled people who live at state-run centers has dwindled. That doesn’t mean closing them isn’t controversial
Coalition to U.N.: Human rights in Pittsburgh are lagging for people of color, people with low incomes
LGBTQ community wants 2020 candidate who will fight for their rights
New Senate Bill Could Offer More Access To Health Care Needs For Workers With Disabilities
Supreme Court Case On LGBTQ Rights May Make A Difference Depending On Where You Live
First person: Pittsburgh’s museums have a diversity problem.
Those with criminal records should help decide their fate, member says
Tony Norman: Echoes of a shameful era in Allegheny County justice
Transgender surgery linked with better long-term mental health, study shows
Middleman Blasts DA’s Office For Incarceration Of Innocent Teens
SCOTUS Case Could Decide If Federal Law Protects LGBTQ People From Job Discrimination
Four Pittsburgh teens spent months in jail before the DA dropped their charges
‘We Have Nothing To Lose But Our Chains’: Protesters Demand Change For Black Women
Pittsburgh to use $250K grant to help homeless people
I’m a third-generation Black female living in this Pittsburgh nightmare.
UN releases ‘unprecedented’ report on anti-Semitism
Conference On Transgender Health Care Shows Pittsburgh Is Improving, But Still Learning
Reel Q Brings Films That Sate Desires For Diverse LGTBQ Representation
As ex-PPG scientist continues legal fight on gender bias allegations, national focus on such issues grows
Op-ed: The Supreme Court Should Affirm LGBTQ Protections for All
Western Pa. health experts alarmed by ‘unacceptable’ rise in maternal deaths
House Re-Introduces Contentious Bills To Reinstate Mandatory Minimum Sentences
Panel discussion in Bethel Park addresses probation reform
Pa. State Police stopped tracking the race of drivers who get pulled over, making profiling hard to detect
Reviving cities must include the excluded
‘Smashed Out Of Society,’ Incarcerated Men Trace Their Journey To, And Within, Prison In New Book
Study Shows Deep Inequality In Pittsburgh
CNN anchor Van Jones, Rep. Ed Gainey advocate probation reform in East Liberty
Pittsburgh’s Black residents feel consequences of inequality more starkly than in other U.S. cities, new city report finds
Report offers stark picture of inequalities by gender, race in Pittsburgh
All for All announces lineup for expanded immigration summit next month
Council To Hold Hearing After Group Calls For Reparations For Pittsburgh’s Black Residents
As Political Tides Shift, Chances At Commutation Rise For Pennsylvania Lifers
Making accommodations: Work to assist those with sensory sensitivities
Karen Kane: Back to the drawing board for County Council
Pittsburgh celebrates its international community with a party at Market Square
Planned closure of Polk Center marks the end of an era and the start of a battle
As Cities Embrace New Modes Of Transit, Gaps In Accessibility Remain
Pathways 2 Pardons Event Tuesday Offers Free Help With Clearing Criminal Records
For Juveniles In Allegheny County Jail, High School Program 'Takes Away The Bars'
Market Square To Hold International And Immigrant Communities Celebration
Open Up helps people with disabilities access art and wellness through inclusive yoga classes
An accessible neighborhood needs parks
Queerpunk Slamjunk serves a tea party to support local LGBTQ youth
To build safe streets, we need to address racism in urban design
Wages Increased Across PA in 2018, But The Benefits Aren't Reaching Everyone
County Council votes down proposal for civilian police review board
Grand Jury Advises Legislature To Overhaul Its Sexual Harassment Reporting
Nan Feyler is the new executive director of the PA Innocence Project
One Year Later, A Look At The Work Of The State LGBTQ Commission

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County Executive Rich Fitzgerald Is Legally Required To Attend Jail Oversight Board Meetings, So Why Hasn’t He Gone In Nearly A Decade?

Since becoming Allegheny County Chief Executive in 2012, Rich Fitzgerald has never attended a Jail Oversight Board meeting. Instead, he sends a proxy, or employee in his place. In recent years, this employee has been Barbara

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The recent deaths of trans people of color in Western Pennsylvania signal an alarming trend of violence

Four trans people of color have died in Western Pennsylvania in February, three of whom were killed within one week. Chyna Carrillo was killed in Lawrence County, an hour north of Pittsburgh, on Feb. 18,

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Glitches in Pa. unemployment program ‘a disaster’ for vulnerable residents

When Janice Roundtree, 58, first enrolled in the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program, she called it “a miracle.”

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Different Viruses, Same Results: Why Black Americans Are More Likely To Die From Both HIV & COVID-19

When public health historian Aishah Scott wrote her Ph.D. dissertation on the effects of the AIDS epidemic on Black Americans two years ago, she warned that even if a cure for HIV were found tomorrow,

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Commentary: Pittsburgh is America’s apartheid city

Over a decade ago, I was walking along a muddy and crowded alleyway between hundreds of shanty houses in Alexandra.

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Activists looking to remake police oversight in Pittsburgh

Activists pushing for an overhaul of police oversight in Pittsburgh drew at least several dozen people to a virtual gathering Saturday.

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Poor neighborhoods linked to higher mortality risk from COVID-19, Duquesne U. professor finds

The link between poverty and disease extends to COVID-19, with residents of low-income neighborhoods more likely to die from the highly contagious virus than those living elsewhere, according to a new study.

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Public Health Program Highlights Equity and Reproductive Justice

Pitt’s Dara Mendez started her work in health equity as an undergraduate student at Spelman College. For her senior thesis, she conducted interviews with Black women about their experiences giving birthing and raising children.

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H.R. 40: Exploring the Path to Reparative Justice in America

Written Testimony of Dreisen Heath Submitted to the US House Committee on the Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights, and Civil Liberties

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Need for inclusion of those with disabilities is magnified during pandemic

As the leader of an organization whose mission is to support individuals with disabilities, I believe inclusion is always important. During the pandemic, inclusion is more important than ever.

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Pa.’s lack of data prevents tracking of racial, ethnic disparities in vaccine distribution

Despite numerous studies predicting the likelihood of racial disparities and a supposed focus on equity in the rollout, Pennsylvania’s data tracking race and ethnicity in vaccine distribution currently is lacking.

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Panel discusses white privilege, white supremacy at Pitt

When Destiny Mann sat in on a diversity training recently, she said her thoughts quickly shifted to her mother.

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Nickolas Summa: LGBT Americans deserve federal nondiscrimination protection

As an LGBT-affirming marriage and family therapist in Westmoreland County, I see many people who lack any access to important resources and care. It’s disheartening to know that so many people don’t get the support

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Sentences, Bail Decisions For Black Protesters And White Rioters Differ Greatly

For the past seven months, Christopher West has been sitting in the Allegheny Jail for protesting the murder of George Floyd last spring in Minnesota.

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YWCA Greater Pittsburgh receives $20 million grant from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott to advance racial justice and gender equity

YWCA Greater Pittsburgh confirmed it received a $20 million grant from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott to advance its mission of providing for those who are most vulnerable in southwestern Pennsylvania with an emphasis on women and

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Black-led Community Spotlight: ULYP of Greater Pittsburgh is building a network of young and successful Black professionals

For California native Keyva Clark, the city of Pittsburgh was a somewhat daunting and isolating place when she first moved here. Searching for community and connection, Clark joined the Urban League Young Professionals of Greater

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Lack of targeted outreach, translated materials leaves Latino community behind as Pa. struggles with vaccine rollout

In the weeks since Pennsylvania began its coronavirus vaccine rollout, the Wolf administration has stood by its localized, do-it-yourself system for finding and booking appointments, despite widespread frustration among residents.

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Biden's Executive Orders To Examine Policies Affecting Thousands Of Pennsylvania Immigrants

The Biden administration’s new executive orders on immigration seek to address some of the last president’s most controversial policies, and will have repercussions for immigrant communities and families in detention across Pennsylvania.

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Mayor Bill Peduto names appointees to Pittsburgh’s new LGBTQIA+ Commission

Nearly nine months after Pittsburgh City Council voted to create its LGBTQIA+ Commission, Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto announced appointees to the group designed to address challenges facing LGBTQIA+ residents and visitors.

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Peduto To Appoint 17 Members To LGBTQIA+ Commission

Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto has presented the names of the first members of the city's new LGBTQIA+ Commission. City Council will take up the nominations tomorrow morning.

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CMU study shows racial disparities in vaccine distribution, acceptance

Surveys from Carnegie Mellon University researchers show vaccine distribution is lower among Black and Hispanic Americans than white people across the U.S.

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Other Voices: Striking rates of food insecurity in the Hill District and Homewood

As the spread of COVID-19 continues to rage along with rising death rates, many people are looking for the light at the end of the tunnel in the form of the vaccine. While the vaccine

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Pa. fails to enforce vaccine order to track racial data

Pennsylvania is failing to ensure that vaccine providers are collecting crucial data — including the race of recipients — leaving gaps that can impact the ability of health officials to respond to minority communities ravaged

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Black, Hispanic Kids Are Less Likely Than White Kids To Receive Diagnostic Imaging During ER Visit

Black and Hispanic children are less likely to receive diagnostic imaging during an emergency room visit compared to white children, according to a new study from UPMC and University of Pittsburgh researchers.

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The Legislature dashed hopes for LGBTQ equality in Pa. — again | Frank Pizzoli

Hope for LGBTQ equality was dashed again on Jan. 26 when the state House voted against including anti-discrimination legislation in a proposed amendment to the state constitution that would limit the governor’s executive power during

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Pittsburgh mayor bestows high honor to Juneteenth while celebration is excluded from American history

William Marshall has organized Juneteenth celebrations in Pittsburgh since 2013, and since that time, he says he has had numerous discussions with Mayor Bill Peduto, city council and county council to recognize the celebration as

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Peduto bill to be introduced making Juneteenth a Pittsburgh holiday

Juneteenth is a step closer to becoming an official holiday in the City of Pittsburgh.

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PPG commits $20 million to diversity and inclusion efforts over next 5 years

PPG is committing $20 million over five years to diversity initiatives that the paints- and coatings-maker says will address systemic racism and boost STEM and other education opportunities for minorities.

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COVID-19’s disparate impact on Americans of color: Experts identify 10 key takeaways

COVID-19 has killed Americans of color out of proportion to their numbers in the general population, but that disparity can only be corrected in the context of the larger racial and economic inequalities in American

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Pittsburgh leaders encouraged by Biden memo to correct Black housing inequities

When Pittsburgh’s Lower Hill District was redeveloped to make way for the Civic Arena more than 60 years ago, thousands of people and hundreds of businesses were displaced.

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PA Immigrants, Advocates Look To Biden Administration With Hope And Eye On Accountability

President Joe Biden’s flurry of day-one reversals of Trump-era immigration policies amounted to keeping campaign promises. It was also a welcomed shock to the system for some Latinos who have spent the last four years

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Biden signs executive orders aimed at tackling racism in America

In arguably the most direct assault on systemic racism by any American President since Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation, President Joe Biden made a bold case for equity.

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Pennsylvania Department Of Human Services Releases First-Of-Its-Kind Racial Equity Report

The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services released its racial equity report on Thursday. It’s the first-of-its-kind and addresses inequity and racism across the state and its programs. The department starting by looking internally at its employees,

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Dare We Hope? What LGBTQ People Really Expect from the Biden Presidency

In the lead-up to the 2020 presidential election, Biden team LGBTQ+ Engagement Director Reggie Greer often said that, if victorious, the new administration would need to "walk and chew gum" at the same time if

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Pa. State Police resume tracking racial data during traffic stops in response to Spotlight PA report

The Pennsylvania State Police announced Tuesday that it had resumed collecting racial data during traffic stops, nine years after the department quietly ended the practice and in direct response to a previous investigative report by

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White supremacist terrorism: Key trends to watch in 2021

This piece is part of a series titled "Nonstate armed actors and illicit economies: What the Biden administration needs to know," from Brookings's Initiative on Nonstate Armed Actors.

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NAACP, BLM leaders react to Capitol protest

The leaders of the Pennsylvania National Association for the Advancement of Colored People and Pittsburgh Black Lives Matter say the protest at the U.S. Capitol would have ended differently if the people involved were not

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There Are Still Barriers Keeping People of Color from Mental Health Care

Ardrick Butler lost count of how many times his barbershop chair doubled as a therapy couch.

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Equitable access to coronavirus vaccine emerges as next challenge amid slow rollout

As state and local officials work to speed up the administration of coronavirus vaccines to the first segments of the population eligible to receive them, local leaders are already looking ahead to when the shots

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Pittsburgh Public Schools announces new equity task force, lays out plans for return to buildings

Pittsburgh Public Schools on Tuesday announced the development of a new task force to recommend and influence policies that combat racial disparities in school safety.

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Pittsburgh's Jessica Benham makes history as first LGBTQ woman, openly autistic candidate elected to PA state legislature

Last week, the first out LGBTQ woman was elected to the Pennsylvania state legislature as Jessica Benham (D-South Side) won state House District 36. She is also now one of only a few openly autistic

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Records show racial disparities in Pittsburgh police traffic stops

Records show African Americans in Pittsburgh are far more likely than whites to be stopped, frisked or arrested by police while driving.

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Local Groups Try To Stay Connected To LGBTQ Youth Through The Pandemic

Groups that support LGBTQ students are trying to connect with young people in spite of the coronavirus pandemic, but say virtual learning spaces create challenges. 

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Mayor: Pittsburgh’s board tilt toward diversity is no accident

Eight women and one man sit on Pittsburgh’s City Planning Commission. Mayor Bill Peduto would like to adjust that ratio.

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Black-led community spotlight: Gwen’s Girls empowers Pittsburgh girls and young women

A Friday program at Gwen’s Girls is a flurry of activity. A small group of young women and teen girls, all gathered in the West Commons building on the North Side, enjoy pizza as they

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Pittsburgh residents vote to expand powers of Pittsburgh police review board

The independent board tasked with reviewing police conduct in Pittsburgh received an endorsement from voters Tuesday, who overwhelmingly voted to expand the board’s power.

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Hello Neighbor Helps Immigrant Community

A local nonproft, Hello Neighbor, helped the immigrant and refugee community in Pittsburgh on Thursday by providing essentials that they may need due to the pandemic.

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Want to Bridge the Inequality Divide? Build Bridges Where Low-Income People Live, Study Says

Structural inequality can be, literally, structural. According to a new study by researchers at the Carnegie Mellon University’s College of Engineering, low-income neighborhoods with mostly Black, Hispanic and single-parent families are likely to have fewer

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What’s At Stake: The Lives Of Trans Youths Must Be Protected.

It was October 2016 when a friend approached me and said, “Pittsburgh Public Schools has adopted a nondiscrimination policy for transgender students. Our team is looking for a writer to help create professional development materials

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People's Pride Returns For Fourth Year, Centered On The Black Trans Experience

People’s Pride returns to Pittsburgh this weekend as a hybrid of virtual and in-person events. 

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Port Authority To Start Hiring For Equity And Inclusion Team

The Port Authority of Allegheny County is looking for a Director of Equity and Inclusion; and City of Asylum has a new executive director. 

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Yes, it’s still legal for businesses to discriminate against gay people in most of Pa.

On Monday night, a political ad for a local state House seat hit Pittsburgh TV screens informing viewers that candidate Rob Mercuri (R-Pine) supports allowing businesses to “actively discriminate against gay people.” The ad (see

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Is mental health care available for Pittsburghers who have experienced racial trauma?

Repetitive thoughts about the high-profile deaths of George Floyd or Ahmaud Arbery. Reliving the recent news that no one truly has to answer for the death of Breonna Taylor. And hypervigilance due to the possibility

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What to know about the Pittsburgh Citizen Police Review Board 2020 ballot question

The official Election Day is not until Nov. 3, but voting has already started in Pennsylvania, with thousands of people using mail-in ballots. Ballots include voting in the presidential election and state legislative contests, but,

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Peduto submits legislation to protect Black Pittsburghers from hairstyle discrimination

Black Pittsburghers would be protected from hairstyle discrimination in legislation Mayor Bill Peduto is submitting to City Council this week.

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Pittsburgh schools play outsized role in overcriminalization of Black youth, new report shows

Overcriminalization of Black youth in Allegheny County has been a persistent issue, and a new report shows that schools are playing an outsized role in referrals to the juvenile justice system.

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Amid a global pandemic, Central Outreach continues its mission to provide health for every community

Central Outreach Wellness Center, a holistic, multicultural, LGBTQIA, HIV, and Hep C health organization located in Pittsburgh, Aliquippa, and Washington, was, like many businesses and health centers, forced to tackle the pandemic head-on.

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Hundreds march through Downtown Pittsburgh in wake of Louisville police decision

Hundreds of demonstrators marched through Downtown Pittsburgh on Wednesday night in honor of Breonna Taylor, to protest the lack of harsh charges against the Louisville officers involved in her killing and to amplify the voices

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Residents Of Historically Redlined Neighborhoods May Experience More COVID-19 Risk Factors

The long-lasting impacts of redlining are still felt in some Pittsburgh neighborhoods; the Pittsburgh Art Commission plans to debate the removal of the Christopher Columbus statue in Schenley Park; and Puerto Ricans living in Pennsylvania

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Local businesses say ‘Black Lives Matter.’ But what does that mean for Pittsburgh nightlife?

On “Blackout Tuesday” in early June, many organizations across the country took to social media to signal support for the nationwide uprising against racism, the movement sparked by the murders of George Floyd and Breonna

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New Online Tool From Pa. Dept. Of Education Will Help School Districts Track Their “Equity Journey”

The state Department of Education today launched an “Equitable Practices Hub” that is aimed at getting school districts to perform a deep analysis of equity practices and make the changes needed to ensure that academics,

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Pittsburgh Foundation establishes racial justice fund

As one of the city’s major philanthropies, the Pittsburgh Foundation has established a reputation for providing support to people of color.

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Report finds Black girls in Pittsburgh are 10 times more likely than white girls to be referred to juvenile justice. Why and what can be done?

In Pittsburgh, a city not known for its livability for Black residents, Black girls are 10 times more likely than white girls to be referred to the juvenile justice system. Black boys are seven times

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Activists call for action beyond protesting at final Civil Saturdays march in Pittsburgh

Hundreds of people marched across several Pittsburgh neighborhoods in the name of social justice and police accountability during an hours-long, peaceful event Saturday afternoon.

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Nearly $9.8 million paid in police use-of-force cases in Allegheny County

Robert Aldred finished his shift as a waiter one June night in 2017, went out with friends, returned home and thought little of the broken screen door on his Mount Washington rental house. Aldred went

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COVID-19 racial disparities in Allegheny County increased after early summer surge in cases

Data from the Allegheny County Health Department show that racial disparities in COVID-19 cases increased after the early summer surge of infections.

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Gwen’s Girls launches See the Best in Me campaign to celebrate Black Girls Equity Month

September is Black Girls Equity Month in Allegheny County, and Gwen’s Girls is ready to celebrate — and educate.

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Judge Faces Ethics Charges Over Racist, Demeaning Comments

A Pittsburgh judge who allegedly referred to a Black juror as “Aunt Jemima” was accused of misconduct in office Wednesday by the state's entity that investigates and prosecutes judicial wrongdoing.

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Rollbacks Of Protections For Transgender People Has ‘Marginalized the Community Even Further’

A new rule from the Trump administration could put homeless transgender people at greater risk; the Historic Review Commission considers six sites in Pittsburgh for historic designation; and some COVID-19 patients’s symptoms last beyond the

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Processing Racial Trauma Through Therapy

The current civil rights movement has been an emotionally and intellectually taxing experience for many Black Americans who are confronting injustices that stretch back generations.

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‘Lifetime of discrimination’ equals increased hypertension in African Americans

It’s a well-established fact that African Americans suffer disproportionately from most all chronic health disorders, including heart disease, diabetes and higher rates of various cancers. Researchers and health care providers have identified some African Americans’

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Poise Foundation raising more funds to support Black community

Poise Foundation, a Black-led philanthropy, is ramping up fundraising for its Human Equity and Justice Fund in the wake of widespread racial unrest and the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Dr. Rachel Levine: Transphobic incidents are ‘hurting the thousands of LGBTQ Pennsylvanians’

Pa. Health Department Secretary Dr. Rachel Levine started her daily coronavirus response briefing Tuesday with a response to the “multiple incidents of LGBTQ harassment, and specifically transphobia directed at me, that have been reported in

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We are experiencing a cultural reset, and we must include Deaf and Disability culture in our discussions of change

The 25th anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act [ADA] was marked with celebration in Pittsburgh. Pittsburgh hosted the 2016 Kennedy Center’s Leadership Exchange in Arts and Disabilities Conference and showcased many

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Black Journalists Hope Media's Racial Reckoning Can Create Change

In this reported op-ed, journalist Jewel Wicker examines what the Black Lives Matter uprising of 2020 has meant in the media, one industry of many reckoning with race and anti-Blackness.

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‘Racism is a pollution that impacts the human race’ – Kimberly Crawford-Champion studying ‘racial trauma’

“Racial Trauma”—seldom is this two-word condition ever uttered, but often is how much African Americans truly experience it.

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A new Latino-focused magazine is hoping to teach Pittsburgh about its burgeoning Latinx culture and serve a fast-growing Latino community

María Manautou Matos has always been passionate about cultural exploration and education. From her first experiences at an international school in Puerto Rico, where she grew up, she loved hearing about the lives of her

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New LGBTQIA+ Commission Aims To Address Community’s ‘Specific Challenges’

The city is seeking applicants for a new LGBTQIA+ Commission that hopes to make Pittsburgh more inclusive; a Nigerian disability rights advocate makes a virtual journey to Pittsburgh to mark the 30th anniversary of the

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Pittsburgh announces new program to help keep people out of criminal justice system

A pilot program announced by Pittsburgh officials could be another step toward enacting the law enforcement reforms that community activists have asked for in regular protests in the region that followed the May 25 killing

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Pittsburgh City Council passes bills designed to eliminate racial disparities

Pittsburgh City Council on Tuesday gave final approval for legislation that authorizes the creation of a racial equity commission and commits the city to a 10-point plan for erasing inequalities.

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New LGBTQ youth center announced in Pittsburgh after former program lost its funding

On July 1, the Persad Center in Lawrenceville lost funding for its LGBTQ youth programs, spelling an uncertain future for the region’s LGBTQ young people. The program at Persad, which provides resources and services for

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Carnegie Mellon University Unveils Actions And Steps To Address Racism

Carnegie Mellon University has unveiled an action plan designed to make the campus community more inclusive and address systemic racism.

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First Police-Reform Bills After Protests Go To Governor

Gov. Tom Wolf will sign the first bills passed by Pennsylvania’s Legislature in response to widespread protests over police brutality and the killing of George Floyd, his office said Tuesday.

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‘Time for playing it safe is over’: City report calls for swift action on inequities between Black and white Pittsburgh

Amanda Neatrour worked for the City of Pittsburgh from 2013 to 2017 to help cultivate a more diverse pool of job applicants. 

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Gender Equity Commission to city: Address police violence, pay equity, among other issues

The city’s Gender Equity Commission issued several policy recommendations as a follow-up to its findings last year that revealed Black Pittsburghers, particularly Black women, would find better health and economic outcomes just by leaving town.

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‘Listen to Black women’: Black women’s health is intersectional justice

“Listen to Black women,” #SayHerName or #BlackLivesMatter are hashtags, mottos, words emblazoned in a bold font on T-shirts, social media posts or tote bags. For some, those words stay there, laying flat, as a two-dimensional

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Hundreds Hold A Downtown Sit-In To Demand PA Change Use Of Force Law

On Saturday afternoon hundreds of people gathered in front of Pittsburgh’s City-County Building. They filled Grant Street between Fourth and Forbes avenues in a giant circle to oppose police brutality and call to amend Pennsylvania’s

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Pitt Names New Vice Chancellor for Diversity and Inclusion

Clyde Wilson Pickett, a leading expert in higher education diversity and inclusion strategy, has been named the University of Pittsburgh’s vice chancellor for diversity and inclusion. Charged with ensuring a welcome, inclusive and equitable environment

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Bills Move On Police Training, Dealing With Diverse People

Pennsylvania's House and Senate began passing legislation Wednesday spurred by widespread protests over police brutality and the killing of George Floyd, including legislation designed to prevent “bad apples” from continuing to find employment in police

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Gender Equity Commission Urges Reforms To Ensure Justice In The 'New Normal'

Less than a year after producing a harrowing report on the health crisis facing black women in Pittsburgh, the city’s Gender Equity Commission has offered some solutions – with a focus on crises in policing

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https://www.wesa.fm/post/bills-move-police-training-dealing-diverse-people#stream/0

More than 100 protesters gathered outside a Downtown Pittsburgh bar Wednesday, protesting a dress code they say discriminates against Black individuals and Black members of the LGBTQ+ community.

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Task Force On Police Reform To Offer ‘People Oriented Solutions’

Mayor Bill Peduto assembles a Community Task Force on Police Reform;  Brighton Rehabilitation and Wellness Center deals with the worst COVID-19 outbreak in the state; and the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership expands outdoor dining and walking

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Report: Pennsylvania’s State Economy Has Some Of The Most Racial Inequality In The Country

When it comes to state economies with the most racial equality, a report ranks Pennsylvania near the bottom of the list.

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This is what happens when you're threatened by diversity

What’s happening at the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette — the uprising caused by a decision to ban two Black journalists on staff, Alexis Johnson and Michael Santiago, from covering Black Lives Matter protests — is in alignment with the

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Justice Department launches portal to report civil rights violations

The U.S. Department of Justice has announced today the launch of a new online tool to help the public report civil rights violations.

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Wilkinsburg Mayor Marita Garrett Explains Why The Current Push For Racial Equality Is Different

Marita Garrett, the first female African-American mayor in Wilkinsburg history, spoke with Larry Richert and Kevin Battle of the KDKA Radio Morning Show and shared her view of what's happening around the country and in

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LGBTQ people in Pa. finally have workplace nondiscrimination protections after US Supreme Court ruling

Today, the Supreme Court passed a landmark ruling expanding non-discrimination protections for LGBTQ people across the country. This includes Pennsylvania, where statewide civil rights protections for LGBTQ people have lagged, thanks to Republicans in the

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Pittsburgh Faces The 'Clash Of Two Pandemics' In Racism, COVID-19

Protests and demonstrations demanding an end to racism and police violence against people of color continue across the country; Mike Turzai retires as Speaker of the Pennsylvania House; and local nonprofits are working hard to

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Why the Supreme Court’s decision on LGBTQ workers is a huge deal for Pennsylvania

It is now illegal for a Pennsylvania employer to fire someone for being gay or transgender.

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Environmental injustice in Pittsburgh: Poor, minority neighborhoods see higher rates of deaths from air pollution

If air pollution levels in all of Allegheny County were lowered to match the levels seen in its least-polluted neighborhoods, about 100 fewer residents would die of coronary heart disease every year, according to a

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"We have systemic issues, we have cyclical issues"

In 2018, our Pittsburgh reporter Kristina Marusic talked with Summer Lee who became the first Black woman to represent the Pittsburgh region at the state capital.

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Faith Leaders Come Together To Talk About Racism In America

Two faith leaders of prominent congregations that have been rocked by mass shootings came together Wednesday night to talk about how to fight racist and hateful attacks, as protests against police violence and systemic racism

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When police shoot or kill, who investigates? Pittsburgh, police union wrestle over process

As protesters locally and globally cry out against police use of force, Pittsburgh and its police union are in the midst of a legal and contractual tussle over how officers are questioned after they hurt

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Pittsburgh City Council introduces public safety reform legislation, but residents demand more

Officials in Pittsburgh, Allegheny County and Pennsylvania proposed several reforms on Tuesday to address the burgeoning demand for accountability on police and the criminal justice system as a whole.

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Pittsburgh YWCA announces plan supporting race and gender equity

The YWCA Greater Pittsburgh has announced a new organizational strategy focusing on programs supporting race and gender equity, especially for women of color, officials said.

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‘The silence is what’s killing us.’ Public defenders protest against institutional racism in criminal justice system

Public defenders, social workers and activists on Monday kneeled in front of the Allegheny County Courthouse in Downtown Pittsburgh to protest institutional racism in the criminal justice system.

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New Pittsburgh Coalition Tackles Racial Inequities And The Pandemic

Black deaths from COVID-19 are higher than white deaths due in part to institutional racism and social impediments, such as poverty. The Pittsburgh-based Black COVID-19 Equity Coalition is a group of public health researchers, businesspeople and elected officials

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Tom Purcell: Our national discussion on race is far from over

Police were called about John Mahone, a black man having an argument with his wife. A cop shot and killed him because he thought Mahone had a knife. Mahone had a can opener.

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What It Means to Be a Black Journalist in Pittsburgh Right Now

Michael Santiago, the Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, and one of the few people of color on staff there, stood in front of his newspaper’s building and tried to explain to reporters why

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Gov. Wolf, Mayor Peduto call for police reform on the sixth day of Black Lives Matter protests in Pittsburgh

On the sixth day of Black Lives Matter protests in Pittsburgh, Mayor Bill Peduto outlined an agenda and series of specific actions for police reform, some of which, he said, he expects to be enacted

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Pittsburgh Post-Gazette removes a Black reporter from George Floyd protest coverage, says union

According to the Newspaper Guild of Pittsburgh, a Black reporter at the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette has been recently barred from covering protests in honor of George Floyd, a Black man killed last week by a Minneapolis

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Wolf calls for police oversight, troopers association calls it an attack on law enforcement

Gov. Tom Wolf on Thursday announced his proposals to implement more training, transparency and oversight of Pennsylvania police departments in response to the killing of George Floyd.

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Wolf will appoint misconduct watchdog, establish commission to oversee Pa. State Police

Gov. Tom Wolf will appoint a watchdog and create a commission to investigate alleged misconduct by the Pennsylvania State Police and other law enforcement agencies under his purview, he announced Thursday.

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1Hood, Urbankind Panel Discusses Recent Protests And What Black People Need To Know

In an hour-long conversation where panelists highlighted Pittsburgh’s history, elected officials’ responses, and their own emotions, 1Hood Media and the UrbanKind Institute held a discussion on what Black Pittsburgh needed to know about protests. 

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Hundreds unite against racism, discrimination in hushed vigil at East Liberty Presbyterian Church

Hundreds of people filled the sidewalks surrounding the blockwide East Liberty Presbyterian Church on Wednesday in a midday vigil calling for racial justice and an end to discrimination by police and other institutions.

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Black Lives Matter: Now is the time to lift up black voices

Pittsburgh was under an 8:30 p.m. curfew Saturday, Sunday and Monday nights due to the ongoing Black Lives Matter protests. These protests — which have thus far occurred in Downtown and East Liberty, among other

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Our cities are burning, and so is the mental health of this African-American teen

“To be black and conscious in America is to be in a constant state of rage.” —James Baldwin, author and civil rights activist

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What Do Coronavirus Racial Disparities Look Like State By State?

In April, New Orleans health officials realized their drive-through testing strategy for the coronavirus wasn't working. The reason? Census tract data revealed hot spots for the virus were located in predominantly low-income African-American neighborhoods where

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New partnership bringing COVID-19 tests to low-income health centers in Allegheny County

When it comes to reopening states’ economies, the one word that always comes up is testing. Knowing exactly who has COVID-19, and who doesn’t, is crucial.

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Black businesses matter, but will they get fair share of COVID-19 aid money?

President Donald Trump and Congressional leaders announced the $2 trillion economic stimulus package—the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act to great fanfare, touting the deliverables of different aspects of the provisions and their

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Our ‘new normal’ should be inclusive

It’s in times such as the ones we each and as a community are going through that highlight how wonderful is Pittsburgh. People who aren’t from around here often think of our sports teams when

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Latinos coping with COVID-19 challenges get food, rent and other supports from community center

Darwin Molina left his native Honduras two years ago to escape people close to him who he feared were entrenched in a dangerous drug culture.

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Panel Looks At The State Of Policing And Incarceration Of Black People During COVID-19

A few weeks ago, prior to a trip to the grocery store with his family, Jerry Dickinson says he hesitated before wearing his face-mask out in public. 

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City Council unanimously passes housing protections for immigration status, language

Pittsburgh City Council on Tuesday unanimously approved housing protections for renters no matter their immigration status or native language.

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The Next Step in Promoting Equity

Without someone keeping careful watch, people who need help the most could miss out on the federal support Congress sent to nonprofits and local governments in response to the coronavirus pandemic. The Mary Reynolds Babcock

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Protesters say more inmates should be released from the Allegheny County Jail

As coronavirus progressed from a word barely anyone’s ever heard of to a word that no one will ever forget, the one constant that health experts have preached into the minds of the public is

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Book Discussions Build Community, Aim to Create Equity in Schools

Monday, May 4, marked the start of Teacher Appreciation Week. And this year, teachers are being recognized in a new light, as the country grapples with the COVID-19 pandemic. Virtually, teachers continue to bring students

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Making Black Lives Matter in Economic Policy

Andre Perry could not have anticipated a pandemic would lay bare the central premise of his new book about the devaluation of black lives and black property in the United States. But, after working on

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Racial equity task force proposed for coronavirus response in Pittsburgh

Two Pittsburgh city councilmen on Tuesday proposed a task force that would ensure the city’s minority communities receive equal treatment in government initiatives aimed at helping people during the coronavirus pandemic.

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Pittsburgh City Council looking to end housing discrimination based on perceived immigration status

Ever since the coronavirus pandemic hit Pittsburgh, there has been an increase in discrimination, specifically against the Asian community, according to the city’s Human Relations Commission director Megan Stanley.

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'It's hard on all of us': Providers for the disabled worry about protective equipment, changed routines, financial strains

Edward Monk’s job was tough — even before a global pandemic hit. Mr. Monk is a caregiver for two men with Down syndrome in a residential home.

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Councilwoman, mayor to introduce bill to fight housing discrimination in Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh City Councilwoman Erika Strassburger, Mayor Bill Peduto, community leaders and representatives of the city’s Commission on Human Relations are planning to introduce a new bill at a Zoom press conference Tuesday that would further

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Pittsburgh councilwoman says coronavirus has led to more discrimination complaints

Pittsburgh would ban discrimination based on a person’s citizenship or immigration status under legislation City Council is scheduled to introduce on Tuesday.

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For Pittsburgh’s immigrants, COVID-19 amplifies language barriers, food scarcity and limited work

As Pittsburgh-area residents filled grocery carts in preparation for the COVID-19 pandemic, language barriers and a lack of information left many local immigrants unable to stock up before shelves emptied.

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ACLU urges Pa. officials to collect, release race, ethic data of COVID-19 cases

In nearly three-quarters of Pennsylvania’s COVID-19 cases, the infected person’s race and ethnicity is unknown — an “unacceptable” statistic during the pandemic, the American Civil Liberties Union of Pennsylvania told commonwealth officials Wednesday.

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Protesters decry conditions at jail, seek release of more inmates

About 25 cars circled the Allegheny County Courthouse on Grant Street Wednesday to protest conditions at the jail and the continued incarceration of more than 1,600 inmates there during the COVID-19 pandemic — the same

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COVID-19, African Americans, mental health and the need for ‘reaching out’

“People lose jobs all the time,” said Dr. Rosie Phillips Davis, past president of the American Psychological Association. “But those living just above the poverty rate have lost jobs with food insecurity and no way

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LGBTQ Groups Tell Federal Government to Prevent COVID-19 Discrimination

One hundred and seventy national, state and local LGBTQ+ and allied organizations have joined in a second open letter to health and policy leaders highlighting the importance of measures to prohibit discrimination in COVID-19 treatment

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Allegheny County COVID-19 Map Might Disguise Impact On Black Communities

In cities like Milwaukee, New Orleans and Boston, black residents have been dying from COVID-19 at higher rates than white residents. Local public health researchers and advocates worry the same might be happening in Allegheny

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African Americans dying from coronavirus at alarming rates – Courier urges Allegheny County to collect racial data on COVID-19 cases

Why isn’t there comprehensive racial data on coronavirus cases? Many states, including Pennsylvania, aren’t keeping records on the races/ethnicities who test positive for the virus, raising concerns from Democratic lawmakers, civil rights groups, and prompting

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A virtual town hall discusses what Black Pittsburgh needs to know about COVID-19

What does Black Pittsburgh need to know about COVID-19?

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Coping with disease and disability in the time of coronavirus

Sassy Outwater-Wright has fought off cancer three times in the last 33 years, losing most of her eyesight to a rare form of the disease at the age of three.

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Amid Pandemic, Activists Call Prison Crowding Cruel And Unusual Punishment

Pennsylvania corrections secretary John Wetzel said earlier this week that his department is taking steps to reduce the state’s incarcerated population, in an effort to limit the spread of coronavirus behind bars. But prison-reform advocates

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Derrick Z. Jackson: Fighting for a just COVID-19 response

Coronavirus is going to batter us far longer than the worst of hurricanes. We must not let environmental justice communities be flattened in the process.

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County council shows little urgency in taking stand on Allegheny County Jail population

Nine Allegheny County Council members on Tuesday rejected the fast-tracking of an ordinance that could allow the release of nonviolent or juvenile offenders or those with health conditions from the jail and other facilities as

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County Councilors Bring Legislation To Reduce Spread Of COVID-19 By Releasing Some County Jail Inmates

Since the early days of the COVD-19 outbreak in Pennsylvania, most of our public leaders have done a good job telling the public how they should be taking care of themselves.

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Pitt’s School of Education’s Department-Wide Book Club Discusses Racial Inequity in Education

At the University of Pittsburgh (Pitt), the School of Education recently adopted a mission-vision of creating equity in schools.

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Pittsburgh Black women represented at Black Women’s Roundtable National Summit

Flashback to 1970, when the Temptations had a hit song called, “Ball of Confusion, That’s What the World is Today.”

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Voting rights are under attack

This year’s presidential election will propel many issues into the spotlight: the economy, health care, foreign policy, our education system and much more. One issue that gets far too little attention, often mentioned as just

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Professional Development Series Helps Teachers Address Race In Classrooms

Propel McKeesport elementary teacher Timesha Cohen said she is uncomfortable talking about race in her classroom. But, she said she knows it’s vital for her students.

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Report Sees Ways To Improve Outcomes Among Released Inmates

A task force set up three years ago issued recommendations Wednesday about how to improve the process of reentering outside society among prisoners who have finished their sentences.

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Residents raise concerns about bias in Allegheny County’s automated decision-making tools

Local residents voiced trepidation at a meeting in Homewood Tuesday about the use of algorithms to guide criminal justice, law enforcement, and child welfare decisions.

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Retreat prison no stranger to closure controversy

The State Correctional Institution at Retreat in Newport Twp. that Gov. Tom Wolf wants to shut down along with state centers at White Haven and Polk has closed before.

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Pittsburgh Council to consider legislation aimed at eliminating racial inequalities

Pittsburgh’s two black councilmen Tuesday continued efforts to combat racism in the city by introducing legislation that would create an equity commission and commit the city to a 10-point plan for erasing inequalities.

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https://pittnews.com/article/156056/featured/pitt-alum-tackles-racism-as-naacp-director/

Diversity refers to having or being composed of different elements, including individuals of different race, age, gender, religion and sexual orientation. Inclusion refers to  behaviors and social norms that make people feel welcome.

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The Cover Up: On being a prop in the system we claimed to dismantle

This essay is the first in a series on having conversations about legacy oppression, confessing complicity, reducing the harm we cause others, assimilation racism, building emotional resilience, and the practice of knowing and telling the

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Partnering to solve economic and health disparities in Pittsburgh

Black Americans have progressed considerably, especially in the areas of education and wage increases. However, we still lag far behind when it comes to accessing certain economic opportunities, especially in Pittsburgh.

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Pitt alum tackles racism as NAACP director

Kellie Ware-Seabron was 31 years old and a mother to two young children when she started law school at Northeastern University in 2015. She wasn’t looking for a large paycheck — but a way to

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Pennsylvania ACLU hopes to join voter roll purge lawsuit

Voting-rights groups have asked a federal court to be included in a lawsuit alleging improper maintenance of voter rolls in Allegheny County — a suit the groups fear could result in voters being unintentionally disenfranchised.

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Casa San Jose volunteers go knocking to boost census participation

Victoria Hess and her 13-year-old sidekick, Eric Garcia, knocked on all the odd-numbered doors in the 1800 block of Tonopah Avenue in Beechview last Saturday.

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Police and Black Americans: How to Tackle Racism’s Legacy

On Saturday, February 29, Black History Month for the year 2020 will officially come to an end.

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URA’s deputy director reflects on childhood, communities that need ‘more investment … more partnership’

A glaring reality stands out to Diamonte Walker — that not all communities are afforded the same opportunities. 

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The 2020 Pittsburgh Racial Justice Summit

THE 22ND ANNUAL PITTSBURGH RACIAL JUSTICE SUMMIT was held, Jan. 25, at the Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, with the opening ceremony held at the Union Project on North Negley Avenue, Jan. 24. The summit included sessions

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Protesters call on Pennsylvania AG to ‘show mercy’ and commute more life sentences

Hundreds of people rallied in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh on Tuesday, calling on Attorney General Josh Shapiro to “show mercy” by supporting more commutations.

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Rallies Planned In Pittsburgh, Philadelphia To Urge AG Shapiro To Support More Commutations

Human-rights groups plan to hold rallies in Pittsburgh and Philadelphia Tuesday to protest state Attorney General Josh Shapiro’s record on commutation. While Pennsylvania's Board of Pardons recommended more commutations last year than at any time

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‘Advancing Just Health For All’

Studies have shown that racism and prejudice have contributed to racial gaps in health, education, economic stability and housing. Healthy People 2020 is the federal government’s “road map” agenda for building a healthier nation.

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Arguments Heard In Transgender Name Change Law

Pennsylvania’s law governing legal name changes was up for debate before the state’s Commonwealth Court in Pittsburgh Thursday. Three transgender women have challenged a provision of the statute that bars people from changing their names

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Allegheny County Council Votes To Restrict Conversion Therapy For Minors

Licensed mental health providers may soon be barred from providing so-called conversion therapy to LGBTQ youth in Allegheny County. In a 13-2 vote Tuesday, Allegheny County Council approved a measure to prohibit the treatment for

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As a Pennsylvanian with a disability, I’m forced to choose between higher pay and essential benefits

For most people, waking up and getting ready for work is a fairly straightforward routine. You get up, probably drink some coffee, take a shower, get dressed and head out the door. I’d guess it

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Systemic Racism And Bias In Pittsburgh Media

How overwhelmingly white Pittsburgh media outlets cover black lives; day-to-day concerns of rural Americans aren’t being addressed in campaign stump speeches; the Wilkinsburg murder trial moves into deliberations; and VA Pittsburgh wants more veterans to

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African Americans are ready for the illustrious ‘C-Suite’

Andrea Stanford knows Amber Farr, but does she know Charles Carrier? Tracey McCants Lewis knows Jerome Jackson, but does she know Shannon Austin? What’s guaranteed to come from the second-ever cohort of The Advanced Leadership Initiative’s Executive

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CMU created a map excluding Pittsburgh’s Black neighborhoods. It’s not the only one.

On Wednesday, Carnegie Mellon University was criticized for distributing a map of Pittsburgh that excluded many of the city’s Black neighborhoods. Yet the university isn’t alone.

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Tony Norman: Another sticky development at Allegheny County Common Pleas Court

Ah, another February, another Black History Month. This is the time of year when racking up intentional slights and unintentional indignities is easier than ever. There’s something about February that draws out the stupid in

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CMU apologizes for excluding historically black communities from tourist map

Carnegie Mellon University posted a map of Pittsburgh online several weeks back in which it described for prospective students and families a city of nearly 90 neighborhoods, a place where "you can always find something

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Pittsburgh NAACP hires new executive director

Pittsburgh’s branch of the NAACP on Wednesday announced the hiring of a new executive director.

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Allegheny County Council to gather more feedback on police review board proposal

Allegheny County Council will resume efforts to gather feedback from the public, law enforcement experts and other stakeholders — including municipal officials, police chiefs and grassroots organizations — regarding legislation to form a countywide police

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NEXT Up: De’netta Benjamin-Miller on equitable healthcare and helping communities heal

De’netta Benjamin-Miller, executive director of Sojourner House, is passionate about empowering communities to achieve mental wellness and heal from trauma.

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County Executive Fitzgerald touts African Americans being hired at double the rate of the county’s Black population

They, according to Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald, are just four of the many examples of minorities and women who accomplished outstanding feats while employed with the county, and who have gone on to “bigger

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How Racism Became a Public Health Crisis in Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh’s city council voted to declare racism a health crisis, following precedents set by Madison and Milwaukee. Here’s what it means—and what it doesn’t.

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Sexual misconduct prevention panel plots course

When the Association of American Universities released a report last year detailing sexual misconduct on 33 university campuses, including Pitt, Yemi Olaiya said personal experiences with sexual misconduct inspired her to help survivors.

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Gender-Affirming Parenting Is Allowing Kids To Explore Their Own Identities

Turtle and their little brother, Philip, play make believe, conjuring relationships and modeling adult life. Philip always plays the mom because Turtle always wants to be the dad. When their aunts or uncles send dresses

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Refugee relief: A response from Pittsburgh students

When you hear “refugee crisis,” you may automatically picture some foreign nation in distress, but for thousands of Pittsburgh students, the subject hits way too close to home

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Africana Studies Can 'Correct The Lens' Through Which We Study History

On today's program: GOP leadership is changing in Harrisburg; some U.S. waterways might lose federal protection; a new report reveals companies did not report hospitalizations of those with intellectual disabilities; and Pitt’s Department of Africana

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Allegheny County Council Reconsidering Civilian Police Review Board Proposal

The Allegheny County Council is reviewing a proposal that would create a civilian police review board.

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Councilors Question Legality, Motivation For New Hateful Activities Bill

City councilors decided on Wednesday to hold off on voting for a new bill that would add "hateful activities" to the city's code of conduct, and to see what the city's law department has to

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County Council To Get A Second Look At Measure To Form Police Review Board

As promised, Allegheny County Councilor DeWitt Walton re-introduced a measure Tuesday to create a countywide police review board. The legislation was among the first proposals council took up this year.

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Lawmakers to introduce legislation targeting "school-to-prison pipeline" in Pennsylvania

Lawmakers in Harrisburg are looking at legislation they say will help dismantle what they call a school-to-prison pipeline that disproportionately impacts communities of color.

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Pa. has some work to do on racial equity, new report finds | Tuesday Morning Coffee

On Monday, the nation paused to honor the life and work of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. In church services and service projects, Pennsylvanians from all walks of life heeded the call to

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Pittsburgh council postpones vote on ‘hateful activities’ bill

Pittsburgh City Council postponed a vote Wednesday as it sought a legal opinion from the city’s solicitor on legislation proposed by Councilman Ricky Burgess that would prohibit “hateful activities” by city employees.

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Pittsburgh was a sanctuary city 150 years ago. Now racism is a public health crisis

Pitsburgh is a city of contradictions when it comes to race relations.

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Lawmakers, Educators, Prosecutors And More Will Study Pa.’s Juvenile Justice Issues

Some of the last big changes Pennsylvania made to its juvenile justice system came almost a decade ago, after the “kids for cash” scandal in which judges in Luzerne County took bribes for keeping minors

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Study: Transgender Teens' Suicide Risk Higher Than Cisgendered Peers'

A study led by University of Pittsburgh researchers found that transgendered teens are more at risk for suicide than their cis-gendered counterparts.

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Repair the World's Racial and Economic Justice Shabbat Dinner

If you haven’t discovered Repair the World PGH, put them on your radar. The nonprofit’s work supports racial, economic, environmental and educational justice through an intersectional lens and continues to inspire and motivate communities to

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Martin Luther King Jr. event notes unfinished business

The title of the day’s observances, “The Struggle Continues,” gave an indication of the tone in the words, song and dance at St. Paul Cathedral in Oakland on Sunday.

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Lawmakers Aim To Stop Closure Of 2 Institutions For Disabled

A fight to block Gov. Tom Wolf from closing two state centers for the intellectually disabled produced a second large majority in Pennsylvania's Republican-controlled Legislature on Wednesday, even as Wolf vowed to continue a decades-old

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Pa. moves to close another prison as incarceration rates drop

After a hot mic incident, two heated community meetings, and months of debate, the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections moved Wednesday to close State Correctional Institute Retreat, a 1,200 bed facility in Luzerne County.

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Advocates push for Alina’s Law for additional protections in domestic abuse

A pair of Allegheny County lawmakers joined domestic violence prevention advocates and the parents of a murdered Pitt student Tuesday in Harrisburg in a renewed push for the passage of Alina’s Law.

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Race, Fear And Law In Police Confrontations

The longtime head of the Delta Foundation has stepped down; New Light Congregation makes a decision about its future; a new book looks at how police-community relations have evolved a decade since the Jordan Miles

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Will New Bill Deal Blow To Racism, Or Just Settle Scores?

At Pittsburgh City Council's first full meeting Tuesday, Distict 9 City Councilor Ricky Burgess offered a bill that may either advance an anti-racist agenda for the future — or settle some old political scores. 

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Report: Allegheny County Jail population drops 7 percent

In a story about local population decline that officials are actually celebrating, the average daily population in the Allegheny County Jail has fallen 7 percent since late 2017, according to a report the county released this week.

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Girl Talk: Voices of the Hill District features strong Black women interviewed by strong Black girls

As a young girl, Evelena McFarland was well known to her Hill District neighbors. Her mom sold chicken and rib dinners, and Evelena was the runner, delivering meals up and down Centre and Wylie avenues.

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What ‘Livability’ Looks Like for Black Women

Livability indexes can obscure the experiences of non-white people. CityLab analyzed the outcomes just for black women, for a different kind of ranking.

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Expungement Clinic In Homewood Saturday To Help With Clearing Criminal Records

People with criminal histories can explore options for erasing their records at a clinic in Homewood Saturday. 

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Report: County needs new department to address kids' needs

Allegheny County should create a department dedicated to improving early childhood education and after-school programs, according to the report of a 25-member working group created in March by County Executive Rich Fitzgerald.

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A Design for Workforce Equity

Redesigning for equity in workforce development would ensure job quality for all workers, increase competitiveness, and drive inclusionary growth.

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City council urged to confront inequities, institutions hindering Pittsburgh’s black residents

Pittsburgh’s elected leaders should own up to historical barriers as well as persisting structural and institution-driven ones that contribute to the city’s drastic racial inequities and poverty-based segregation between whites and blacks, several residents told

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Gov. Wolf Says Pennsylvania Will Keep Accepting Refugees

Pennsylvania’s governor is telling President Donald Trump he won’t be using state authority granted last month to refuse to accept refugees.

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Some want apologies and reparations from Pittsburgh for racial injustices

Community activists want an official apology and a reparations package from the city of Pittsburgh — including land and cash — to make up for lost time, wealth and opportunity stolen by past and current

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A New Book Takes You Inside Prison Walls To Show Us Why We Need To Reform The Sentences.

In many ways, it’s a completely ordinary interview, with some ice-breaking talk about the Steelers’ most recent loss, his basketball playing injuries, Pittsburgh’s intimate neighborhoods and our shared love of the glory days of Big

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Black women and femmes say Pittsburgh’s inequity report exemplifies the problem: Black voices are left out.

Researchers, nonprofit leaders and advocates who gathered Monday continued to criticize a September report on racial and gender inequity for its predominantly white research team and the failure to engage Black leaders and community organizations

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Parole System Could See Changes After Review Of Murder Cases

An internal review of Pennsylvania’s parole system spurred by five parolees getting charged in quick succession with homicide is, in theory, acknowledging a long-standing complaint of parole agents over a long-term policy shift designed to

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Pitt Study Finds Large Number Of Transgender Teens Have Suicidal Thoughts

Suicidal thoughts are a common occurrence among transgender teens, according to a new study from the University of Pittsburgh.

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The number of disabled people who live at state-run centers has dwindled. That doesn’t mean closing them isn’t controversial

In September, hundreds of angry state workers and concerned family members packed a church auditorium in rural Venango County, less than 100 miles north of Pittsburgh. 

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Coalition to U.N.: Human rights in Pittsburgh are lagging for people of color, people with low incomes

A coalition of activist groups and two city commissions have joined to tell the United Nations what human rights look like in Pittsburgh.

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LGBTQ community wants 2020 candidate who will fight for their rights

Having just watched the country’s first openly gay presidential candidate speak at the country’s first ever nationally televised presidential event devoted to LGBTQ+ issues, it was time for Chuck Knoles to step away from the

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New Senate Bill Could Offer More Access To Health Care Needs For Workers With Disabilities

A bill that aims to let more people with disabilities access a program that gives them medical services appears primed to move quickly through the state Senate.

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Supreme Court Case On LGBTQ Rights May Make A Difference Depending On Where You Live

In a nutshell, the U.S. Supreme Court is being asked to decide a fundamental question.

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First person: Pittsburgh’s museums have a diversity problem.

Author Sean Beauford writes about how his work with local museums has shown the lack of diversity in staff and artists amplified and creates a disconnect with the community.

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Those with criminal records should help decide their fate, member says

An exasperated Tiheba Bain gave her colleagues on the Council on the Collateral Consequences of a Criminal Record a stern reminder Tuesday morning: “A lot of people think they know what formerly incarcerated people need, but

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Tony Norman: Echoes of a shameful era in Allegheny County justice

For several months, I had the pleasure — grim as the subject matter was — of working with my colleagues Steve Mellon and Michael Santiago researching and writing an interactive series for the PG about

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Transgender surgery linked with better long-term mental health, study shows

Surgery can be scary for anyone, but gender-affirming surgery for transgender people may provide better long-term mental health benefits, according to new research from the Yale School of Public Health.

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Middleman Blasts DA’s Office For Incarceration Of Innocent Teens

Four local teens were each jailed for up to 15 months despite alibi evidence that proved their innocence, according to a Pittsburgh Post-Gazette report Sunday. And on Monday, the independent candidate for Allegheny County District

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SCOTUS Case Could Decide If Federal Law Protects LGBTQ People From Job Discrimination

Three cases headed to the Supreme Court of the United States on Tuesday will determine if LGBTQ people are protected under federal employment discrimination laws. The arguments are particularly significant in Pennsylvania, one of the

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Four Pittsburgh teens spent months in jail before the DA dropped their charges

They all had alibis. The four teenagers charged in a 2017 Hill District shooting that wounded three children knew there was proof they didn't do it. But they were prosecuted anyway.

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‘We Have Nothing To Lose But Our Chains’: Protesters Demand Change For Black Women

Protesters filled intersections and marched down Penn Avenue through the East End Friday night as part of the Protect Black Women march. 

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Pittsburgh to use $250K grant to help homeless people

 

Pittsburgh announced Friday it will use a $250,000 state grant to help find housing for homeless people and prevent residents from becoming homeless, officials said.

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I’m a third-generation Black female living in this Pittsburgh nightmare.

When I was 6 years old, I sat cross-legged in my grandmother’s living room. My hands framed my face as I hung onto her every word. She told a story highlighting horrific ways human beings

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UN releases ‘unprecedented’ report on anti-Semitism

Israeli, Jewish and pro-Israel groups all applauded the publication of an ‘unprecedented’ United Nations report on anti-Semitism.

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Conference On Transgender Health Care Shows Pittsburgh Is Improving, But Still Learning

Medical and mental health care for transgender people is improving, but still has a ways to go. 

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Reel Q Brings Films That Sate Desires For Diverse LGTBQ Representation

The LGBTQ+ realm is a diverse community with endless stories to tell. But we live in a society that has a fear of deviating from telling the stories of those who have more power under

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As ex-PPG scientist continues legal fight on gender bias allegations, national focus on such issues grows

A year ago, a federal jury ordered PPG to pay nearly $3 million to a female scientist who sued the global coatings company for gender discrimination.

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Op-ed: The Supreme Court Should Affirm LGBTQ Protections for All

The progress made by LGBTQ Americans throughout the last decade has been remarkable. Winning marriage equality in all 50 states was one of the most important victories to allow LGBTQ people to live fulfilling and

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Western Pa. health experts alarmed by ‘unacceptable’ rise in maternal deaths

Local doctors say the rising number of maternal deaths in the state is “unacceptable” and “scary,” and they are working to create more comprehensive ways to care for pregnant and postpartum women.

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House Re-Introduces Contentious Bills To Reinstate Mandatory Minimum Sentences

On Tuesday afternoon, a state House committee is slated to start voting on a slew of bills related to gun violence.

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Panel discussion in Bethel Park addresses probation reform

While she was playing high school lacrosse, Bethany Hallam tore ligaments in both of her knees. As the Allegheny County Council member-elect has acknowledged, the Vicodin prescribed for her injuries led to her becoming addicted to

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Pa. State Police stopped tracking the race of drivers who get pulled over, making profiling hard to detect

The Pennsylvania State Police, the third-largest statewide law enforcement agency in the country, has stopped collecting data on the race of drivers its troopers pull over, making it far more difficult to detect bias.

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Reviving cities must include the excluded

A quarter century ago, downtown Hartford was 8/5 rather than 24/7. People drove in for work or UConn games and then headed back to the suburbs. It was hard to even buy a cup of coffee

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‘Smashed Out Of Society,’ Incarcerated Men Trace Their Journey To, And Within, Prison In New Book

More than 5,000 people are serving life sentences in Pennsylvania prisons, without the possibility of release. Ralph “Malakki” Bolden is one of them. He was convicted of first-degree murder after killing a man during a

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Study Shows Deep Inequality In Pittsburgh

A new report from Pittsburgh’s Gender Equity Commission (GEC) comparing gender and racial inequality in Pittsburgh to other cities shows African Americans in Pittsburgh have less favorable outcomes than those in other cities.

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CNN anchor Van Jones, Rep. Ed Gainey advocate probation reform in East Liberty

Pennsylvania has the second-highest rate of people on probation and/or parole of any state in the U.S., according to 2018 statistics from the Prison Policy Initiative. In Pennsylvania, there are 2,220 people on probation and/or

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Pittsburgh’s Black residents feel consequences of inequality more starkly than in other U.S. cities, new city report finds

If you’re a white Pittsburgh resident, your health, education and employment outcomes are about average across most other cities in the United States. Move somewhere else, and you’re unlikely to have a drastically different experience

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Report offers stark picture of inequalities by gender, race in Pittsburgh

Black women in Pittsburgh are more likely to have a baby die during pregnancy than black women in most other cities in the country, according to a report released Tuesday. But that’s only one serious

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All for All announces lineup for expanded immigration summit next month

For immigrant communities and their allies, the last several years have been a trying time in Pittsburgh and around the country.

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Council To Hold Hearing After Group Calls For Reparations For Pittsburgh’s Black Residents

Pittsburgh City Council approved a future public hearing on possible reparations for black residents. The idea was proposed by the New Afrikan Independence Party, which delivered a petition to council on Tuesday. 

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As Political Tides Shift, Chances At Commutation Rise For Pennsylvania Lifers

Pennsylvanians sentenced as adults to life in prison without parole can only be released if the governor commutes their sentences. For most of the past 25 years, that's happened no more than once annually.

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Making accommodations: Work to assist those with sensory sensitivities

Our society leans toward the neurotypical. Tight spaces, loud noises, bright lights — minor and everyday annoyances for most of us — can trigger intense discomfort for those who are not typical.

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Karen Kane: Back to the drawing board for County Council

The venerable Elizabeth Pittinger doesn’t pull her punches. We’re talking about the misfire by Allegheny County Council in its effort to form a civilian police oversight board — something like the Pittsburgh board she has overseen

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Pittsburgh celebrates its international community with a party at Market Square

Pittsburgh is well known for its Eastern European, German and Italian communities, and the many festivals that celebrate their food and culture.  But what about the other, more recent immigrants that also are a part

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Planned closure of Polk Center marks the end of an era and the start of a battle

With its clusters of stately red-brick buildings and manicured lawns, set amid the farm fields and state game lands of Venango County, Polk Center almost looks like a college campus.

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As Cities Embrace New Modes Of Transit, Gaps In Accessibility Remain

How we get from one place to another can have a big impact on our lives. Conjure up the feeling of sitting in a hot car, stuck in gridlock, and compare it to taking a short bike

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Pathways 2 Pardons Event Tuesday Offers Free Help With Clearing Criminal Records

People with criminal backgrounds can get help clearing their records at an event in Wilkinsburg Tuesday evening.

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For Juveniles In Allegheny County Jail, High School Program 'Takes Away The Bars'

All across the country, students are returning to school, and in Pittsburgh, that includes youth housed at the Allegheny County Jail. The jail runs a full high school for juveniles charged as adults.

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Market Square To Hold International And Immigrant Communities Celebration

PITTSBURGH (KDKA)– For three Friday nights, Market Square will be filled with food, fun, and activities of the international communities of the Greater Pittsburgh Area.

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Open Up helps people with disabilities access art and wellness through inclusive yoga classes

As the body positivity movement grows in Pittsburgh, people are looking for more inclusive alternatives to the often toxic culture familiar to the fitness scene. This is one of the reasons why Marissa Vogel turned her attention

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An accessible neighborhood needs parks

For many families like mine—with members who are on the spectrum or have other sensory or mental disorders—parks and playgrounds are vitally important

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Queerpunk Slamjunk serves a tea party to support local LGBTQ youth

After coming out as queer, Silas Maxwell Switzer craved a space in Pittsburgh where he could express himself creatively with other queer people. There was only one problem — as far as he could tell,

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To build safe streets, we need to address racism in urban design

Earlier this summer, activists in Washington, D.C.’s Ward 8 held two vigils on the same day—one for a pedestrian killed in a hit-and-run and the other for a young man lost to gun violence. In

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Wages Increased Across PA in 2018, But The Benefits Aren't Reaching Everyone

Despite high employment and wage increases for Pennsylvanians last year, black residents aren't seeing the same amount of growth. 

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County Council votes down proposal for civilian police review board

Allegheny County Council voted down a proposed ordinance Tuesday to create a county-wide civilian police review board. The bill, which was in the works for over a year, failed, 9-6.

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Grand Jury Advises Legislature To Overhaul Its Sexual Harassment Reporting

A Dauphin County grand jury has issued a slate of recommendations for the state legislature on how it handles sexual assault and harassment.

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Nan Feyler is the new executive director of the PA Innocence Project

Nan Feyler  has been named executive director of the Pennsylvania Innocence Project — a nonprofit law firm working to exonerate the convicted innocent and to prevent innocent people from being convicted.

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One Year Later, A Look At The Work Of The State LGBTQ Commission

A year after it was established, the Pennsylvania Commission on LGBTQ Affairs has helped local governments pass inclusive laws, establish policies for transgender students and worked to end discriminatory practices in the state. 

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