This month we are looking at anti-discrimination and/or anti-rasicm legislation that has passed and those that are currently pending in the 117th Congress, which will end January 3, 2023. For the pending legislation, there is a link to information about who sponsored it, the actual text, and actions taken. It’s important to be aware of our rights and how legislation can support us in our work to end racism. If you have questions or comments about a specific resolution, bill or act, you can contact your representative via email. Contact your Congressperson here or Senator here.

HISTORICAL – FEDERAL LAW

Title 42 USC, Chapter 21, Subchapter 1, Section 1981: Equal rights under the law

Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 - Title VII prohibits employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex and national origin.

Voting Rights Act of 1965 - The Voting Rights Act of 1965 (VRA) bans the denial or restriction of the right to vote and forbids discrimination in voting practices on the basis of race and color nationwide.

Title 42 USC, Chapter 3601, Section 801 - Fair Housing Act - protection in housing on the federal level.

Title 15 USC, Section 1691(a) - Equal Credit Opportunity Act - grants all applicants an equal opportunity to obtain credit through the anti-discrimination provision.

PENDING FEDERAL LEGISLATION

For many states, November is when you exercise one of the basic rights of being an American citizen by getting out and voting. But to do so, you need to register and prepare. At present the Voting Rights Act of 1965 is being placed in jeopardy. The Supreme Court heard a case earlier this month that could make it more difficult for minority voters to challenge alleged gerrymandering and continue the deconstruction of the historic law. You can make a difference by reading the pending bills and making your voice heard. Get out and vote for those that support you.

House Res. 4 - John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act of 2021

Senate Bill 2747 - Freedom to Vote Act

House Res. 5746 - Freedom to Vote: John R. Lewis Act

House Res. 103 - Condemning the bigotry that was displayed and voiced during the January 6th siege of the United States Capitol, the prominent role played by White supremacists and domestic terrorists in planning and leading the siege, and the elected officials who encouraged them.

Senate Bill 172 and House Res. 344 - A resolution declaring racism a public health crisis.

House Res. 132 - Recognizing people of African descent and Black Europeans.

House Res. 1727 - Emmett Till and Will Brown Justice for Victims of Lynching Act of 2021.

Senate Bill 888 - CROWN Act of 2021 - The CROWN Act, which stands for “Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair,” is a law that prohibits race-based hair discrimination, which is the denial of employment and educational opportunities because of hair texture or protective hairstyles including braids, locs, twists or bantu knots.

ALLYSHIP

You can actively support anti-racism initiatives by being an accessory. Read the pending Congressional bills and contact your representatives to ensure the passage of  legislation that will help break the cycle of oppression and safeguard everyone’s civil rights.

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