Diversity and Inclusion
Schools turn to VR to develop a ‘future-ready’ neurodivergent workforce
The tech can help neurodiverse students prepare for entering the workforce amid government programs aimed at fostering more inclusive workplaces, experts say.
DEI controversy collides with state-level cyber workforce needs
Despite the federal government’s movement away from DEI practices, state agencies can still explore ways to broaden their cyber workforces to fill talent gaps.
‘Invisible’ no more: States move to hire people with disabilities
Tapping potential employees with “non-apparent” conditions like autism, attention deficit disorder and chronic depression can bring qualified candidates to a public sector workforce in desperate need of talent.
Achieving racial equity in college admissions starts in pre-K
COMMENTARY | The class of 2028 is the first college class to be admitted after the end of affirmative action. Without it, we need big-picture reforms.
Nonwhite people are drastically underrepresented in local government
COMMENTARY | As in the federal and state governments, local elected officials are more likely to be white than their constituents. At times, such as with school boards, the differences are particularly stark.
A year of inspiration and motivation: Historic firsts for women of color in politics
Experts point to signs of a shift in politics this year, crediting increased representation for the spurt of women of color winning mayoral elections.
The 15-minute city is a popular planning approach, but relies on ableist assumptions
COMMENTARY | The 15-minute city relies on residents’ abilities to walk and bike. But what what if a resident’s body doesn’t walk or bike in what is considered a normative sense?
States grapple with racist language in real estate deeds
Some states let homeowners erase language. One state wants to erase its effects.
Expanded health insurance for immigrants gains traction in states
By increasing access to health insurance, including for immigrants lacking permanent legal status, states can reduce the burden of health care costs for communities.
Missouri becomes the 14th state with a majority-women supreme court
Abortion and gender-affirming care for trans youth could be among the issues the court faces.
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Why some schools are halting Halloween celebrations
Concerns that some students may feel excluded from Halloween celebrations has prompted some districts to move celebrations outside of school hours.
City puts accessibility at the forefront of disability data
Philadelphia’s disability map can help policymakers deliver more inclusive and accessible services for those living with disabilities.
In scrapping its LGBTQ-related travel ban, California pivots to ‘hearts and minds’
Lawmakers nixed a seven-year ban on state-funded travel to states that enact discriminatory laws.
Is the Census taking steps to count the millions of LGBTQ+ Americans overlooked?
The Census Bureau’s plans to test questions about sexual orientation and gender identity in the American Community Survey is the latest step in a years-long push to improve national data on LGBTQ+ people.
Job opportunities targeting workers with ADHD and autism gain traction
North Carolina wants to attract more neurodivergent people to IT work. It is one of many such initiatives in government.
Emily’s List launches Madam Mayor program to support local women leaders
The initiative was launched in part in response to misinformation and disinformation targeting women candidates and officials.
How book-banning campaigns have changed the lives and education of librarians
COMMENTARY | Librarians are defending the rights of readers and writers in the battle raging across the U.S. over censorship, book challenges and book bans. That conflict has even changed how librarians are trained.
Harm of anti-LGBTQ laws includes economic pain for communities, families
So far in 2023, at least 70 anti-LGBTQ laws have been enacted across the states as LGBTQ individuals consider relocating to more inclusive areas for their safety and well-being.
Anti-LGBTQ laws in the US are getting struck down for limiting free speech of drag queens and doctors
COMMENTARY | A number of judges who considered challenges to anti-LGBTQ legislation passed by state lawmakers in 2023 argue how the laws violate the First Amendment.
SCOTUS: Race cannot be considered in college admissions
The ruling will affect both public and private colleges and universities in states that have not already barred affirmative action in admissions.
