SOCIAL JUSTICE BLOG
Read and share extraordinary stories from the frontlines of social change
Ending Racist and Sexist Exclusion of Caregivers from Critical Labor Standards in Washington
Despite the high priority of their work and its inherent danger, live-in caregivers in the state of Washington may be paid shockingly subminimum wages without any access to state-mandated sick leave. They often work 24-hour shifts without uninterrupted breaks or sleep. Caregivers provide personal care and companionship for residents, assisting residents in bathing, dressing, eating, moving about, taking medication, and attending appointments. This care sometimes includes shifting immobile patients in bed to prevent pressure ulcers. Our clients’ work caused them to suffer musculoskeletal injuries and viral infections, including COVID-19.
California Racial Justice Act Could Be a Check on Racist Gang Injunctions
Gangs are commonly associated with organized crime and terror. However, young people typically join gangs to find community, not to commit violent crime. The concept of a gang has racial implication as well, due to historical discrimination of young Black and Brown men. When we think of white supremacist organizations that commit violent crime, they are usually called “groups,” a word with much less stigma surrounding it. Because of the negative and violent associations pushed by the media and government around gangs, the public fear of gang violence increased from the late 20th century to the early 21st century. In an attempt to curb gang violence and reduce fear surrounding gangs, local governments across the country have implemented gang injunctions.
Impact Fund Grant Program: COVID-19 Response
To best help grantees and applicants adapt to the evolving legal landscape with COVID-19 related cases, we will; increase availability of rapid response grants, fast track urgent requests and streamline requests for expense type adjustments.