U.S. District Judge: State's Same-Sex Adoption Ban Violates the Equal Protection Clause
By adreherA U.S. District Judge ruled Mississippi's adoption ban for same-sex couples unconstitutional today. U.S. District Judge Daniel P. Jordan released an order in the Campaign for Southern Equality v. Mississippi Department of Human Services preliminary enjoining MDHS from enforcing Mississippi's same-sex adoption ban.
Jordan dismissed the complaints against the governor and the attorney general in the case, but said that MDHS is involved in the adoption process and therefore responsible for enforcing Mississippi's ban on same-sex couples adopting in the state. Jordan ruled that the ban violates the Equal Protection Clause and ruled that the executive director of MDHS is not allowed to enforce the adoption ban, as of today.
Read the whole order here. Read more about the CSE v. MDHS case here.
Nissan Releases Statement Denouncing LGBT Discrimination
By adreherThe Jackson Free Press obtained a statement from Nissan after inquiring about their stance on House Bill 1523. The statement is reproduced in full below:
“Nissan is committed to providing our employees with an inclusive workplace environment that supports diversity. It is Nissan’s policy to prohibit discrimination of any type, and we oppose any legislation that would allow discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals.”
Here are (some of) the Groups, Organizations, People Opposing House Bill 1523
By adreherThe Senate passed House Bill 1523 on March 30, which would allow certain elected officials, businesses and religious organizations to not offer services based on their religious belief that marriage is between a man and a woman. Although the bill's proponents say it protects individuals from government discrimination, its critics say the bill actually allows discrimination based on religious belief. Read about the full debate here.
Below is a list of organizations that oppose House Bill 1523:
Mississippi Economic Council, the state's Chamber of Commerce
The Mississippi Economic Council has updated its overall policy on diversity and opposes HB1523. Full statement below:
“As the State Chamber of Commerce for a state that has proven its hospitable and business-friendly approach, MEC opposes efforts that would intentionally or unintentionally prevent Mississippi businesses from implementing and enforcing non-discrimination policies or that would limit diversity and inclusion impacting their customers and employees. HB 1523 conflicts with this policy."
IBM "IBM is disappointed by the Mississippi legislature's passage of H.B. 1523, because we believe this legislation with permit discrimination against people based on their marriage status, sexual orientation, or gender identity or expression.
"IBM encourages Governor Bryant not to approve H.B 1523, and will continue to support passage by Congress of the Equality Act, which would provide federal non-discrimination protection to all Americans."
AT&T
"AT&T supports our freedom of speech and religion just as vigorously as we oppose discrimination. Legislation that permits discrimination against any of our employees or customers conflicts with our core values. Our position on discrimination is simple; we oppose it."
Levi Strauss & Co. "We believe that treating all people equally and fairly is good for business, and discrimination has no place anywhere. #NoOnHB1523"
Mass Mutual Tweet: "Diversity is a core value @massmutual. We encourage Gov. @PhilBryantMS to keep MS open for business and veto #HB1523."
Lance Bass Tweet: "An anti-LGBT bill in Mississippi is dangerously close to becoming law. Take action with me & @HRC to say #NoOnHB1523 hrc.org/Mississippi"
Statement: "Mississippi is my home—I was born there and grew up there. My husband Michael and I frequently travel back to Laurel to spend time with family. However, the state we know and love is under attack by hateful lawmakers who want to legalize discrimination. If they have their way, on our next visit, Michael and I could be kicked out of a hotel or refused emergency shelter in a storm just because of who we are. That does not sound like the Hospitality State. We are better than this bill, and I urge my fellow Mississippians to join me in calling on Governor Bryant to veto HB1523 when it reaches his desk." Read Diana Bass, Lance's mother, testifying to her church about learning that her son was gay: http://www.jacksonfreepress.com/news/2014/apr/30/diane-bass-testimony-her-church/
ACLU of Mississippi
Executive director of the ACLU of Mississippi Jennifer Riley-Collins released this statement today:
"The ACLU of Mississippi is deeply disturbed that the Mississippi State Senate passed ...
JPS: Schools' Water 'Below Regulatory Limit for Lead,' Except for a Water Fountain
By Tim Summers Jr.The Jackson Public School District sent out a release this morning stating that out of a round of tests performed at the area elementary schools, only a water fountain in the dining hall at Lee Elementary School showed levels of lead that "tested above the regulatory limit."
"This drinking water source was taken out of service," the press release stated.
It has been over a month since JPS Board President Beneta Burt announced that the board would begin testing the schools in the area for lead-water contamination. The press release does not include dates of the tests, specific amounts of lead found in the water or locations where the tests were performed in the schools.
A total of 37 tests were performed between eight schools. The press release did list, however, the schools that were tested: Casey Elementary, Lee Elementary, Marshall Elementary, McLeod Elementary, Spann Elementary, Oak Forest Elementary, Timberlawn Elementary, and Woodville Heights Elementary.
"JPS is scheduling drinking water tests at all other schools in the District and will take appropriate action based on the test results," the press release states. "The District continues to offer bottled water as an option and supports the recommendations and guidelines provided by the City of Jackson and Mississippi State Health Department. We will continue to follow the City of Jackson and the Mississippi State Department of Health's recommendation."
The "regulatory limit" referred to is, assumedly, the same as the "action levels" found in the EPA requirements, which would be 0.015 milligrams per liter. This "regulatory limit" is set by the EPA as a "Maximum Contaminant Level," MCL, which they define as "feasible using the best available treatment technology and taking cost into consideration." The MCL is then the "highest level of a contaminant that is allowed in drinking water," and is an "enforceable standard," that if exceeded would initiate involvement by other governmental entities such as the EPA, CDC, or the Mississippi Department of Health.
However, there is another measurement, referred to on the EPA's website as the "Maximum Contaminant Level Goal," or MCLG, that the agency defines as "non-enforcable health goals, based solely on possible health risks."
"EPA has set the maximum contaminant level goal for lead in drinking water at zero because lead is a toxic metal that can be harmful to human health even at low exposure levels," the agency's site on lead states. "Lead is persistent, and it can bioaccumulate in the body over time."
"Young children, infants, and fetuses are particularly vulnerable to lead because the physical and behavioral effects of lead occur at lower exposure levels in children than in adults. A dose of lead that would have little effect on an adult can have a significant effect on a child. In children, low levels of exposure have been linked to damage to the central and peripheral nervous system, learning disabilities, shorter stature, impaired hearing, and impaired formation and function of blood cells."
"EPA estimates that ...
Veterans of the Mississippi Civil Rights Movement Conference Starts Tonight
By amber_helselThe 11th annual Veterans of the Mississippi Civil Rights Movement Conference is March 30-April 3.
It begins tonight at Tougaloo College's Woodworth Chapel with the Jimmie Travis Civil Rights Legacy Symposium Series' "Movement Women: Their Stories." Constance Slaughter Harvey will moderate tonight's event, and women such as Joan Trumpauer Mulholland and Brenda Travis will speak. The event begins at 6 p.m., and is free and open to the public.
The conference continues with "Post Obama Activism" on Thursday, March 31, starting at noon. Sinclair Skinner, an engineer, activist and civil-rights champion, will speak. At 7 p.m., attendees can watch Stanley Nelson's "The Black Panthers: Vanguard of the Revolution," a film about the rise of the Black Panther Party in the 1960s and its impact on civil rights and American culture.
On Friday, April 1, Congressman Bennie Thompson will speak at 10 a.m. at Woodworth Chapel.
The Veterans Legacy Awards Banquet is Saturday, April 2, beginning at 7 p.m. at The Masonic Temple (1072 J.R. Lynch St.). Tickets are $35 for adults, $15 for students and $375 for a table of 10 people. The deadline for purchase is March 30.
On Sunday, April 3, attendees can attend in a screening and panel discussion of "Standing on My Sisters' Shoulders," a documentary about Mississippi women who fought for equality during the Civil Rights Movement. The event is from 3 to 5 p.m. at Tougaloo College's Bennie G. Thompson Center, and is free and open to the public.
For more information and to see a complete schedule, visit mscivilrightsveterans.com.
Mayor Yarber Among the 'Tweet Elite'
By Todd StaufferJackon Mayor Yarber has been called out as one of the 'Tweet Elite' mayors in the United States, ranking 19 among 250 mayors for his use of Twitter.
#Tellthewholestory: Clarion-Ledger Lifts Stamps 'Ferguson' Comment Out of Context, Stamps Holds Easter Press (Videos)
By Donna LaddThe Clarion-Ledger posted a sensationalistic headline and story yesterday about a west Jackson rally against dangerous suburban police chases into the city, followed by intriguing edits of what a Jackson city councilman actually said. The Ledger's video was edited down for the most dramatic effect, and the following text in the story was even worse.
After the Capitol Street Coalition gathered to protest the death of Lonnie Blue Jr. Friday morning, The Clarion-Ledger posted the story on its website headlined "Stamps calls Clinton 'Ferguson waiting to happen". The story's lead image was edited video of Councilman De'Keither Stamps speaking out against the Clinton police chase of shoplifters that resulted in the death of an innocent bystander.
The video contained only a snippet of Stamps' remarks, essentially calling for a boycott of surrounding cities that do not rein in their dangerous police habits and referencing Ferguson, Mo. The video skipped over Stamps' initial remarks offering condolences to the family and "encouraging folks to speak a universal language" and went right to the juicier part:
Ledger video: "Every surrounding city who refuses to use common-sense policies must be economically challenged because it's not safe for you to shop there. Clinton is a Ferguson waiting to happen. Clinton is a city with a high minority population and oppressive police tactics. It's steps away, steps away from a Mike Brown. It's only a matter of time."
The story beneath the video was much worse, with only snippets of that quote included, and the vital part about Clinton having "a high minority population and oppressive police tactics"—which explains Stamps' Ferguson analogy—simply cut out:
Ledger story: Referencing the violent unrest in Ferguson, Missouri, Jackson Councilman De'Keither Stamps said Clinton is a "Ferguson waiting to happen" and is "steps away from a Mike Brown. It's only a matter of time if this culture does not change."
The Clarion-Ledger story followed that with edited additional comments that were not included in its video of Stamps:
Ledger story: "It seems to me that there are some elected officials and some police officials who want to maintain the culture," Stamps said. "What we must make them understand is that culture is not acceptable. Misdemeanor property crimes are not worth human life. ... We've got some great police officers in the metro area, but common sense must prevail in their actions." (bold emphasis added)
Stamps is now passing around the full video, which is below this post, to "#Tellthewholestory," which indicates information that the Ledger simply cut out of the middle of his quote. That part is a key response to those who say the police have no choice but to chase petty criminals.
The Ledger omitted these bolded parts of Stamps' complete quote: "Misdemeanor property crimes are not worth human life. You should not be going 120 miles per hour in Clinton or Jackson. Because we've got news copters, we've got radios. I've never seen anyone outrun a radio. No matter ...
Capitol Street Coalition Unites Against Deadly Police Pursuit of Lonnie Blue, Jr.
By Donna LaddWe just received this announcement about a "clarion call" against suburban law enforcement agencies leading dangerous police chases into Jackson. Verbatim:
WHAT: The Capitol Street Coalition, made up of neighborhood association members along Capitol Street in West Jackson, will hold a news conference to address the Clinton Police Department pursuit of a shoplifter into West Jackson that resulted in the killing of Lonnie Blue, Jr. As a collective, we are sending out a clarion call to surrounding law enforcement agencies that police chases through our neighborhoods is a public safety issue and we will not stand for it. The Capitol Street Coalition is demanding that these police pursuits be handled in a much more strategic manner that keeps all of our neighbors safe. The Coalition will be standing in solidarity with Mr. Blue’s family during the press conference.
WHEN: Friday, March 25, 2016 at 10 a.m.
WHERE: Near Tennessee Avenue and Capitol Street
Read more about dangerous police pursuits in the Jackson metro and nationally at jfp.ms/policechases.
House Minority Whip Statement on Speaker Gunn's Refusal to Follow Bipartisan Agreement
By adreherBelow is a verbatim press release from Rep. David Baria, D-Bay St. Louis, the House minority whip leader, released today:
House Democratic Caucus Leader David Baria issued the following statement regarding Speaker Philip Gunn’s refusal to adhere to agreed upon promises for debate and discussion in the chamber:
"I want to clarify for the public 2 important points regarding the activities in the Mississippi House yesterday.
The reason that members of the Hinds County delegation were requesting that bills be read is very simple-- the Speaker broke his promise to them that the Jackson Airport takeover bill would be killed. I expect that bills will be read again today. The House Democratic Caucus supports the Hinds County delegation on this important issue.
The other point of clarification has to do with the rule on Points of Personal Privilege. As you are aware, we negotiated a deal with the Speaker to restore the rule with slight modifications. During the negotiations the Speaker came to me with a proposal to restore the rule, but only recognize members at the end of the day. I told him that we would not accept having to wait until the end of the day. After a few days in which he contemplated our position, he agreed and offered a 10-minute time limit instead. We agreed to the time limit and reached a deal on a new rule. The Speaker also represented to us that while we were removing language from the rule that made the personal privilege a precedent motion, he would not make members wait until the end of the day. Yesterday, when a member sought recognition for a point of personal privilege the Speaker said he would not recognize him until the end of the day. When the member was recognized he questioned why he had to wait all day when the rule did not require it. The Speaker responded that because certain language had been removed from the rule he had the discretion to refuse to recognize a request for a point of personal privilege until the end of business. This is clearly a breach of our agreement reached only a week ago.
I have expressed my profound disappointment on these 2 issues to the Speaker in a personal letter. Unfortunately, his actions have made it much more difficult to work together as trust is such an important factor in conducting the business of the House."
Councilman Stamps: Corrosion Contract is 'Unfunded Mandate' from State
By Donna LaddJackson City Councilman De'Keither Stamps, of Ward 4, says he voted against the Trilogy Engineering Inc. contract to do a corrosion study for the city last week because it is an "unfunded mandate" by the State of Mississippi—and one the taxpayers cannot afford. In two videos on his YouTube channel, Stamps said his main priority wasn't who was getting the contract, but that the State was demanding that the City suddenly pay $400,000 for a corrosion study, instead of helping the capital city.
"I know several of the subcontractors personally," he says in the most recent video (see below). The issue is I don’t want to spend $400,000 when we don’t have it. This is an unfunded mandate from the State of Mississippi. If they can help us, I’m all for it. … It’s not something we’ve budgeted for."
Stamps, who has unsuccessfully asked for an emergency declaration over the lead issue several times, says the City needs stand and/or federal assistance in order to make sure Jackson residents are safe, especially in areas where 90 percent of the water tested positive for at least trace elements of lead.
"I want to test every child in the whole city that’s in these affected areas," he said in the second video below.
JSU Community Engagement Director Will Move to President's Office
By adreherJackson State University announced some personnel shifts this morning. Dr. Kimberly Hilliard will transition from the Office of Community Engagement to work under President Carolyn Meyers as the Executive Assistant to the President for Special Initiatives.
Read the full press release below:
Dear JSU Family: As previously announced, Mrs. Sandra Hodge will assume the position as Interim Vice President for Institutional Advancement on March 15, 2016. Due to the transition, Dr. Kimberly Hilliard, Executive Director of the Office of Community Engagement will fulfill the role of Executive Assistant to the President for Special Initiatives. Dr. Hilliard has over 28 years of experience in the areas of engineering, urban planning, and community development. As the Director of the Office of Community Engagement, she has provided leadership in connecting JSU with local and state agencies, community-based organizations, and local residents and businesses. She obtained her Ph.D. in Urban and Regional Planning from Jackson State University in 2007 and has worked in various community-oriented roles for JSU since 2004. She holds several statewide and local board appointments. Please join me in welcoming Dr. Hilliard to this new position that will commence on March 15, 2016. She will also retain oversight of the community engagement work for the university and serve as a member of my executive leadership team. Carolyn W. Meyers President
NAACP-MS Petitions Gov. Phil Bryant for 'Union Army Appreciation Month'
By toddstaufferIn the wake of Governor Bryant's declaration of Confederate Heritage Month, the NAACP of Mississippi has created a petition calling for "Union Army Appreciation Month."
HHS Says 49,000 Mississippians Gained Insurance Via Marketplace
By toddstaufferAccording to the U.S. Health and Human Services department, Health Insurance Marketplaces nationwide signed up nearly 4.9 million new customers for 2016 coverage during the third Open Enrollment period. In total, about 12.7 million people signed up or automatically renewed their plans for 2016 coverage, of which about 40 percent were new customers. In Mississippi, approximately 49,000 were new customers to the Marketplace.
Zoo Day Cancelled Due to Weather, Zoo Still Open
By toddstaufferThe Jackson Zoo has announced that Zoo Day (planned for Saturday) has been cancelled due to the "current flooding in the Metro and more rain in the forecast," according to a press release. "UnitedHealthcare and the Jackson Zoo have made the decision to cancel Saturday’s events."
State Health Department to Offer Lead Testing for Children
By adreherThe Mississippi State Department of Health if offering lead testing for children on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays until further notice at the Hinds County Health Department located at the Jackson Medical Mall, 350 W. Woodrow Wilson, Suite 411. No appointment is needed.
This service is only provided for children 6 months to 5 years old who regularly consume water from the City of Jackson water system.
The cost of lead testing will be covered by Medicaid, MS CAN (Magnolia and United) and CHIP recipients. For children not covered by those programs, lead testing costs $30.
Parents with children 5 years or younger should contact their child's pediatrician or primary care provider to determine whether lead screening may be needed for their children.
Big Day: Flag Rally, Mississippi Primaries and Campaign Parties
By Maya MillerToday at noon, Pastor Dwayne K. Pickett and Pastor Jamal Harrison Bryant will lead a rally to take down the Mississippi flag on the Miss. capitol steps. The Take It Down team released this statement today:
On this day of history where Mississippians head to the polls for its primary presidential race, Pastor Dwayne K. Pickett, chairman of BMA Inc., will be joined by Pastor Jamal Harrison Bryant of Baltimore, Md., for a rally to TAKE DOWN THE REBEL FLAG. Jamal Harrison Bryant, former director of the NAACP youth and college division, (a) leading voice for black lives matter, and mega-church pastor in America has come to Jackson. Jamal Bryant will voice the grave concern about the state of Mississippi still flying a flag that was used to lynch African Americans and is a known tool at KKK gatherings across the United States of America.
It's also presidential primary election day, and polls will be open until 7 p.m today. If you're in line at 7 p.m., you can vote. For those who don't have their voter ID, these are forms of ID accepted at the polls:
- Driver's License
- Photo ID card issued by a branch, department, or entity of the State of Mississippi
- United States passport
- Government employee ID card
- Firearms license
- Student photo ID issued by an accredited Mississippi university, college, or community/junior college
- United States military ID
- Tribal photo ID
- Any other photo ID issued by any branch, department, agency or entity of the US government or any state government
- A Mississippi Voter Identification Card
For more information on elections or to find your polling place, visit the Secretary of State's website here. If you see any problems at the polls, call the JFP at 601-362-6121 ext. 12, or email [email protected].
As votes come in tonight, campaign parties for presidential candidates will take place across the metro area. The Hillary Clinton Mississippi Campaign party will start at 6:30 p.m. at Hal and Mal's (200 S. Commerce St.). Please call 601-720-7653 for more information. The Bernie Sanders Mississippi Campaign will be following the returns at their headquarters at 824 Foley St. in Jackson. Please call 601-937-1524 for more information.
Today is Deadline for Airport, Sanctuary Cities and AG Bills
By adreherThis afternoon is the deadline for general bills held on a motion to reconsider to pass through both the House and the Senate. The Senate calendar includes Jackson airport "takeover" bill and a bill that would prohibit "sanctuary cities" in the state, while the House could take up a bill that passed by one vote that would require the Attorney General to receive written approval from the Outside Counsel Oversight Commission for any lawsuit that would cost more than $250,000 in the amount sought.
The House passed the Attorney General oversight commission bill last Tuesday, but the bill was held on a motion to reconsider after it passed by a vote of 61-60. The Senate debated the airport "takeover" bill for over two hours last Thursday, and after it passed (mainly along party line votes), it was held on a motion to reconsider and not taken up on Friday. The House and the Senate both reconvene at 4 p.m. this afternoon.
Dr. Jamal H. Bryant to Help Lead 'Straight Outta Patience: Take Down the Flag' Rally March
By Donna LaddMayor Tony Yarber posted an announcement on Instagram (@tonyyarber) tonight of a "Straight Outta Patience: Take Down the Flag" rally for Tuesday, March 8, at noon at the state capitol in downtown Jackson. Dr. Jamal-Harrison Bryant, a well-known pastor from Baltimore, will help lead the rally, which he is also promoting on social media (@jamalhbryant on Instagram and Twitter). He wrote on Instagram tonight: "Mississippi!!! ... is last state to wave the Confederate flag! Tuesday we suing the governor to bring it down! Meet me."
Bryant founded the Empowerment Temple in Baltimore in 2000, which his website calls "the fastest-growing church in the A.M.E. denomination."
Mayor Yarber just wrote simply, "Straight Outta Patience!! See y'all Tuesday!"
http://jacksonfreepress.com/users/photos/2016/mar/05/24838/
Election Reform Bill, Including Early Voting, Passes Mississippi House
By adreherMississippi is one step closer to election reform after the House passed the 283-page election code bill this morning. The bill is the product of a committee formed by the secretary of state last year, which included lawmakers, circuit clerks and election commissioners from around the state. Secretary of State Delbert Hosemann told the Stennis Capitol Press Forum in February that the reform is "well worth our efforts, and all of these changes are big parts of an interwoven election code that should be passed."
A similar election reform bill is still on the Senate calendar, but it would have to pass today to stay alive. The deadline for original action on either chamber floor for general bills is today. For bills that have been held on a motion to reconsider, the deadline is tomorrow.
Developing story ...
UPDATE: Boil Water Alert Lifted for Small Area of North Jackson
By Tim Summers Jr.UPDATE: Boil Water Notice Lifted
The City of Jackson and the Mississippi Department of Health report that the boil notice for the NW Progress Parkway has been lifted as of March, 4. The water is now safe to drink, but residents are advised to first flush their system by running the faucets for at least two minutes before using.
Previous report: The City of Jackson issued a precautionary boil water notice Wednesday morning for a small part of north Jackson.
The release, posted in its entirety on the Mississippi Department of Health’s website, states that the notice affects only 5 connections around the NW Progress Parkway, located to the east of Hilda Drive and to the south of W. County Line Rd. The boil water notice was issued because the water pressure to the connections dropped.
“This is a precautionary advisory,” the release stated. “This notice does not mean that your water is unsafe, but it does mean that you must take precaution and boil your water before use.”
The city will advise the public when it is safe to drink the water without boiling but did not indicate a timetable.
“All customers are advised to boil their drinking water until adequate pressure is restored to the system. “
Although it is perfectly safe to bathe, it may not be safe to ingest the water.
“Water should be brought to a rolling boil for one minute for the following: cooking or baking, making ice cubes, taking medication, brushing teeth, washing food, mixing baby formula or food, mixing juices or drinks, feeding pets, washing dishes and all other consumption.”
When the boil notice is lifted, it is important to flush the faucets for a total of ten minutes to ensure that the water from the home moves through, and fresh water replaces it.
Email city reporter Tim Summers, Jr. at [email protected] See more local news at jfp.ms/localnews.
Rep. Jay Hughes Decries Transparency Double Standards for Charter Schools
By sierramannieRep. Jay Hughes, D-Oxford, says his failed amendment to HB 1444 which would have required all educational institutions that receive state tax dollars – explicitly charter schools - to publicly disclose the name and salary of individual teachers, failed because it doesn't match the "Capitol's way" of ensuring transparency.
Hughes posted that his "version of transparency" failed 63-54.
Read Jay Hughes’s Facebook post here.
Jackson State University Revises Spring 2016 Academic Calendar, Moves Commencement Dates Forward
By Maya MillerThis is a verbatim statement from Jackson State University:
The Spring 2016 Academic Calendar has been revised because of two high-profile speakers for the undergraduate and graduate commencements. The graduate commencement is Friday, April 22, 2016, at 6:00 p.m. in the Lee E. Williams Athletics and Assembly Center. The undergraduate commencement is Saturday, April 23, 2016, at 10:00 a.m. at the Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium.
Click here to view the revised schedule: See the Calendar PDF
