All articles tagged with #anti discrimination
Delta Air Lines has revised its uniform policy to prohibit employees from wearing pins representing any country other than the US, following a social media uproar over two flight attendants wearing Palestinian flag pins. The airline faced backlash for its initial response to the controversy, which was deemed "unacceptable" and "hurtful." Delta has since apologized and emphasized its commitment to inclusivity and respect.
Bank regulators have introduced a new rule to combat lending discrimination, requiring banks to increase lending to low- and moderate-income communities. The rule, which marks the most significant revision to the Community Reinvestment Act in nearly three decades, has drawn criticism from lenders and a Federal Reserve Board member. The new framework, effective from January 2026, assesses banks' retail lending and community development financing using benchmarks based on peer and demographic data. Banks oppose the new loan-threshold test, arguing it could lead to closures or restrictions in sparsely populated areas. Fed Chair Jerome Powell defended the rule, stating it will expand access to credit and banking services in low- and moderate-income communities.
California lawmakers have voted to end the state's ban on official travel to states with anti-LGBTQ laws. Instead, they plan to launch an outreach and advertising campaign in these states to promote pro-LGBTQ messages. The ban, which was implemented in 2017, has affected sports teams, state workers, and university scholars, hindering their ability to travel using state funds. The bill will now move to the Senate for a final vote before reaching Governor Gavin Newsom's desk. The reversal on the travel ban comes amidst ongoing political battles over transgender rights across the country.
Call of Duty has removed YouTube streamer Nickmercs' skin from Warzone and Modern Warfare II after he made an anti-LGBTQ comment. The esports community condemned his statement, and the official Call of Duty account released a statement saying they are focused on celebrating PRIDE with their employees and community. Nickmercs did not apologize for his comment.
The racist abuse of Brazilian soccer player Vinícius Júnior highlights the entrenched problem of racism in soccer, which is prevalent not only in Europe but also in other parts of the world. Despite anti-racism campaigns and slogans, federations have been slow to equip themselves with the powers to sanction teams for the racist behavior of their fans. Vinícius is emerging as the leading Black voice in the fight against racism, but he is frustrated with the Spanish soccer authorities' lack of action. Experts believe that the global outrage and widespread reaction to Vinícius' latest abuse could mark a turning point in the fight against racism in Spain.
California may end its travel ban to states with anti-LGBTQ laws and replace it with an advertising campaign promoting acceptance and inclusion for the LGBTQ community. The ban has been in effect since 2017 and currently applies to 23 states. The proposed legislation would set up a fund to pay for the campaign, which would accept private donations and state funding. The ban has complicated some of the state's policy goals, including using state money to pay for people who live in other states to travel to California for abortions.
A coalition of international companies, including Google and Microsoft, has denounced Uganda's anti-LGBTQ legislation, warning it would damage the country's economy. The Open for Business coalition said the legislation, which criminalises identifying as LGBTQ, would curb investment flows and deter tourists. The bill imposes the death penalty for those who commit so-called aggravated homosexuality. The coalition said the new law would undermine companies' ability to recruit a diverse and talented workforce. Anti-LGBT discrimination has significant economic costs, the coalition said.
The administration of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is seeking to expand the state's "Don't Say Gay" law to prohibit classroom instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity for all grades, except where "expressly required" by state academic standards or as part of a reproductive health lesson. The proposal comes amid a string of anti-LGBTQ+ bills proposed during the state's legislative session, and further bans on gender-affirming care and restrictions on drag performances. The amendment, put forth by the state Education Department, does not require legislative approval and is scheduled to be voted on next month before Florida's Board of Education.