A Black-led women’s running group, TrailblazHers, is suing the organizers of the Boston Marathon, the city of Newton, and the Newton police chief for alleged racial discrimination during last year's race. The lawsuit alleges that police racially profiled and harassed spectators from TrailblazHers and other running crews primarily serving people of color at a designated "cheer zone." The group claims that while White spectators were allowed to interact with and celebrate runners, non-White spectators were harassed and physically separated by police. The lawsuit seeks compensatory, punitive, and nominal damages, and the group's legal representation has framed the incident as part of a larger issue of racism in running.
A judge in Texas has ruled that the Minority Business Development Agency, established to assist minority-owned businesses, must open its services to all races and ethnicities, including white people. The ruling came after three white business owners claimed they were discriminated against by the agency. The judge argued that while the agency aimed to reverse discrimination against people of color, it in turn discriminated against white individuals, violating the Fifth Amendment's equal protection guarantees.
Three foreign-born residents of Japan have filed a lawsuit against the national and local governments, alleging illegal questioning by police based on racial profiling. This is the first such lawsuit in Japan and comes amid a rise in foreign workers in the country. The plaintiffs demand recognition that it is illegal for police to stop and question people based on race, nationality, or ethnicity, and seek damages. They hope to raise awareness and make life easier for others with foreign roots in Japan.
