Supreme Court Ruling on Arizona’s SB1070 Immigration Law; Title IX Myths Persist; Keeping GED Test Viable in New York
Compiled by Jaimie Woo, a Summer 2012 Leadership Conference Education Fund Intern
Supreme Court rejects much of Arizona Immigration Law
Robert Barnes
The Washington Post
Today, The Supreme Court released its decision on Arizona’s controversial immigration law, S.B. 1070. It ruled that Arizona could not make it a crime if immigrants don’t provide identification or if undocumented immigrants apply for a job. The court also said local law enforcement cannot make a warrantless arrest of someone who is suspected of committing crime that would lead to deportation . However, it upheld Statue 2(B), which requires police to check the immigration status of detainees if there is “reasonable suspicion” that the person is unlawfully in the United States. The justices are waiting for state courts to interpret the provision as to whether it conflicts with federal immigration law in practice. The decision addresses the extent of state and federal power, as well as its applicability under the Constitution. Arizona’s law sparked protests in April, when the Latino immigrant population feared it would lead to racial and ethnic profiling.
40 Years Later, Title IX is Still Fighting Perception it Hurt Men’s Sports
Gloria Goodale
The Christian Science Monitor
Although Title IX, an important piece of gender equality legislation that marked its 40th anniversary on June 23, has increased female representation in sports, it remains the source of blame for cuts in men’s sports programs according to many athletic coaches and directors. In response to the perception that Title IX is a law against men, civil rights advocates and female athletes continue to fight for its correct interpretation. “There are many myths and preconceptions about Title IX that hinder its effectiveness,” Joan McDermott, athletic director of Metropolitan State College in Denver, told The Christian Science Monitor. “That’s because when a men’s sport gets dropped, most people say, it’s because of Title IX when that’s just not true,” she added. “It’s because of budget choices by the administration, so that’s an ongoing rap that Title IX gets.”
Try Finding a Job Without a G.E.D.
Editorial
The New York Times
The General Educational Development (G.E.D.) test, which provides an alternative to a high school diploma, is undergoing new rigorous standards proposed by the National Governors Association. With unprepared test takers showing a mere 59 percent pass rate, the New York City Council has piloted a project that attracts unskilled job seekers into test preparation programs. It has resulted in a promising pass rate of 83 percent. Additionally, the G.E.D. is moving from the paper-and-pen format to an online system, increasing New York state’s cost from $58 to $120 per person. New York is searching for more affordable alternatives in collaboration with other states.