Posts made in March 2025

UN Report: Systemic Gender-Based Violence by Israel Against Palestinians

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A recent report issued by the UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and Israel, has raised serious concerns about the treatment of Palestinians. The report, released on March 13, 2025, alleges that Israel has increasingly employed sexual, reproductive, and other forms of gender-based violence against Palestinians as part of a broader effort to undermine their right to self-determination.

Need to Know:

  • The UN report documents a range of violations against Palestinian women, men, girls, and boys since October 7, 2023.
  • The Commission’s findings suggest that sexual and gender-based violence is being used as a strategy of war by Israel.
  • Specific acts of violence reported include forced public stripping, sexual harassment, sexual assault, and violence to genitals.
  • The report also highlights the destruction of sexual and reproductive healthcare facilities in Gaza and the denial of humanitarian assistance, which has led to deaths from pregnancy complications.
  • The Commission found that these acts amount to war crimes, crimes against humanity, and even genocidal acts.
  • The report emphasizes a climate of impunity regarding these crimes and calls for accountability through the International Criminal Court and national courts.

Key Takeaways:

  • The findings in the UN report are extremely serious and warrant further investigation.
  • The report highlights the devastating impact of conflict on vulnerable populations, particularly women and children.
  • The destruction of healthcare infrastructure and the denial of essential medical supplies have severe consequences for reproductive health and overall well-being.
  • Accountability for alleged human rights violations is crucial for upholding the rule of law and ensuring justice for victims.

Implications for America and American Culture:

The findings in this report can have several implications for America and American culture, particularly regarding its role in the Israel-Gaza conflict:

  • Public Opinion and Political Discourse: The report’s findings may influence public opinion in the United States regarding U.S. foreign policy towards Israel. It could fuel debates about the level of support and aid provided to Israel and raise questions about accountability for human rights violations.
  • Activism and Advocacy: Human rights organizations and activist groups in the U.S. may use the report to advocate for policy changes, such as conditioning aid to Israel on human rights improvements or supporting investigations by international bodies.
  • Cultural Narratives: The report could challenge existing narratives about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict within American culture, prompting discussions and re-evaluations of historical and political contexts.
  • Role in International Relations: As a major global power with a close relationship with Israel, the U.S. may face increased pressure to address the allegations in the report and take action to promote accountability and human rights.
  • Domestic Polarization: The Israeli genocide of Palestinians is a highly polarizing issue in the U.S., and the report’s findings could further exacerbate divisions and intensify political debates.

Although the report’s allegations are contested, thanks to Israel Occupation Forces (IOF) posting their war crimes and crimes against humanity on social media and independent journalism the world continues to bear witness to these atrocities. The seriousness of the  UN report warrants attention, accountability and discussion, both within the international community and within the United States.

The Commission’s detailed report can be found here. The Commission’s findings on sexual and gender-based violence committed by the military wing of Hamas and other Palestinian armed groups on 7 October 2023 can be found here.

Background: The UN Human Rights Council mandated the Commission on 27 May 2021 to “investigate, in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and in Israel, all alleged violations of international humanitarian law and all alleged violations and abuses of international human rights law leading up to and since 13 April 2021.” Resolution A/HRC/RES/S-30/1 further requested the Commission of inquiry to “investigate all underlying root causes of recurrent tensions, instability and protraction of conflict, including systematic discrimination and repression based on national, ethnic, racial or religious identity.” The Commission of Inquiry was mandated to report to the Human Rights Council and the General Assembly annually commencing from June 2022 and September 2022, respectively.

More information on the work of the United Nations Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and Israel, can be found here.

For more information and media requests, please contact: Todd Pitman, Media Adviser for the Human Rights Council’s Investigative Missions, at todd.pitman@un.org, Cell: +41 76 691 1761, or Pascal Sim, Human Rights Council Media Officer, at simp@un.org.

U.S. Added to Global Human Rights Watchlist

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The United States has been added to the CIVICUS Monitor Watchlist, a global tool that tracks the status of civil liberties. This news raises important questions about the state of democracy and freedoms in America. Here’s what you need to know, key takeaways, and the potential implications for American culture.

Need to Know:

  • The U.S. was added to the CIVICUS Monitor Watchlist due to concerns about declining civil liberties under the Trump Administration.
  • CIVICUS, a global alliance of civil society groups, cited the Administration’s actions, including cuts to foreign aid, crackdowns on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, and restrictive executive orders.
  • The U.S. is classified as “narrowed,” meaning while most people can exercise their rights, there are attempts to violate these rights by the government.
  • Concerns also include restrictions on the press, such as the White House controlling press pool participants and disputes over editorial decisions at major media organizations.

Key Takeaways:

  • Global Scrutiny: The U.S., traditionally a champion of human rights, is now under international scrutiny for its own record.
  • Erosion of Checks and Balances: There are concerns about the dismantling of the system of checks and balances, which are essential for a democratic society.
  • Impact on Free Speech and Assembly: Reports of crackdowns on protests and restrictions on media raise questions about the protection of free speech and assembly.
  • Media Independence: The independence of the press is being challenged by both government actions and internal pressures from media owners.

Implications for America and American Culture:

  • International Reputation: This development could damage America’s international reputation as a defender of democracy and human rights.
  • Polarization: The issues highlighted by CIVICUS further fuel political polarization and deepen divisions within American society.
  • Public Trust: Restrictions on the press and government control over information can erode public trust in institutions and the media.
  • Civic Engagement: The climate of restrictions and intimidation could discourage civic engagement and dissent.
  • Cultural Shift: Potential shifts in media narratives and access to information could lead to a significant cultural shift in how Americans understand and discuss important issues.

Lessons to Learn:

  • Vigilance is Key: Protecting civil liberties requires constant vigilance and active participation from citizens.
  • Importance of Free Press: A free and independent press is crucial for holding those in power accountable and ensuring transparency.
  • Value of Checks and Balances: Strong checks and balances are essential for preventing abuses of power and protecting democratic institutions.
  • International Standards: Adhering to international human rights norms is important not only for global standing but also for the well-being of citizens.
  • Dialogue and Dissent: Open dialogue and the right to peaceful dissent are fundamental to a healthy democracy.

The inclusion of the U.S. on the CIVICUS Watchlist serves as a stark reminder that democratic freedoms are not guaranteed and must be actively protected. It prompts important conversations about the direction of American society and the values it upholds.

Remembering Louise Meriwether: A Voice of Harlem and the Civil Rights Era

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Today, let’s spotlight Louise Meriwether, a remarkable novelist, essayist, journalist, and social activist whose life and work deeply reflect the American experience, particularly for Black Americans and women in the 20th century.

Need to Know:

Louise Meriwether, originally named Louisa Jenkins, was born on May 8, 1923, in Haverstraw, New York. Her family, originally from South Carolina, moved to New York City during the Great Depression, settling in Brooklyn and later Harlem. This experience of economic hardship profoundly shaped her perspective and writing. Meriwether was not only a writer but also a trailblazer. She became the first Black story analyst in Hollywood’s history at Universal Studios in the 1950s. She also contributed articles to the Los Angeles Sentinel, focusing on notable African Americans. Meriwether was involved with the Watts Writers’ Workshop, emerging from the 1965 Watts Riot. Her first novel, Daddy Was a Number Runner (1970), provided a fictional account of the Depression’s impact on Harlem. She also wrote biographies for children on figures like Robert Smalls, Dr. Daniel Hale Williams, and Rosa Parks.

Take-Aways:

Meriwether’s life story highlights resilience and the pursuit of education and creative expression despite adversity. Her work provides valuable insights into the social and economic realities of Harlem during the Depression. Her contributions to literature and journalism gave voice to the experiences of Black Americans, often overlooked in mainstream narratives. Her involvement in the Watts Writers’ Workshop underscores the power of art and community in response to social unrest.

Implications for American Culture:

Meriwether’s work enriches American culture by offering a more complete and nuanced portrayal of its history. Her writings challenge dominant narratives and bring marginalized voices to the forefront. Her career in Hollywood and journalism helped break down racial barriers and paved the way for greater diversity in media. Her novels and biographies serve as important educational tools, fostering a deeper understanding of American history and social issues.

Social Justice and Women in the Civil Rights Movement:

Meriwether’s life and work are intertwined with the struggle for social justice. Her writing sheds light on the systemic inequalities faced by Black communities, particularly during the Depression era. Her involvement in the Watts Writers’ Workshop demonstrates the role of art in social activism. While the provided text highlights her as Louisa Jenkins in a protest photo, it is important to note that the text focuses on her work as Louise Meriwether.

Her biographies of figures like Rosa Parks further emphasize her commitment to documenting and celebrating the contributions of civil rights activists. As a woman, and particularly a Black woman, Meriwether’s achievements in literature and journalism were significant acts of resistance against the social norms of her time. She carved out a space for herself in predominantly white and male fields, using her voice to amplify the stories of others who were marginalized. Her work reminds us of the many women who contributed to the Civil Rights Movement and broader social justice efforts, often behind the scenes, but whose contributions were vital.

Rosalind Franklin’s Story: A Legacy of Discovery and Injustice

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A brilliant young scientist named Rosalind Franklin made groundbreaking discoveries about DNA structure at King’s College London. Sadly, her contribution was stolen, and she was erased from history. This is the story of how Rosalind Franklin’s name was buried in history, and the biggest theft in science was committed.

Rosalind Franklin’s contributions to science, particularly her work on the structure of DNA, have often been overshadowed by the accomplishments of her male colleagues. Her story is one of brilliance, perseverance, and the challenges faced by women in science. As part of Women’s History Month, Franklin’s story and significant contribution to science is highlighted in this blog post. 

“Science and everyday life cannot and should not be separated.” – Rosalind Franklin

Rosalind Franklin made the groundbreaking discovery of DNA’s structure.

Need to Know

  • Rosalind Franklin was a British biophysicist and X-ray crystallographer.
  • Her work was central to understanding the molecular structure of DNA.
  • Franklin’s “Photo 51,” an X-ray diffraction image of DNA, provided crucial evidence for the double helix model.
  • James Watson and Francis Crick used Franklin’s data, without her permission, to build their model of DNA.
  • Franklin died in 1958 at the age of 37, and Watson, Crick, and Maurice Wilkins received the Nobel Prize for discovering the structure of DNA in 1962.

Takeaways

  • Franklin’s meticulous research and experimental techniques were groundbreaking.
  • Her contributions were essential to the discovery of DNA’s structure.
  • She faced gender discrimination and was often not given due credit for her work.
  • Her story highlights the importance of recognizing and valuing the contributions of all scientists.

Implications for American Culture and Women in Science

Rosalind Franklin’s story has significant implications for American culture and the role of women in science. It reveals a historical pattern of women’s contributions being minimized and credit being taken by male colleagues. This pattern has discouraged women from pursuing careers in science and has created barriers to their advancement.

Maurice Wilkins showed James Watson Rosalind Franklin’s Photo 51, an X-ray image of DNA.

Maurice Wilkins showed James Watson Rosalind Franklin’s Photo 51, an X-ray image of DNA. Using the image, Watson and Crick built their DNA model and published their findings, with Franklin’s work appearing in the same issue but receiving only a brief acknowledgment. Watson and Crick’s discovery would have been delayed by months or even years if not for Franklin’s Photo 51 and her unpublished analysis.

In 1962, Watson, Crick, and Wilkins received the Nobel Prize in Medicine. Rosalind Franklin was not recognized, as the Nobel Prize is not awarded posthumously. She had died of ovarian cancer in 1958 at the young age of 37, likely due to her extensive exposure to X-ray radiation during her research.

Franklin’s experience is not unique. Many women in science have faced similar challenges, including:

  • Gender bias in hiring and promotion
  • Lack of recognition for their work
  • Hostile work environments

These challenges have led to a significant underrepresentation of women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields.

Lessons to Learn

Rosalind Franklin’s story offers several important lessons:

  • The importance of recognizing and valuing the contributions of all scientists, regardless of gender.
  • The need to address gender bias and discrimination in science.
  • The importance of perseverance and dedication to truth, even in the face of adversity.
  • The value of collaboration and communication in scientific research.

Franklin’s legacy continues to inspire women in science today. Her story reminds us that progress has been made, but there is still work to be done to create a more equitable and inclusive scientific community. It is important to continue to tell her story and honor her contributions to science. By doing so, we can help to create a more just and equitable world for all.

Trump’s Policies: Reshaping American Culture, Society and Tribal Nations

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Tracking Trump’s Second Term Executive Orders

President Donald Trump’s second term has begun with a wave of executive orders, signaling a significant shift in policy direction. This post breaks down the key orders, their implications, and what they mean for the future.

Need to Know: Trump’s Executive Orders

  • Volume: As of Feb. 20, President Trump has signed over 70 executive orders, marking the most within the first 100 days of a presidential term in over 40 years.
  • Scope: These orders span various sectors, including culture, immigration, energy, crime, and government operations, indicating a broad effort to reshape American policy and culture.
  • Controversy: Many of these orders have sparked debate, with critics questioning their constitutionality and potential impact on various groups within society.

Key Takeaways: A Summary of Major Executive Orders

  • Culture:
    • Several orders address gender identity, with policies defining “sex,” restricting gender-affirming care, and affecting sports participation.
    • Initiatives to investigate and eliminate perceived “anti-Christian bias” and “anti-Semitism.”
    • Changes to national symbols and names.
  • Immigration:
    • Orders focused on border security, including building a wall, increased detention and removal, and ending certain immigration programs.
    • Changes to asylum policies and refugee resettlement.
    • Task forces to address immigration issues at both the northern and southern borders.
  • Energy:
    • Emphasis on maximizing energy production, including in Alaska, and deregulation of the energy sector.
    • Reversal of some environmental regulations.
  • Government:shame of trump
    • Orders aimed at increasing government efficiency, reforming the hiring process, and ensuring accountability.
    • Creation of new government bodies and the elimination of others.
    • Investigations into past government actions and potential censorship.
  • Foreign Affairs:
    • Withdrawal from international agreements and organizations, including the Paris Agreement and the World Health Organization.
    • Changes to foreign aid distribution.
    • Sanctions on the International Criminal Court.
  • Defense:
    • Reversal of policies regarding transgender individuals serving in the military.
    • Emphasis on military readiness and the development of new defense systems.
  • Trade:
    • Imposition of tariffs on goods from Canada, China, and Mexico, though some of these were later paused.
  • Education:
    • Focus on school choice and “patriotic education.”
    • Efforts to eliminate federal funds from certain educational programs.

Implications for American Culture and Society

These executive orders have the potential to significantly reshape American culture and society. Here are some key implications:

  • Divisiveness: Several orders, particularly those related to culture and immigration, could exacerbate existing social divisions.
  • Legal Challenges: Many of these orders are likely to face legal challenges, which could lead to lengthy court battles and uncertainty.
  • International Relations: Changes to foreign policy and withdrawal from international agreements could strain relationships with other countries.
  • Economic Impact: Trade policies and changes to energy regulations could have significant economic consequences.
  • Social Change: Policies related to gender identity, abortion, and education could lead to substantial social change and impact the lives of many Americans.

Trump Order to Designate English as Official Language: A Shift in U.S. Policy

President Trump is expected to sign an executive order designating English as the official language of the United States. The order would allow government agencies and organizations that receive federal funding to choose whether to offer documents and services in languages other than English, and it would rescind a mandate from former President Bill Clinton that required such agencies to provide language assistance to non-English speakers. More than 30 states have already passed laws designating English as their official language, and lawmakers in Congress have introduced similar legislation for decades, though without success. Within hours of Trump’s inauguration last month, the new administration took down the Spanish language version of the official White House website, which has not been restored. The Trump administration also shut down the Spanish version of the website during his first term, and it was restored when President Joe Biden was inaugurated.

Implications for American Culture:

  • Debate over National Identity: The move reignites the ongoing debate about American identity and what it means to be an American. It emphasizes assimilation and a singular national language, potentially marginalizing other linguistic and cultural identities.
  • Impact on Immigrant Communities: This could create challenges for immigrant communities who may not yet be proficient in English, affecting their access to government services and resources. It might also affect the acceptance and inclusion of these communities in broader American society.
  • Changes in Government Services: The executive order would potentially reduce the availability of multilingual government services, impacting access for non-English speakers. This could create disparities in areas like healthcare, education, and social services.
  • Reinforcement of Cultural Divides: This policy could deepen existing cultural and political divides, with some viewing it as essential for national unity and others seeing it as discriminatory and exclusionary.

Symbolic Message: Designating English as the official language sends a symbolic message about the value placed on different languages and cultures within the U.S., potentially affecting how different linguistic groups are perceived and treated, especially Indian Nations that speak many different languages.

Trump’s Policies and Their Impact on Tribal Entities

Trump’s policies have had a mixed impact on tribal entities. Proposed rules clarifying the tax status of tribal corporations and the Tribal General Welfare Exclusion Act could be rejected by the Trump administration due to its opposition to preferential treatment based on race or ethnicity. However, Trump’s support for states’ rights and local sovereignty, and his advocacy for the official recognition of the Lumbee Tribe, suggest that his administration may be supportive of these rules.

Trump’s energy policies have had a limited impact on tribal entities. While his executive orders encourage energy exploration and production on federal lands, tribal lands are unlikely to be considered federal lands for this purpose. Additionally, energy companies have shown little interest in drilling in Alaska, and the administration’s withdrawal from wind energy leasing off America’s Outer Continental Shelf does not appear to have impacted any tribal entities.

The Trump administration’s freeze on certain federal grants and loans has created uncertainty for tribal programs that rely on federal funding. While the freeze has faced legal challenges, its long-term implications remain unclear. Tribal governments and enterprises may need to explore alternative funding sources or contingency plans to sustain essential services. Trump’s reversal of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives could affect individual members of tribal groups as they apply for employment, as well as tribal businesses that seek federal contracting opportunities. The potential economic effects of this order on tribal corporations engaged in government contracting could be significant.

Trump also rescinded several executive orders from the prior administration relating to strengthening marginalized communities, including tribal nations. The impact of these reversals on tribal communities is unclear.

It is important to stay informed and engaged in these evolving policy changes under Trump 2.0.

ePa spoke with Larry Wright, Jr., Executive Director, National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) on Trump’s impact in Tribal Nations:

The Ocoee Election Day Massacre: A Stain on American History

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In the shadow of the 1920 presidential election, a horrific act of racial violence unfolded in Ocoee, Florida. The Ocoee Election Day Massacre, a stark reminder of the brutal suppression of African American rights, demands our attention and reflection. This article delves into the details of this tragic event, its impact on American society, and its connection to the ongoing struggle for civil rights and reparations.

Need to Know:

  • The Incident: On November 2, 1920, in Ocoee, Florida, at least 50 African Americans were murdered in a racially motivated massacre. This violence erupted in response to attempts by Black citizens to exercise their right to vote.
  • Preceding Events: The Ku Klux Klan (KKK) had actively intimidated Black residents, warning them against voting. On Election Day, Black voters were systematically denied access to polling places.
  • Escalation: When some Black citizens, led by Mose Norman, persisted in their attempts to vote, the situation escalated dramatically, resulting in a violent attack by the KKK.
  • Julius “July” Perry: A respected leader within the Black community, July Perry, was among those killed. He was a deacon, labor leader, and advocate for Black education and civil rights.

Takeaways:

  • Voter Suppression: The Ocoee Massacre exemplifies the lengths to which some individuals and groups went to suppress the Black vote in the Jim Crow South.
  • Racial Violence: This event is a brutal reminder of the racial violence that was prevalent in the United States during this period and the lack of protection afforded to Black citizens.
  • Community Impact: The massacre devastated the Black community in Ocoee, leading to its eradication for over 60 years.

Implications for American Culture and Society:

  • Deep-Seated Racism: The Ocoee Massacre reveals the deep-seated racism and white supremacy that permeated American society in the early 20th century.
  • Historical Amnesia: For many years, the Ocoee Massacre was suppressed and not widely acknowledged, contributing to a larger pattern of historical amnesia regarding racial violence in America.
  • Reckoning with the Past: Coming to terms with events like the Ocoee Massacre is crucial for understanding the ongoing challenges of racial inequality in the United States.

Civil Rights Movement and Pursuit of Justice and Reparations:

  • Catalyst for Change: The Ocoee Massacre, and other similar events, fueled the Civil Rights Movement by highlighting the urgent need for legal protections and social change.
  • Ongoing Struggle: The struggle for voting rights and racial equality continues to this day, demonstrating that the legacy of events like Ocoee is still felt.
  • Call for Reparations: The demand for reparations for the descendants of victims of racial violence, including the Ocoee Massacre, is part of a broader effort to address historical injustices and their lasting impact.

The Ocoee Election Day Massacre is a somber chapter in American history. It serves as a powerful reminder of the struggles faced by African Americans in their pursuit of basic rights and the need for continued vigilance in the fight against racism and injustice.