Civil Rights
Title IX audit of Kansas college shows pressure to forgive abusers, reconcile
HESSTON — An audit of a small Mennonite college in rural Kansas has found systemic failings, with sexual abuse reporters pressured to meet their abusers face-to-face and “forgive and forget” the abuse. In November 2022, Hesston College commissioned international law firm Cozen O’Connor to review legal compliance and make recommendations about the college’s policies, procedures […]
‘This is not the end’: Protesters return to Kansas Statehouse in wake of transgender bathroom ban
TOPEKA — Rainbow flags, babies in tie-dye and a three-legged dog wearing a trans flag bandana: these are the new symbols of defiance in the battle for LGBTQ rights in Kansas. Transgender protesters once again showed up to make their voices heard at the Statehouse, blasting stories and encouragement to one another through a shaky […]
Kansas lawmakers ask for Godly influences during Statehouse prayer ceremony
TOPEKA — Bowing his head in prayer, Rep. Bill Rhiley asked God to sway journalists into Christian reporting during a Thursday prayer ceremony. He was one of several Statehouse Republicans who attended the ceremony to pray for more Godly influence in society at large. “On this National Day of Prayer, grant that the people of […]
Kansas deserves a Legislature that champions family values and inclusivity
I recently attended the Veto Session Conversation hosted by the Voter Rights Network of Wyandotte County and the Mainstream Coalition, where Gov. Laura Kelly’s recent vetoes of several disturbing bills were discussed. These bills targeted vulnerable Kansans, particularly the LGBTQ community, and neglected pressing issues affecting all Kansans. Panelist Tori Gleason debunked myths about transgender people, […]
Kansas voting rights campaign to combat election fraud conspiracies, promote voter turnout
TOPEKA — Several Kansas voting rights groups have pulled together, starting a campaign in reaction to GOP-backed election fraud theories and voting restrictions. During the legislative session, several Republican lawmakers pushed for voting restrictions under the false pretense of widespread election fraud. Proposals included a drop-box ban and increased restrictions for mail-in ballots. Senate Bill […]
KHP’s ‘two-step’ technique for launching vehicle searches challenged on constitutional grounds
U.S. District Court is hearing lawsuit challenging constitutionality of Kansas Highway Patrol's technique for compelling vehicle searches for illegal drugs.
Legislature targeted trans children at the expense of fixing real problems for young Kansans
In its 2023 session, the Kansas Legislature developed a set of priorities in the name of helping children, apparently without regard for what the children of Kansas need. Lawmakers myopically and dangerously focused on transgender children, with the likely potential for truly unimaginable consequences. When considering these priorities, we should ask ourselves why this was […]
White Kansas lawmaker denies racism in House: ‘This body is more compassionate and loving’
TOPEKA — Debate over a police bill last week turned into a discussion of Statehouse racism, with a white lawmaker asserting the House was too “loving and compassionate” to pass racist policy. A Black lawmaker disagreed. The conversation stemmed from debate about Senate Bill 174, which the House passed 113-9 and the Senate passed 31-7. […]
A top GOP lawyer wants to crack down on the college vote. States already are.
A top Republican election lawyer recently caused a stir when she told GOP donors that the party should work to make it harder for college students to vote in key states. But the comments from Cleta Mitchell, who worked closely with then-President Donald Trump to try to overturn the 2020 election, are perhaps less surprising […]
Kansas City shooting suggests double standard for arrest between Black and white people
Sitting in a top-floor newsroom years ago, a colleague called me from the lobby to warn me that police planned to arrest me. They were on their way up the elevator. “Arrest me?” I asked, horrified about the prospect of a humiliating perp-walk through the newsroom in front of my supervisors and peers. “Arrest me […]
Legislature narrowly approves bill stripping authority from state, local public health officials
Kansas Legislature presented Gov. Laura Kelly with a bill restricting authority of state and local public health officials responding to health emergencies.
Muslim advocacy group asks Kansas senator for equal representation after offer to convert
TOPEKA — A Muslim advocacy group on Friday asked Sen. Mark Steffen to commit to fair representation of all constituents following news reports of a conversation in which Steffen offered to convert a Muslim woman. Steffen’s comment came during a meeting with a group of young Kansans from Wichita and Hutchinson in his office on […]