Gender Equality

A “friend of the court” brief that illustrates through personal stories the critical need for federal systems that work to prevent maternal deaths.

Rhode Island judge grants temporary restraining order in federal housing funding case.

The National Alliance to End Homelessness and Women's Development Corporation, a Rhode Island organization that develops affordable housing, file suit in Rhode Island

The American Civil Liberties Union of Rhode Island and The Lawyering Project, a national organization that works to improve access to reproductive health care, filed a “friend of the court” brief today that shares stories of three people who experienced a loss of a loved one due to preventable pregnancy complications, in support of a lawsuit challenging the proposed dismantling of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)’s Division of Reproductive Health (DRH). The brief, also filed on behalf of four organizations that seek to address maternal and infant mortality and improve maternal outcomes, illustrates through personal stories the critical need for federal systems that work to prevent maternal deaths.

This "friend of the court" brief was submitted to challenge the RI Attorney General's position that state officials are immune from ever being sued in federal court under one of RI’s key anti-discrimination civil rights statutes.

This case suit challenges new funding restrictions on federal housing grants. Under the new funding application rules, service providers and communities are blocked from applying for federal housing funds for new permanent supportive housing for individuals and families experiencing homelessness if they operate in jurisdictions with policies the Trump-Vance administration disfavors. This includes cities and states, like Rhode Island, that the Trump Administration deems to be “sanctuary protections” for immigrants; that provide services considered “harm reduction” services for drug users; and that have inclusive policies for transgender people.