Category Archives: General
Opinion: Returning to Portland From Prison With a Commitment to Make Amends
After more than 17 years in prison for killing two people in a drunk-driving crash, the author will be returning to Portland. Certified as a substance abuse counselor, he hopes to help others avoid making the same mistake he did. Dave Killen / Staff The Oregonian By Guest Columnist | The Oregonian Martin Lockett… Read More »
Oregon Legislators Are Taking Action to Expose Police Officers Who Engage in Misconduct
Oregon lawmakers are taking big steps towards a bill that will open police records to the public. Oregon currently continues to be one of the nine states that withholds police discipline records from the public, preventing citizens from accessing information about officers who do wrong. Oregon law enforcement has been criticized for how officers… Read More »
Black Legislators Propose Significant Reforms to Oregon Laws
Black Representatives are proposing significant reforms to Oregon law that are designed to address racial disparities in how our State is policed. These include House Bill 2002, which would limit future driving arrests, end traffic stops for vehicle infractions, and much more. Daunte Wright, a 20-year-old Black man was recently murdered by police due… Read More »
Oregon House of Representatives Passes Legislation That Will Ban Hairstyle Discrimination
The Oregon state House successfully passed a bill that officially bans hairstyle discrimination within workplaces and public schools. House Bill 2935, now heading to the state Senate, will prohibit schools and employers from discriminating against cultural hairstyles based on someone’s race, such as twists, braids and locs. This bill won by a 58-0 vote… Read More »
US Supreme Court is at a Critical Juncture With Potential Retirement of Justice Stephen Breyer
Liberals warn of future dangers for the Democratic Senate if Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer, 82, refuses to step down from his position. Breyer is currently the oldest member of the court, raising questions of potential issues that could leave detrimental effects on Democratic Senate control. President Joe Biden has stated that he would… Read More »
Legislation To Reform Oregon’s Harsh Sentencing Law is Finally Gaining Traction in Salem
Ever since Oregon voters enacted Ballot Measure 11 in 1994, thousands of defendants, many with no criminal history, have been sentenced to mandatory minimum prison sentences under a regime whereby the judges have little or no power to issue punishments that are not approved by the prosecutor. This relic of the era of mass… Read More »
Oregon Legislators Are Taking a Closer Look at a Law That Allows Police to Declare Unlawful Assemblies
In Oregon, a law currently on the books that allows police officers to declare unlawful assemblies is now being examined by our legislators. During the many protests of last year, police officers have had authority to disband assemblies which they deem unlawful. Concern has arisen that this practice violates the Constitutional right of protesters… Read More »
Oregon Legislature is Considering Bills to Increase Police Accountability
Responding to widespread concern about the need to hold police accountable, two House Bills have been introduced by Legislators that could potentially save lives, provide justice to deceased victims, and lay the foundation for improved policing. House Bill 3145 responds to recommendations regarding provision of public defense services, and requires Oregon’s Department of Public… Read More »
It is Important to Recognize Unsung Heroes in the Progress Toward Racial Justice
As Black activism continues to spread across the United States, and as the Black Lives Matter movement continues to gain traction, it is important to remember the heroes who fought for the liberty of those treated differently due to the color of their skin. Beatrice Morrow Cannady, a Black activist who made herself known… Read More »
A tribute to Belva Lockwood
Guest blog by: Janay Haas PARTING THOUGHTS For Women’s History Month The pandemic can make you do strange things: wash windows, mend clothing that doesn’t even fit you any more, wear flannel Sesame Street pajama bottoms to the grocery store. In my case, it was organizing the junk drawer in my desk. There, among… Read More »
