Each month, we give you a roundup of the highlights in national and local news relevant to social justice topics. Our goal is to let the stories spark productive conversations that can help create change and a more welcoming and inclusive community for all.

The last few workshops during the week of Anytown are focused on taking action to make institutions in our communities, including schools, better places. So we were so proud when we saw this opinion piece from Anybuddy Foster Noone about LGBT discrimination in the classroom. High school students can apply to attend Anytown by April 18.

Another thing we talk about at Anytown is how racism (or sexism or any –ism) is bigger than prejudice and stereotypes. Racism is systemic inequality that allows people who are white to hold more power than those who are not white. This article from The Atlantic about contract homes in Chicago is an overt example of this sort of ystemic inequality.

Sexual abuse in prisons has been a topic in Alabama news this year with Tutwiler Prison for Women at the center. John Archibald has written a couple of columns, including this one on the fear of retaliation that comes with reporting abuse.

Because the YWCA offers quality, nationally accredited child care to children who are homeless free of charge and because of our work for racial justice, this article about the school to prisons pipeline caught our attention. Black preschoolers are more likely to be suspended than white preschoolers.

We’ve all read the statistics about the gender gap in pay, but sometimes it’s good to be reminded. The latest statistics show that in Alabama the median salary for women is $31,674 compared $44,567 for men. Alabama is one of five states that do not have any sort of equal pay law.

And finally, this article points out some of the obstacles female rappers face on the road to success and the ways that sexism can mute their voices.
 
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The views expressed in this blog are the personal opinions of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the YWCA Central Alabama. The intention of this blog is to provide information and perspectives on social justice issues; however, the YWCA makes no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information on this site or found by following any link on this site. The YWCA will not be held liable for any errors or omissions in this information or for any losses, injuries or damages incurred from the display or use of this information. This policy is subject to change at any time.