westernjournal--2020-06-19--University of Florida Admits Beloved ‘Gator Bait’ Cheer Isn’t Racist, Cancels It Because of Racism A

University of Florida Admits Beloved ‘Gator Bait’ Cheer Isn’t Racist, Cancels It Because of Racism Anyway

Having attended a small university with a football team that a famous scrawl in the library bathroom declared was “ almost good in the worst division in the sport , ” I have to admit that the traditions and mores of big-time college football elude me .
Some of my best friends , for instance , are Ohio State fans who ’ ve apprised me about the folkways of the Buckeyes , including the importance of dotting the I in the “ Script Ohio ” or how “ Hang on Sloopy ” became the unofficial anthem of the school .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ sporting one .
Don ’ t get me wrong — I ’ m not against rituals or traditions in sports .
No suite of traditions , however , need be as baroque as they are at land-grant universities .
Therefore , I wouldn ’ t normally be attracted to an announcement that the University of Florida was canceling a chant with “ horrific historic racist imagery.
” That sounds pretty bad , after all .
TRENDING : Klobuchar Says She Told Biden To Pick 'Woman of Color ' as Running Mate After She @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the announcement that the school was banning the “ Gator Bait ” chant is that Florida officials admit the chant isn ’ t racist — even though it has that “ horrific historic racist imagery.
” The change was announced in one of those pro forma letters that have become so common in recent weeks , where prominent organizations struggle with the specter of historical racism in the wake of the protests touched off by the May 25 death of George Floyd in Minneapolis police custody .
These letters are primarily of interest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t be of interest ; I ’ ve barely seen a single thing in one of them that addresses racism , racial equity or social justice .
They almost all follow the same form .
First , there ’ s an introduction with vague platitudes about race and promises to address inequity , both in America and on a global scale .
Then comes a list of wholly ineffectual moves that accomplish nothing .
After this bullet-point list of minor deck-chair reshuffling , there ’ s a conclusion in which the organization promises @ @ @ @ @ @ @ won ’ t be easy .
I suppose to the extent I have expectations about these things , the Thursday letter from University of Florida President Ken Fuchs didn ’ t disappoint .
Fuchs began with reminders of how he “ urged us all to become part of positive change against racism ” and “ pause their normal work for a day to reflect on their personal actions and educate themselves on racism.
” After this , he outlined a plan titled “ The Decade Ahead ” — which , predictably , was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about the chant .
At sporting events , Florida fans hold their arms out and move them up and down , mimicking the chomping of an alligator , and shout , “ Gator Bait.
” The chant , according to The Gainesville Sun , was popularized by player Lawrence Wright .
After a 1995 win over rival Florida State , the safety said , “ If you ain ’ t a Gator , ya Gator bait , baby.
” The phrase ’ s ties to UF sports goes back further , however : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first published in 1980 .
This all sounds harmless enough .
In fact , there aren ’ t many people who would think of a racist connotation to “ Gator Bait , ” at least in 2020 .
However , as Fox News pointed out , there were racist connotations to this in the distant past .
Take a Time article from 1923 , which discussed how “ colored babies were being used for alligator bait ” in Chipley , Florida .
“ The infants are allowed to play in the shallow water @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” the article said .
“ When a saurian [ alligator ] approaches this prey , he is shot by the riflemen.
” The Chipley Chamber of Commerce , meanwhile , said that was a “ silly lie , false and absurd.
” There were news reports and even postcards of this supposed practice .
Snopes looked at the issue in 2017 and concluded , “ Despite confirming the widespread dissemination of such grotesque representations of African Americans in the 19th and 20th centuries , however , the existence of these artifacts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ children were literally used as alligator bait in the South .
Neither do press reports dating back to the time period when the practice was supposedly commonplace.
” Any talk of the phrase in those terms has long since been extirpated from the cultural conversation .
If you uttered “ Gator Bait ” in any form in the past half-century , it ’ s almost certainly because you were a Florida fan .
Fuchs , however , says it has to go .
“ While I know of no evidence of racism associated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at UF sporting events , there is horrific historic racist imagery associated with the phrase .
Accordingly University Athletics and the Gator Band will discontinue the use of the cheer , ” he wrote in the letter .
What ’ ll this accomplish ?
Not much .
The band won ’ t strike up the beginning of the cheer to prompt it from crowds .
However , Florida ’ s Ben Hill Griffin Stadium has a capacity of over 88,000 fans .
The school isn ’ t trying to ban them from doing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , would they achieve anything resembling compliance if they did .
The “ Gator Bait ” cheer will likely live on in some shape or form , as well it should .
Wright , who is black , disagrees with the decision .
“ The Gator Nation is a culture , too , ” Wright told The Gainesville Sun .
“ It ’ s not about what happened way back in the past .
How about our culture ?
“ Me and the president need to sit down and talk about this.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ university should “ [ k ] eep the good stuff and abolish the bad things.
” Usually , such canceling and rebranding would mean nothing to me , even as a dedicated sports fan .
However , this is the kind of meaningless “ reckoning ” we ’ ve seen these past few weeks .
There are more substantive steps in Fuchs ’ letter — reviewing the use of force policies for campus and city police , eliminating the use of prison labor on university farms — but the whole thing is drenched @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the moment .
I swore I ’ ve read this letter several times before this .
In fact , I read a nearly identical ( if shorter ) letter from the Boy Scouts of America earlier in the week in which they announced a “ diversity and inclusion merit badge ” necessary to attain the rank of Eagle Scout .
Eliminating the “ Gator Bait ” chant accomplishes nothing but making the university look bad .
The odds this has any meaningful legacy in Gainesville is highly doubtable , particularly when you consider @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the “ horrific historic racist imagery ” isn ’ t widely known and has no association with the chant .
Sure , the esoteric folkways of college football may be silly — but so is canceling a chant on this flimsy pretext .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Having attended a small university with a football team that a famous scrawl in the library bathroom declared was “almost good in the worst division in the sport,” I have to admit that the traditions and mores of big-time college football elude me.
Some of my best friends, for instance, are Ohio State fans who’ve apprised me about the folkways of the Buckeyes, including the importance of dotting the I in the “Script Ohio” or how “Hang on Sloopy” became the unofficial anthem of the school.
Whatever. My interest is purely a sporting one.
Don’t get me wrong — I’m not against rituals or traditions in sports. No suite of traditions, however, need be as baroque as they are at land-grant universities.
Therefore, I wouldn’t normally be attracted to an announcement that the University of Florida was canceling a chant with “horrific historic racist imagery.” That sounds pretty bad, after all.
However, what drew me to the announcement that the school was banning the “Gator Bait” chant is that Florida officials admit the chant isn’t racist — even though it has that “horrific historic racist imagery.”
The change was announced in one of those pro forma letters that have become so common in recent weeks, where prominent organizations struggle with the specter of historical racism in the wake of the protests touched off by the May 25 death of George Floyd in Minneapolis police custody.
These letters are primarily of interest because, ordinarily, they wouldn’t be of interest; I’ve barely seen a single thing in one of them that addresses racism, racial equity or social justice. They almost all follow the same form.
First, there’s an introduction with vague platitudes about race and promises to address inequity, both in America and on a global scale. Then comes a list of wholly ineffectual moves that accomplish nothing. After this bullet-point list of minor deck-chair reshuffling, there’s a conclusion in which the organization promises to do better, even though it won’t be easy.
Should the "Gator Bait" cheer be banned? Yes No
Completing this poll entitles you to The Western Journal news updates free of charge. You may opt out at anytime. You also agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use Yes: 2% (13 Votes) No: 98% (529 Votes)
I suppose to the extent I have expectations about these things, the Thursday letter from University of Florida President Ken Fuchs didn’t disappoint.
Fuchs began with reminders of how he “urged us all to become part of positive change against racism” and “pause their normal work for a day to reflect on their personal actions and educate themselves on racism.” After this, he outlined a plan titled “The Decade Ahead” — which, predictably, was presented in bullet-point form.
So, about the chant. At sporting events, Florida fans hold their arms out and move them up and down, mimicking the chomping of an alligator, and shout, “Gator Bait.”
The chant, according to The Gainesville Sun, was popularized by player Lawrence Wright. After a 1995 win over rival Florida State, the safety said, “If you ain’t a Gator, ya Gator bait, baby.”
The phrase’s ties to UF sports goes back further, however: A fan magazine called Gator Bait was first published in 1980.
This all sounds harmless enough. In fact, there aren’t many people who would think of a racist connotation to “Gator Bait,” at least in 2020. However, as Fox News pointed out, there were racist connotations to this in the distant past.
Take a Time article from 1923, which discussed how “colored babies were being used for alligator bait” in Chipley, Florida.
“The infants are allowed to play in the shallow water while expert riflemen watch from concealment nearby,” the article said. “When a saurian [alligator] approaches this prey, he is shot by the riflemen.”
The Chipley Chamber of Commerce, meanwhile, said that was a “silly lie, false and absurd.”
There were news reports and even postcards of this supposed practice.
Snopes looked at the issue in 2017 and concluded, “Despite confirming the widespread dissemination of such grotesque representations of African Americans in the 19th and 20th centuries, however, the existence of these artifacts does not suffice to prove that black children were literally used as alligator bait in the South. Neither do press reports dating back to the time period when the practice was supposedly commonplace.”
Any talk of the phrase in those terms has long since been extirpated from the cultural conversation. If you uttered “Gator Bait” in any form in the past half-century, it’s almost certainly because you were a Florida fan.
Fuchs, however, says it has to go.
“While I know of no evidence of racism associated with our ‘Gator Bait’ cheer at UF sporting events, there is horrific historic racist imagery associated with the phrase. Accordingly University Athletics and the Gator Band will discontinue the use of the cheer,” he wrote in the letter.
What’ll this accomplish? Not much.
The band won’t strike up the beginning of the cheer to prompt it from crowds. However, Florida’s Ben Hill Griffin Stadium has a capacity of over 88,000 fans. The school isn’t trying to ban them from doing the chant — nor, I think, would they achieve anything resembling compliance if they did. The “Gator Bait” cheer will likely live on in some shape or form, as well it should.
Wright, who is black, disagrees with the decision.
“The Gator Nation is a culture, too,” Wright told The Gainesville Sun. “It’s not about what happened way back in the past. How about our culture?
“Me and the president need to sit down and talk about this.”
He went on to say that the university should “[k]eep the good stuff and abolish the bad things.”
Usually, such canceling and rebranding would mean nothing to me, even as a dedicated sports fan. However, this is the kind of meaningless “reckoning” we’ve seen these past few weeks.
There are more substantive steps in Fuchs’ letter — reviewing the use of force policies for campus and city police, eliminating the use of prison labor on university farms — but the whole thing is drenched in the language of the meaninglessness of the moment.
I swore I’ve read this letter several times before this. In fact, I read a nearly identical (if shorter) letter from the Boy Scouts of America earlier in the week in which they announced a “diversity and inclusion merit badge” necessary to attain the rank of Eagle Scout.
Eliminating the “Gator Bait” chant accomplishes nothing but making the university look bad. The odds this has any meaningful legacy in Gainesville is highly doubtable, particularly when you consider the fact that the practice associated with the “horrific historic racist imagery” isn’t widely known and has no association with the chant.
Sure, the esoteric folkways of college football may be silly — but so is canceling a chant on this flimsy pretext.
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westernjournal--2020-06-19--Watch the Blatantly Satirical Video Trump Posted That Twitter Has Labeled ‘Manipulated Media’

President Donald Trump ’ s latest attempt to skewer the media riled not only CNN but also Twitter , which slapped a “ manipulated media ” label on a tweet in which Trump mocked the network .
The video that made Twitter flutter is a take-off on a 2019 viral Facebook video of a black toddler and a white toddler running to greet each other in New York City .
After they exchanged hugs , they scampered down the street .
As retold for satirical purposes by the president , the video begins with the second half of the original @ @ @ @ @ @ @ toddler running down the street ahead of the white one .
The video then includes a fake CNN graphic that reads , “ Terrified toddler runs from racist baby.
” It then adds a graphic saying what the video assumes would be CNN ’ s slant on the story .
“ Racist baby probably a Trump voter , ” it says .
TRENDING : Klobuchar Says She Told Biden To Pick 'Woman of Color ' as Running Mate After She Withdrew The video shows what actually happened , and then , in stark @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gets to the point .
“ AMERICA IS NOT THE PROBLEM , ” the screen says .
“ FAKE NEWS IS.
” As if that was not enough , there was one more rhetorical elbow to throw .
“ IF YOU SEE SOMETHING SAY SOMETHING , ” the video proclaims .
“ ONLY YOU CAN PREVENT FAKE NEWS DUMPSTER FIRES.
” The video was credited to meme creator Carpe Donktum , who has produced other videos supporting Trump .
CNN scolded the president in its tweeted response .
“ CNN did cover this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Just as we reported your positions on race ( and poll numbers ) .
We ’ ll continue working with facts rather than tweeting fake videos that exploit innocent children .
We invite you to do the same .
Be better , ” the network said .
Some on Twitter called out CNN and Twitter .
In explaining the “ manipulated media ” label , Twitter said that “ the president shared a version of the video which many journalists confirmed was edited and doctored with a fake CNN chyron.
” Trump followed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how the liberal media take an incident and spin it into something it never was .
The video accuses the media of spreading fake news based on social media reports misconstruing what happened when a white Trump supporter chased after an Uber driver after helping push his car out of snow .
The second video features CNN White House correspondent Jim Acosta speaking to the camera .
Underneath Acosta is a fake CNN graphic that reads , “ Trumps Fault ?
White Man in MAGA Hat Attacks Black Uber Driver.
” As of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had not been slapped with a “ manipulated media ” label by Twitter .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

President Donald Trump’s latest attempt to skewer the media riled not only CNN but also Twitter, which slapped a “manipulated media” label on a tweet in which Trump mocked the network.
The video that made Twitter flutter is a take-off on a 2019 viral Facebook video of a black toddler and a white toddler running to greet each other in New York City. After they exchanged hugs, they scampered down the street.
As retold for satirical purposes by the president, the video begins with the second half of the original video coming first, showing the black toddler running down the street ahead of the white one.
The video then includes a fake CNN graphic that reads, “Terrified toddler runs from racist baby.”
It then adds a graphic saying what the video assumes would be CNN’s slant on the story. “Racist baby probably a Trump voter,” it says.
The video shows what actually happened, and then, in stark white letters against a black background, gets to the point.
“AMERICA IS NOT THE PROBLEM,” the screen says. “FAKE NEWS IS.”
Does CNN deserve to be tweaked by the president? Yes No
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As if that was not enough, there was one more rhetorical elbow to throw.
“IF YOU SEE SOMETHING SAY SOMETHING,” the video proclaims. “ONLY YOU CAN PREVENT FAKE NEWS DUMPSTER FIRES.”
The video was credited to meme creator Carpe Donktum, who has produced other videos supporting Trump.
CNN scolded the president in its tweeted response.
“CNN did cover this story – exactly as it happened. Just as we reported your positions on race (and poll numbers). We’ll continue working with facts rather than tweeting fake videos that exploit innocent children. We invite you to do the same. Be better,” the network said.
CNN did cover this story – exactly as it happened. Just as we reported your positions on race (and poll numbers). We’ll continue working with facts rather than tweeting fake videos that exploit innocent children. We invite you to do the same. Be better. https://t.co/T1nBtejZta — CNN Communications (@CNNPR) June 19, 2020
Some on Twitter called out CNN and Twitter.
Remember when you exploited innocent Covington Catholic children and got sued to high heaven? ? — Raheem Kassam (@RaheemKassam) June 19, 2020
Remember these innocent children? Remind me who settled a lawsuit with them? pic.twitter.com/JAJ5NIjVr9 — Serotonin’s Gone (@SerotoninsGone) June 19, 2020
This hilarious part of Twitter labeling this manipulated media is that it’s really an admission that this is a headline that could be confused with a real CNN headline because CNN is so insane. ? — Robby Starbuck (@robbystarbuck) June 19, 2020
In explaining the “manipulated media” label, Twitter said that “the president shared a version of the video which many journalists confirmed was edited and doctored with a fake CNN chyron.”
Trump followed up that video with another one showing how the liberal media take an incident and spin it into something it never was.
The video accuses the media of spreading fake news based on social media reports misconstruing what happened when a white Trump supporter chased after an Uber driver after helping push his car out of snow.
The second video features CNN White House correspondent Jim Acosta speaking to the camera.
Underneath Acosta is a fake CNN graphic that reads, “Trumps Fault? White Man in MAGA Hat Attacks Black Uber Driver.”
As of Friday morning, the second Trump video had not been slapped with a “manipulated media” label by Twitter.
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westernjournal--2020-06-19--TN Bill: Unborn Babies Cannot Be Aborted Due to Down Syndrome

Abortions will be prohibited in Tennessee after an unborn baby ’ s heartbeat can be detected under new legislation passed late Thursday night .
The bill , which passed the Senate 23-5 on a party line shortly after 12:30 a.m. Friday , according to the Tennessean , bans abortions after an unborn baby ’ s heartbeat can be detected and prohibits abortions if the doctor knows that the mother is seeking an abortion based on sex , race or a diagnosis of Down Syndrome .
Under the new law , abortions are also prohibited for juveniles who are in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s Services .
The legislation also removes the state ’ s current option to petition a judge for permission for a juvenile in Children ’ s Services ’ custody to obtain an abortion , according to the publication .
Exceptions may be made if the mother ’ s life is in danger .
Unlike other previously proposed or passed heartbeat bills , exceptions will not be made for rape or incest .
TRENDING : Klobuchar Says She Told Biden To Pick 'Woman of Color ' as Running Mate After She Withdrew The bill @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gov .
Bill Lee ’ s legislative agenda but had been put on hold due to the coronavirus pandemic .
The American Civil Liberties Union has promised to take the law to court .
“ As promised , we will see them in court , ” Executive Director of the ACLU of Tennessee Hedy Weinberg said in a Friday morning statement .
“ The Tennessee General Assembly ’ s passage of this dangerous , flatly unconstitutional bill is unacceptable , ” Weinberg said .
“ Lawmakers used this measure in a game of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — pushing it through without regard for the actual Tennesseans who will be denied access to the care they need , including abortion.
” Lee ’ s office did not immediately respond to a request for comment from the Daily Caller News Foundation .
A version of this article appeared on The Daily Caller News Foundation website .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Abortions will be prohibited in Tennessee after an unborn baby’s heartbeat can be detected under new legislation passed late Thursday night.
The bill, which passed the Senate 23-5 on a party line shortly after 12:30 a.m. Friday, according to the Tennessean, bans abortions after an unborn baby’s heartbeat can be detected and prohibits abortions if the doctor knows that the mother is seeking an abortion based on sex, race or a diagnosis of Down Syndrome.
Under the new law, abortions are also prohibited for juveniles who are in the custody of the Department of Children’s Services.
The legislation also removes the state’s current option to petition a judge for permission for a juvenile in Children’s Services’ custody to obtain an abortion, according to the publication.
Exceptions may be made if the mother’s life is in danger. Unlike other previously proposed or passed heartbeat bills, exceptions will not be made for rape or incest.
The bill had formerly been part of Republican Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee’s legislative agenda but had been put on hold due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The American Civil Liberties Union has promised to take the law to court.
“As promised, we will see them in court,” Executive Director of the ACLU of Tennessee Hedy Weinberg said in a Friday morning statement.
“The Tennessee General Assembly’s passage of this dangerous, flatly unconstitutional bill is unacceptable,” Weinberg said.
Do you support this bill? Yes No
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“Lawmakers used this measure in a game of political maneuvering to pass the state budget — pushing it through without regard for the actual Tennesseans who will be denied access to the care they need, including abortion.”
Lee’s office did not immediately respond to a request for comment from the Daily Caller News Foundation.
Content created by The Daily Caller News Foundation is available without charge to any eligible news publisher that can provide a large audience. For licensing opportunities of their original content, please contact licensing@dailycallernewsfoundation.org.
A version of this article appeared on The Daily Caller News Foundation website.
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westernjournal--2020-06-19--Tulsa Mayor Declares ‘Civil Emergency,’ Says Trump Rally Facing Disturbing Threats

A civil emergency has been declared in Tulsa , Oklahoma , ahead of President Donald Trump ’ s first post-lockdown rally , which is scheduled to take place there on Saturday .
The emergency and a curfew , which applies to the area around the BOK Center , where the rally will be held , were imposed through an executive order issued Thursday by Republican Mayor G.T .
Bynum .
The curfew took effect at 10 p.m. Thursday and is in effect until 6 a.m. Saturday .
It will also be in effect from the close of the rally until @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the order posted on Twitter by the Tulsa Police Department , Bynum said the order is being put in place against a backdrop of civil unrest and protests in Tulsa as well as the nation , and his concerns that the Trump rally could be a flashpoint for a confrontation .
“ I have received information from the Tulsa Police Department and other law enforcement agencies that shows that individuals from organized groups who have been involved in destructive and violent behavior in other States are planning to travel to the city @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in and around the rally , ” Bynum said in the executive order .
TRENDING : Klobuchar Says She Told Biden To Pick 'Woman of Color ' as Running Mate After She Withdrew The order has three curfew restrictions .
“ People are prohibited from walking , running , loitering , standing or motoring upon any alley , street , highway , public property , sidewalk , or vacant premises within the boundaries indicated above , except for official designated duty in response to the emergency , providing public safety services , or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ residence or work , ” it said .
Reflecting the fear that arson could take place , the order added that “ The manufacture , transfer , use , possession or transportation of a Molotov cocktail or any other device , instrument or object designed to explode or produce uncontained combustion is prohibited within the limits of the City of Tulsa.
” “ The transporting , possessing or using of gasoline , kerosene , or combustible , flammable , or explosive liquids or materials in a glass or uncapped container of any kind @ @ @ @ @ @ @ City of Tulsa , except in connection with the normal operation of motor vehicles , normal home use or legitimate commercial use , ” it said .
Some Trump supporters had been camping out for days in front of the rally venue to ensure they could get a place in the 19,000-seat BOK Center .
Police tweeted that they will ask people who “ refuse to leave the area ” to leave , but that those refusing to do so could be arrested .
RELATED : AOC Primary Challenger Accuses Her of Being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Some Trump supporters had been waiting days for choice spots , such as Robin Stites , 58 , who had been waiting in line since Monday .
“ I ’ d love to let him know we ’ re here for him .
We want to show our support , ” she told The Oklahoman .
“ We feel like President Trump and his family have dedicated their lives to helping our country .
Sacrificing a week of our lives is nothing for what Trump has done for us.
” The issue of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reported an increase in coronavirus cases .
“ I think it ’ s an honor for Tulsa to have a sitting president want to come and visit our community , but not during a pandemic , ” Dr. Bruce Dart , director of the Tulsa City-County Health Department , told Tulsa World .
“ I ’ m concerned about our ability to protect anyone who attends a large , indoor event , and I ’ m also concerned about our ability to ensure the president stays safe as well.
” Bynum said earlier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that he would not block the rally .
“ I also will not attempt to block the state government or the President of the United States by invoking the local civil emergency authority in our city ordinance .
That authority was used earlier this year under extraordinary circumstances to prevent the catastrophic collapse of our local health care system .
Today , that system ’ s capacity is strong , ” he wrote .
“ We are navigating a balance between freedom and safety that is new for every city around the world @ @ @ @ @ @ @ capacity and our positive case rate moving forward.
” Trump supporters attending the rally had to sign a waiver saying the Trump campaign was not liable if rally-goers were exposed to the coronavirus , according to Fox News .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

A civil emergency has been declared in Tulsa, Oklahoma, ahead of President Donald Trump’s first post-lockdown rally, which is scheduled to take place there on Saturday.
The emergency and a curfew, which applies to the area around the BOK Center, where the rally will be held, were imposed through an executive order issued Thursday by Republican Mayor G.T. Bynum.
The curfew took effect at 10 p.m. Thursday and is in effect until 6 a.m. Saturday. It will also be in effect from the close of the rally until 6 a.m. Sunday.
In a copy of the order posted on Twitter by the Tulsa Police Department, Bynum said the order is being put in place against a backdrop of civil unrest and protests in Tulsa as well as the nation, and his concerns that the Trump rally could be a flashpoint for a confrontation.
“I have received information from the Tulsa Police Department and other law enforcement agencies that shows that individuals from organized groups who have been involved in destructive and violent behavior in other States are planning to travel to the city of Tulsa for purposes of causing unrest in and around the rally,” Bynum said in the executive order.
The order has three curfew restrictions.
“People are prohibited from walking, running, loitering, standing or motoring upon any alley, street, highway, public property, sidewalk, or vacant premises within the boundaries indicated above, except for official designated duty in response to the emergency, providing public safety services, or going to or from a place of residence or work,” it said.
Reflecting the fear that arson could take place, the order added that “The manufacture, transfer, use, possession or transportation of a Molotov cocktail or any other device, instrument or object designed to explode or produce uncontained combustion is prohibited within the limits of the City of Tulsa.”
?CURFEW IN EFFECT FOR DOWNTOWN? As part of our preparations for President Trump’s Rally this Saturday, we are working on making the area secure for everyone’s safety. As posted earlier, the area illustrated in this map will need to be free of vehicles and pedestrian traffic. pic.twitter.com/uT76N0IWRc — Tulsa Police (@TulsaPolice) June 19, 2020
“The transporting, possessing or using of gasoline, kerosene, or combustible, flammable, or explosive liquids or materials in a glass or uncapped container of any kind is prohibited within the limits of the City of Tulsa, except in connection with the normal operation of motor vehicles, normal home use or legitimate commercial use,” it said.
Some Trump supporters had been camping out for days in front of the rally venue to ensure they could get a place in the 19,000-seat BOK Center.
Police tweeted that they will ask people who “refuse to leave the area” to leave, but that those refusing to do so could be arrested.
If people refuse to leave the area, they may be cited or arrested. This is an unprecedented event for the City of Tulsa and has hundreds of moving parts, we are asking for everyone’s help in making this a safe event for all citizens. — Tulsa Police (@TulsaPolice) June 19, 2020
Some Trump supporters had been waiting days for choice spots, such as Robin Stites, 58, who had been waiting in line since Monday.
Do you think the curfew is an overreaction? Yes No
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“I’d love to let him know we’re here for him. We want to show our support,” she told The Oklahoman. “We feel like President Trump and his family have dedicated their lives to helping our country. Sacrificing a week of our lives is nothing for what Trump has done for us.”
The issue of rally safety emerged this week as Tulsa reported an increase in coronavirus cases.
“I think it’s an honor for Tulsa to have a sitting president want to come and visit our community, but not during a pandemic,” Dr. Bruce Dart, director of the Tulsa City-County Health Department, told Tulsa World. “I’m concerned about our ability to protect anyone who attends a large, indoor event, and I’m also concerned about our ability to ensure the president stays safe as well.”
Bynum said earlier in the week on his Facebook page that he would not block the rally.
“I also will not attempt to block the state government or the President of the United States by invoking the local civil emergency authority in our city ordinance. That authority was used earlier this year under extraordinary circumstances to prevent the catastrophic collapse of our local health care system. Today, that system’s capacity is strong,” he wrote.
“We are navigating a balance between freedom and safety that is new for every city around the world. We will continue to monitor hospital capacity and our positive case rate moving forward.”
Trump supporters attending the rally had to sign a waiver saying the Trump campaign was not liable if rally-goers were exposed to the coronavirus, according to Fox News.
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westernjournal--2020-06-19--College Football Legend Offers To Send Anti-Cop Libs to Countries Without Police

As rallying cries go , “ Defund the police ” probably won ’ t go down in history as one of the great ones .
To start with , it ’ s pretty Cream of Wheat bland .
It ’ s also incredibly stupid .
At the same time Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti ( a Democrat , natch ) was announcing a plan to divert up to $ 150 million from the police to social causes , the city announced it couldn ’ t pay all of the overtime the Los Angeles Police Department racked up during the recent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ George Floyd .
Sorry about that , LAPD !
But keep up the good work .
Even some liberals are kind of rethinking this one .
Democrat Rep. Karen Bass of California , head of the Congressional Black Caucus , said that she ’ d “ told some friends that ’ s probably one of the worst slogans ever.
” Well , at least she owns it .
If you ’ re still not convinced of the stupidity , Herschel Walker would like to have a word with you .
Walker is , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ having racked up huge totals as a Heisman-winning running back at the University of Georgia .
After that , he was a Pro Bowler with the NFL ’ s Dallas Cowboys .
He started his pro career in the NFL rival United States Football League with the New Jersey Generals — a team that was owned by Donald Trump .
His links to Trump have made Walker ’ s politics more prominent these past few years , which is why his modest proposal to police defunders is getting some attention .
TRENDING : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 'Woman of Color ' as Running Mate After She Withdrew “ For all these people who don ’ t want any police , I ’ d love to meet with American Airlines , Delta , and Southwest and make a deal to fly them to countries that don ’ t have police .
I want them to be happy !
” Now , at some level , this is problematic inasmuch as there aren ’ t really any countries without some form of law enforcement apparatus .
Granted , the law might be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doesn ’ t exactly reign supreme in Libya at the moment , for instance — but there ’ s still some sort of nominal police .
Go into a zone controlled by a purportedly lawless local warlord , for instance , and you ’ ll find there ’ s definitely a set of laws and they ’ re definitely enforced — quite harshly , in fact .
In terms of enforcing our own laws , Walker previously offered to act as a mediator in the current political affray over police reform .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ senators get together with leaders from all ethnic groups , both left and right , to find solutions… unless certain people in Washington don ’ t want to see a change .
I ’ m volunteering myself as one of the black leaders.
” RELATED : University of Florida Admits Beloved 'Gator Bait ' Cheer Is n't Racist , Cancels It Because of Racism Anyway This was , mind you , before the stomach-turning bit of contumely over the Senate Republicans ’ police reform bill , put forth by South Carolina Sen. Tim @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Republican Senate caucus .
Senate Minority Whip Sen. Dick Durbin of Illinois , a man who ought to be perfectly aware of the effect of certain language , called Scott ’ s plan a “ token ” attempt at solving the problem .
Good work .
Up until Scott ’ s impassioned speech in response to Durbin ’ s remarks , the Senate Democrats had shown little willingness to compromise or work with Republicans on a police reform bill .
It still remains stuck , but it ’ s potentially less stuck , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inopportune language .
The main problem , however , will be at the local level , where most funding for police takes place .
We ’ ve already seen Los Angeles ’ plan to deal with this , which is foolhardy , particularly as the city experiences the biggest spate of civil unrest since the Rodney King protests in 1992 .
The police , while being unpopular , are uniquely necessary , as evinced by a Los Angeles Times report that the nearly 10,000-person force has been working every day for a week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ car is out of fuel at the same time that the mayor thinks it ’ s time to cut down on the gas bill .
Well , then , let ’ s get started .
If someone wants to go to a place where money isn ’ t necessarily spent by central or local authorities on effective law enforcement , let ’ s go .
Herschel Walker will help pick up the tab .
I ’ m sure United , Delta , American or any of our fine airlines would be willing to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lack of customers these days .
But there ’ s the problem : We can certainly find a state where little money is spent on the police , but the problem is they ’ re likely more violent than what our liberal friends would be leaving behind .
An effective police department , it turns out , is a predicate for a peaceful society .
While we can talk about reforms , these reforms would cost money .
Now isn ’ t the time to defund the police .
It ’ s time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they are as effective as possible .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

As rallying cries go, “Defund the police” probably won’t go down in history as one of the great ones.
To start with, it’s pretty Cream of Wheat bland. It’s also incredibly stupid. At the same time Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti (a Democrat, natch) was announcing a plan to divert up to $150 million from the police to social causes, the city announced it couldn’t pay all of the overtime the Los Angeles Police Department racked up during the recent protests touched off by the killing of George Floyd. Sorry about that, LAPD! But keep up the good work.
Even some liberals are kind of rethinking this one. Democrat Rep. Karen Bass of California, head of the Congressional Black Caucus, said that she’d “told some friends that’s probably one of the worst slogans ever.” Well, at least she owns it.
If you’re still not convinced of the stupidity, Herschel Walker would like to have a word with you. Walker is, of course, a football legend, having racked up huge totals as a Heisman-winning running back at the University of Georgia. After that, he was a Pro Bowler with the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys. He started his pro career in the NFL rival United States Football League with the New Jersey Generals — a team that was owned by Donald Trump.
His links to Trump have made Walker’s politics more prominent these past few years, which is why his modest proposal to police defunders is getting some attention.
“I have an idea,” Walker tweeted Wednesday.
“For all these people who don’t want any police, I’d love to meet with American Airlines, Delta, and Southwest and make a deal to fly them to countries that don’t have police. I want them to be happy!”
I have an idea… For all these people who don’t want any police, I’d love to meet with American Airlines, Delta, and Southwest and make a deal to fly them to countries that don’t have police. I want them to be happy! @CNN @FoxNews @DonaldJTrumpJr @POTUS @espn — Herschel Walker (@HerschelWalker) June 17, 2020
Now, at some level, this is problematic inasmuch as there aren’t really any countries without some form of law enforcement apparatus. Granted, the law might be poorly enforced — the rule of law doesn’t exactly reign supreme in Libya at the moment, for instance — but there’s still some sort of nominal police. Go into a zone controlled by a purportedly lawless local warlord, for instance, and you’ll find there’s definitely a set of laws and they’re definitely enforced — quite harshly, in fact.
In terms of enforcing our own laws, Walker previously offered to act as a mediator in the current political affray over police reform.
“We’re civilized people,” Walker tweeted over the weekend.
“Why can’t true congressmen/women and senators get together with leaders from all ethnic groups, both left and right, to find solutions… unless certain people in Washington don’t want to see a change. I’m volunteering myself as one of the black leaders.”
We’re civilized people. Why can’t true congressmen/women and senators get together with leaders from all ethnic groups, both left and right, to find solutions… unless certain people in Washington don’t want to see a change. I’m volunteering myself as one of the black leaders. — Herschel Walker (@HerschelWalker) June 14, 2020
This was, mind you, before the stomach-turning bit of contumely over the Senate Republicans’ police reform bill, put forth by South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott, the only African-American in the Republican Senate caucus. Senate Minority Whip Sen. Dick Durbin of Illinois, a man who ought to be perfectly aware of the effect of certain language, called Scott’s plan a “token” attempt at solving the problem. Good work.
Up until Scott’s impassioned speech in response to Durbin’s remarks, the Senate Democrats had shown little willingness to compromise or work with Republicans on a police reform bill. It still remains stuck, but it’s potentially less stuck, if only thanks to Durbin’s inopportune language.
The main problem, however, will be at the local level, where most funding for police takes place.
Do you think the police should be defunded? Yes No
Completing this poll entitles you to The Western Journal news updates free of charge. You may opt out at anytime. You also agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use Yes: 1% (11 Votes) No: 99% (924 Votes)
We’ve already seen Los Angeles’ plan to deal with this, which is foolhardy, particularly as the city experiences the biggest spate of civil unrest since the Rodney King protests in 1992. The police, while being unpopular, are uniquely necessary, as evinced by a Los Angeles Times report that the nearly 10,000-person force has been working every day for a week.
To resort to metaphor, the car is out of fuel at the same time that the mayor thinks it’s time to cut down on the gas bill.
Well, then, let’s get started. If someone wants to go to a place where money isn’t necessarily spent by central or local authorities on effective law enforcement, let’s go. Herschel Walker will help pick up the tab. I’m sure United, Delta, American or any of our fine airlines would be willing to partner with him, given their relative lack of customers these days.
But there’s the problem: We can certainly find a state where little money is spent on the police, but the problem is they’re likely more violent than what our liberal friends would be leaving behind.
An effective police department, it turns out, is a predicate for a peaceful society.
While we can talk about reforms, these reforms would cost money. Now isn’t the time to defund the police. It’s time to make sure, instead, that they are as effective as possible.
Truth and Accuracy Submit a Correction → * Name
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* Message
* All fields are required. Success! We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism. Read our editorial standards.


westernjournal--2020-06-19--Trump Sends Urgent Message to Supporters After DACA Decision

On Thursday , the Supreme Court ruled against the current president ’ s attempts to undo the prior president ’ s fiat .
In a 5-4 decision , the nation ’ s highest court ruled against the Trump administration ’ s efforts to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program , an initiative that offered individuals who came to the United States as children legal protections against removal and allowed them to work in the country .
According to The Wall Street Journal , the decision , authored by Chief Justice John Roberts , claimed the Trump administration moved @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it didn ’ t offer adequate justification for winding it down .
Roberts was joined by the four liberal justices on the court : Stephen Breyer , Ruth Bader Ginsburg , Elena Kagan and Sonia Sotomayor .
“ The dispute before the Court is not whether [ the Department of Homeland Security ] may rescind DACA .
All parties agree that it may .
The dispute is instead primarily about the procedure the agency followed in doing so , ” Roberts ’ ruling read .
The ruling stated that under the Administrative Procedures @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a reasoned explanation for its action , ” which includes “ what if anything to do about the hardship to DACA recipients.
” TRENDING : Klobuchar Says She Told Biden To Pick 'Woman of Color ' as Running Mate After She Withdrew President Trump clarified Friday morning that “ nothing was won or lost ” and his administration would resubmit the enhanced documents to the high court to fulfill its ruling and request .
Roberts ’ decision to side with the court ’ s liberal contingent in a case involving the Administrative Procedures @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ; last year , Roberts joined the liberal minority in a decision that voided a citizenship question on the U.S. Census for roughly the same reasons outlined in Thursday ’ s ruling .
For conservatives , it was another disappointment out of Roberts , a George W. Bush appointee .
The chief justice has been a more reliable swing vote than the previous Republican-appointed court hinge — Anthony Kennedy — but his rulings in several major cases have left conservatives baffled , and not because they expect judges appointed under Republican presidents to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ most infamous vote came when he voted to uphold the key portion of Obamacare , the individual mandate , in a 2012 case .
There , Roberts said he believed the mandate fell under government ’ s legitimate purview to tax .
The problem is that these decisions always seem uniquely Jesuitical , with Roberts ’ logic seeming to exist mostly to preserve his predetermined path .
All of which is to say the 2020 election is terribly important to conservatives — something the president underlined in a series of tweets shortly after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ horrible & politically charged decisions coming out of the Supreme Court are shotgun blasts into the face of people that are proud to call themselves Republicans or Conservatives , ” Trump wrote .
“ We need more Justices or we will lose our 2nd .
Amendment & everything else .
Vote Trump 2020 !
” In another series of tweets , the president said he “ will be releasing a new list of Conservative Supreme Court Justice nominees , which may include some , or many of those already on the list , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that he would “ only choose from this list.
” The list of potential picks is more important than you might think .
During the 2016 election cycle , Republicans concerned about Trump ’ s conservative bona fides were quelled somewhat by a solidly seagoing roster of potential Supreme Court picks which he didn ’ t deviate from .
While there might still be some question about Trump ’ s conservative bona fides , those lie mostly in the areas of trade and budget ; few would doubt this administration ’ s impact @ @ @ @ @ @ @ positive for the right .
The reason for releasing the list this time will be to act as a stark reminder of the importance of the first Tuesday in November .
On one side of the ballot , you ’ ll have a man who ’ s released a list of conservative jurists that you ’ ll likely be happy with , if you ’ re a regular reader .
On the other side of the ballot , you ’ ll have a man who said , not entirely in jest , that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the nation ’ s highest court .
This round of decisions hasn ’ t been particularly kind to conservatives , and one must note Neil Gorsuch ’ s curious logic in a case which the court ruled gay and transgender individuals are protected under the 1964 Civil Rights Act — despite the fact it was written when same-sex acts or being transgender were both illegal in most jurisdictions .
Aside from occasional lapses , though , both of the president ’ s appointees to the court have made sound decisions .
Given @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , that makes the Oval Office and the Senate key prizes , as well .
Aside from this , keep in mind that two justices will either possibly or definitely be replaced over the next four years .
Ruth Bader Ginsburg is 87 and Stephen Breyer is 81 .
If presumptive Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden is elected and the Democrats flip the Senate , they ’ ll be replaced by younger justices in his first year , I can guarantee .
( Hope you like Justice Obama , an individual who ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ court . )
In the case Trump is elected and the Republicans maintain the Senate , there ’ s always the strong chance that both those liberal members leave in some shape or form .
In that case , the conservative majority would be swing-proof .
As the list will remind you : It ’ s one or the other .
This week has proved how important that choice will be , particularly with a President Biden determined to attack religious freedom , gun rights and the right to life — and to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ executive order while simultaneously dismantling Trump ’ s .
CORRECTION , June 19 , 2020 : When originally published , this article claimed the Supreme Court decided President Trump couldn ’ t undo DACA .
However , the court ruled the Trump administration hadn ’ t followed the proper procedure to change the DACA rule .
This article has been updated to correct this information , and to include tweets from President Trump on the matter .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial @ @

On Thursday, the Supreme Court ruled against the current president’s attempts to undo the prior president’s fiat.
In a 5-4 decision, the nation’s highest court ruled against the Trump administration’s efforts to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, an initiative that offered individuals who came to the United States as children legal protections against removal and allowed them to work in the country.
According to The Wall Street Journal, the decision, authored by Chief Justice John Roberts, claimed the Trump administration moved arbitrarily to end the program, saying it didn’t offer adequate justification for winding it down. Roberts was joined by the four liberal justices on the court: Stephen Breyer, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Elena Kagan and Sonia Sotomayor.
“The dispute before the Court is not whether [the Department of Homeland Security] may rescind DACA. All parties agree that it may. The dispute is instead primarily about the procedure the agency followed in doing so,” Roberts’ ruling read.
The ruling stated that under the Administrative Procedures Act, the administration must “provide a reasoned explanation for its action,” which includes “what if anything to do about the hardship to DACA recipients.”
President Trump clarified Friday morning that “nothing was won or lost” and his administration would resubmit the enhanced documents to the high court to fulfill its ruling and request.
…ruling & request of yesterday. I have wanted to take care of DACA recipients better than the Do Nothing Democrats, but for two years they refused to negotiate – They have abandoned DACA. Based on the decision the Dems can’t make DACA citizens. They gained nothing! @DHSgov — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 19, 2020
Roberts’ decision to side with the court’s liberal contingent in a case involving the Administrative Procedures Act isn’t a new thing; last year, Roberts joined the liberal minority in a decision that voided a citizenship question on the U.S. Census for roughly the same reasons outlined in Thursday’s ruling.
For conservatives, it was another disappointment out of Roberts, a George W. Bush appointee. The chief justice has been a more reliable swing vote than the previous Republican-appointed court hinge — Anthony Kennedy — but his rulings in several major cases have left conservatives baffled, and not because they expect judges appointed under Republican presidents to stick with the team.
Roberts’ most infamous vote came when he voted to uphold the key portion of Obamacare, the individual mandate, in a 2012 case. There, Roberts said he believed the mandate fell under government’s legitimate purview to tax. The problem is that these decisions always seem uniquely Jesuitical, with Roberts’ logic seeming to exist mostly to preserve his predetermined path.
All of which is to say the 2020 election is terribly important to conservatives — something the president underlined in a series of tweets shortly after the decision was made.
“These horrible & politically charged decisions coming out of the Supreme Court are shotgun blasts into the face of people that are proud to call themselves Republicans or Conservatives,” Trump wrote. “We need more Justices or we will lose our 2nd. Amendment & everything else. Vote Trump 2020!”
These horrible & politically charged decisions coming out of the Supreme Court are shotgun blasts into the face of people that are proud to call themselves Republicans or Conservatives. We need more Justices or we will lose our 2nd. Amendment & everything else. Vote Trump 2020! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 18, 2020
In another series of tweets, the president said he “will be releasing a new list of Conservative Supreme Court Justice nominees, which may include some, or many of those already on the list, by September 1, 2020” and that he would “only choose from this list.”
I will be releasing a new list of Conservative Supreme Court Justice nominees, which may include some, or many of those already on the list, by September 1, 2020. If given the opportunity, I will only choose from this list, as in the past, a Conservative Supreme Court Justice… — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 18, 2020
I will be releasing a new list of Conservative Supreme Court Justice nominees, which may include some, or many of those already on the list, by September 1, 2020. If given the opportunity, I will only choose from this list, as in the past, a Conservative Supreme Court Justice… — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 18, 2020
The list of potential picks is more important than you might think. During the 2016 election cycle, Republicans concerned about Trump’s conservative bona fides were quelled somewhat by a solidly seagoing roster of potential Supreme Court picks which he didn’t deviate from.
Can Trump expand a conservative majority on the Supreme Court if given a second term? Yes No
Completing this poll entitles you to The Western Journal news updates free of charge. You may opt out at anytime. You also agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use Yes: 99% (1440 Votes) No: 1% (13 Votes)
While there might still be some question about Trump’s conservative bona fides, those lie mostly in the areas of trade and budget; few would doubt this administration’s impact on the judiciary has been far-reaching and positive for the right.
The reason for releasing the list this time will be to act as a stark reminder of the importance of the first Tuesday in November.
On one side of the ballot, you’ll have a man who’s released a list of conservative jurists that you’ll likely be happy with, if you’re a regular reader. On the other side of the ballot, you’ll have a man who said, not entirely in jest, that he would consider Barack Obama for nomination to the nation’s highest court.
This round of decisions hasn’t been particularly kind to conservatives, and one must note Neil Gorsuch’s curious logic in a case which the court ruled gay and transgender individuals are protected under the 1964 Civil Rights Act — despite the fact it was written when same-sex acts or being transgender were both illegal in most jurisdictions.
Aside from occasional lapses, though, both of the president’s appointees to the court have made sound decisions. Given the elevated importance of the Supreme Court, that makes the Oval Office and the Senate key prizes, as well.
Aside from this, keep in mind that two justices will either possibly or definitely be replaced over the next four years. Ruth Bader Ginsburg is 87 and Stephen Breyer is 81.
If presumptive Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden is elected and the Democrats flip the Senate, they’ll be replaced by younger justices in his first year, I can guarantee. (Hope you like Justice Obama, an individual who’s never held any position on any court.)
In the case Trump is elected and the Republicans maintain the Senate, there’s always the strong chance that both those liberal members leave in some shape or form. In that case, the conservative majority would be swing-proof.
As the list will remind you: It’s one or the other.
This week has proved how important that choice will be, particularly with a President Biden determined to attack religious freedom, gun rights and the right to life — and to preserve all the programs Obama enacted by executive order while simultaneously dismantling Trump’s.
CORRECTION, June 19, 2020: When originally published, this article claimed the Supreme Court decided President Trump couldn’t undo DACA. However, the court ruled the Trump administration hadn’t followed the proper procedure to change the DACA rule. This article has been updated to correct this information, and to include tweets from President Trump on the matter.
Truth and Accuracy Submit a Correction → * Name
* Email
* Message
* All fields are required. Success! We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism. Read our editorial standards.


westernjournal--2020-06-19--Former Big City Democratic Mayor To Plead Guilty to Perjury

Baltimore ’ s disgraced former mayor Catherine Pugh , who was embroiled in a scandal involving her “ Healthy Holly ” children ’ s books , is expected to plead guilty to perjury Friday , the state prosecutor said .
A plea hearing on the state misdemeanor charge was scheduled for Friday in Anne Arundel County Circuit Court .
Pugh already has been sentenced to three years in federal prison over the self-dealing scandal , which involved children ’ s books touting exercise and nutrition that netted the now-70-year-old Democrat hundreds of thousands of dollars .
She had pleaded guilty @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last year and is scheduled to report to federal prison later this month .
The state perjury charge relates to Pugh ’ s failure to disclose her business interest in Healthy Holly , LLC on her financial disclosure forms when she was a Maryland state senator .
TRENDING : Klobuchar Says She Told Biden To Pick 'Woman of Color ' as Running Mate After She Withdrew Pugh earned at least $ 345,000 in income in 2016 through sales of her books , but failed to mention her ownership in the forms filed with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ under the penalties of perjury , according to the state prosecutor ’ s office .
She faces up to 10 years in prison on the misdemeanor charge .
Pugh served in the Maryland Senate from 2007 to 2016 , when she was elected Baltimore ’ s mayor .
She resigned as mayor under pressure last year as authorities investigated bulk sales of her paperbacks .
In the federal case , Pugh admitted to defrauding purchasers of her books to pay for straw donations to her political campaign for mayor and to fund the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Baltimore .
She also admitted to selling her books to the University of Maryland Medical System , where she had served as a board member .
The medical system paid Pugh a total of $ 500,000 for 100,000 copies that were meant to be distributed to schoolchildren , but about 60,000 of those books were sent to a city warehouse and a Pugh office where thousands were removed to give to other customers .
Prosecutors say Pugh never delivered the other 40,000 books the health system purchased for city schools .
While serving @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on a committee that funded the medical system .
She also sat on the hospital network ’ s board from 2001 until the scandal erupted in March 2019 .
Pugh returned the last $ 100,000 payment .
RELATED : Man Accused of Brutal Attack on 92-Year-Old Woman Has Been Arrested Over 100 Times : Report Before her federal sentencing in February , Pugh accepted “ full responsibility ” for her actions and apologized through tears during the roughly 10 minutes she spoke in federal court in Baltimore .
She said she did not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” to Maryland ’ s largest city , which for years has struggled with grinding poverty , political mismanagement , record crime rates and alleged police abuses that led to massive riots .
The Associated Press contributed to this report .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Baltimore’s disgraced former mayor Catherine Pugh, who was embroiled in a scandal involving her “Healthy Holly” children’s books, is expected to plead guilty to perjury Friday, the state prosecutor said.
A plea hearing on the state misdemeanor charge was scheduled for Friday in Anne Arundel County Circuit Court.
Pugh already has been sentenced to three years in federal prison over the self-dealing scandal, which involved children’s books touting exercise and nutrition that netted the now-70-year-old Democrat hundreds of thousands of dollars.
She had pleaded guilty to federal conspiracy and tax evasion charges last year and is scheduled to report to federal prison later this month.
The state perjury charge relates to Pugh’s failure to disclose her business interest in Healthy Holly, LLC on her financial disclosure forms when she was a Maryland state senator.
Pugh earned at least $345,000 in income in 2016 through sales of her books, but failed to mention her ownership in the forms filed with the Maryland State Ethics Commission and signed under the penalties of perjury, according to the state prosecutor’s office.
She faces up to 10 years in prison on the misdemeanor charge.
Pugh served in the Maryland Senate from 2007 to 2016, when she was elected Baltimore’s mayor.
She resigned as mayor under pressure last year as authorities investigated bulk sales of her paperbacks.
Do you think Pugh should be sentenced to 10 years behind bars? Yes No
Completing this poll entitles you to The Western Journal news updates free of charge. You may opt out at anytime. You also agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use Yes: 93% (2083 Votes) No: 7% (151 Votes)
In the federal case, Pugh admitted to defrauding purchasers of her books to pay for straw donations to her political campaign for mayor and to fund the purchase and renovation of a house in Baltimore.
She also admitted to selling her books to the University of Maryland Medical System, where she had served as a board member.
The medical system paid Pugh a total of $500,000 for 100,000 copies that were meant to be distributed to schoolchildren, but about 60,000 of those books were sent to a city warehouse and a Pugh office where thousands were removed to give to other customers.
Prosecutors say Pugh never delivered the other 40,000 books the health system purchased for city schools.
While serving in the state Senate, Pugh sat on a committee that funded the medical system. She also sat on the hospital network’s board from 2001 until the scandal erupted in March 2019. Pugh returned the last $100,000 payment.
Before her federal sentencing in February, Pugh accepted “full responsibility” for her actions and apologized through tears during the roughly 10 minutes she spoke in federal court in Baltimore.
She said she did not want to bring “any more shame” to Maryland’s largest city, which for years has struggled with grinding poverty, political mismanagement, record crime rates and alleged police abuses that led to massive riots.
[jwplayer QPCNdiPw]
The Western Journal has reviewed this Associated Press story and may have altered it prior to publication to ensure that it meets our editorial standards.
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westernjournal--2020-06-20--Trump Smashes Fauci’s Claim That NFL Season Is in Jeopardy

President Donald Trump popped Dr. Anthony Fauci ’ s bubble on Friday , rejecting Fauci ’ s concerns over the National Football League resuming play this fall .
Fauci , the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases , recently said that some form of isolation should be a condition of sports resuming .
“ Unless players are essentially in a bubble — insulated from the community and they are tested nearly every day — it would be very hard to see how football is able to be played this fall .
If there is a second @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and which would be complicated by the predictable flu season , football may not happen this year , ” he told CNN .
TRENDING : Klobuchar Says She Told Biden To Pick 'Woman of Color ' as Running Mate After She Withdrew “ Tony Fauci has nothing to do with NFL Football .
They are planning a very safe and controlled opening .
However , if they don ’ t stand for our National Anthem and our Great American Flag , I won ’ t be watching !
!
!
” Trump tweeted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ NFL ’ s chief medical officer , said in a statement that players and the league are working to “ mitigate the health risk to players , coaches and other essential personnel.
” “ We are developing a comprehensive and rapid-result testing program and rigorous protocols that call for a shared responsibility from everyone inside our football ecosystem , ” he said .
“ Make no mistake , this is no easy task , ” Sills added .
“ We will make adjustments as necessary to meet the public health environment as we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scheduled with increased protocols and safety measures for all players , personnel and attendees .
We will be flexible and adaptable in this environment to adjust to the virus as needed.
” Dr. Thom Mayer , medical director for the NFL Players Association , said in a statement that “ Dr .
Anthony Fauci ’ s words carry important weight as he has served our country with expert guidance and moral clarity through many crises , ” CBS News reported .
“ In addition to stringent protocols and workplace safety , we continue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ testing .
It is not just a key to restarting football , but also a matter of public health .
While the information we currently have indicates it will not be an issue in the near future , we all agree that ethically , we can not as a non-essential business , take resources away from our fellow Americans , ” he went on .
Fauci has never been shy about saying public health is more important than sports .
“ Safety , for the players and for the fans , trumps everything @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Times in late April .
“ If you can ’ t guarantee safety , then unfortunately you ’ re going to have to bite the bullet and say , ‘ We may have to go without this sport for this season.
’ ” Fauci has called for gradual steps to reopen sports leagues .
“ We ’ ve got to make sure that when we try to get back to normal , including being able to play baseball in the summer and football in the fall and basketball in the winter , that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ form of normality , we do it gradually and carefully .
And when cases do start to rebound — which they will , no doubt — that we have the capability of identifying , isolating and contact tracing .
Fauci then said that isolation is the easiest answer .
“ I ’ m not saying this is the way to go , but you want to at least consider having players , if they ’ re going to play , play in front of a TV camera without people in the audience .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ make sure they ’ re negative and keep them in a place where they don ’ t have contact with anybody on the outside who you don ’ t know whether they ’ re positive or negative , ” he said .
“ That ’ s going to be logistically difficult , but there ’ s at least the possibility of doing that .
In other words , we said that for baseball , get the players in Major League Baseball , get a couple of cities and a couple of hotels , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
I know it ’ s going to be difficult for them not to be out in society , but that may be the price you pay if you want to play ball.
” The NBA has developed a plan to resume play in July , with games being played at Disney World , but all of the details have yet to be ironed out , according to CBS .
The concept of a shortened Major League Baseball season has been discussed , but there has been no agreement between the league and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

President Donald Trump popped Dr. Anthony Fauci’s bubble on Friday, rejecting Fauci’s concerns over the National Football League resuming play this fall.
Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, recently said that some form of isolation should be a condition of sports resuming.
“Unless players are essentially in a bubble — insulated from the community and they are tested nearly every day — it would be very hard to see how football is able to be played this fall. If there is a second wave, which is certainly a possibility and which would be complicated by the predictable flu season, football may not happen this year,” he told CNN.
Tony Fauci has nothing to do with NFL Football. They are planning a very safe and controlled opening. However, if they don’t stand for our National Anthem and our Great American Flag, I won’t be watching!!! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 19, 2020
“Tony Fauci has nothing to do with NFL Football. They are planning a very safe and controlled opening. However, if they don’t stand for our National Anthem and our Great American Flag, I won’t be watching!!!” Trump tweeted Friday.
Dr. Allen Sills, the NFL’s chief medical officer, said in a statement that players and the league are working to “mitigate the health risk to players, coaches and other essential personnel.”
“We are developing a comprehensive and rapid-result testing program and rigorous protocols that call for a shared responsibility from everyone inside our football ecosystem,” he said.
“Make no mistake, this is no easy task,” Sills added. “We will make adjustments as necessary to meet the public health environment as we prepare to play the 2020 season as scheduled with increased protocols and safety measures for all players, personnel and attendees. We will be flexible and adaptable in this environment to adjust to the virus as needed.”
Should the NFL return to normal play this fall? Yes No
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Dr. Thom Mayer, medical director for the NFL Players Association, said in a statement that “Dr. Anthony Fauci’s words carry important weight as he has served our country with expert guidance and moral clarity through many crises,” CBS News reported.
“In addition to stringent protocols and workplace safety, we continue to reinforce the importance of widely available testing. It is not just a key to restarting football, but also a matter of public health. While the information we currently have indicates it will not be an issue in the near future, we all agree that ethically, we can not as a non-essential business, take resources away from our fellow Americans,” he went on.
Fauci has never been shy about saying public health is more important than sports.
“Safety, for the players and for the fans, trumps everything,” he told The New York Times in late April. “If you can’t guarantee safety, then unfortunately you’re going to have to bite the bullet and say, ‘We may have to go without this sport for this season.’”
Fauci has called for gradual steps to reopen sports leagues.
“We’ve got to make sure that when we try to get back to normal, including being able to play baseball in the summer and football in the fall and basketball in the winter, that when we do come back to some form of normality, we do it gradually and carefully. And when cases do start to rebound — which they will, no doubt — that we have the capability of identifying, isolating and contact tracing.
Fauci then said that isolation is the easiest answer.
“I’m not saying this is the way to go, but you want to at least consider having players, if they’re going to play, play in front of a TV camera without people in the audience. And then test all the players and make sure they’re negative and keep them in a place where they don’t have contact with anybody on the outside who you don’t know whether they’re positive or negative,” he said.
“That’s going to be logistically difficult, but there’s at least the possibility of doing that. In other words, we said that for baseball, get the players in Major League Baseball, get a couple of cities and a couple of hotels, get them tested and keep them segregated. I know it’s going to be difficult for them not to be out in society, but that may be the price you pay if you want to play ball.”
The NBA has developed a plan to resume play in July, with games being played at Disney World, but all of the details have yet to be ironed out, according to CBS. The concept of a shortened Major League Baseball season has been discussed, but there has been no agreement between the league and the MLB Players Association.
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westernjournal--2020-06-20--Chick-fil-A CEO Says White People Not Fighting for Black People Are ‘Shameful,’ Then Shines Rapper’s

Chick-fil-A CEO Says White People Not Fighting for Black People Are ‘Shameful,’ Then Shines Rapper’s Shoes Publicly

Chick-fil-A CEO Dan Cathy called for white Christians to “ fight ” on behalf of African-Americans Sunday after a dozen franchises of his company were vandalized over the past week .
He said white people should have empathy for the rioters ’ underlying frustration and not condemn the destruction of others ’ property .
“ We as Caucasians , until we ’ re willing to just pick up the baton and fight for our black , African-American brothers and sisters , which they are as one human race , we ’ re shameful .
We ’ re just adding to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Fox News .
“ My plea would be for the white people , rather than point fingers at that kind of criminal effort , would be to see the level of frustration and exasperation and almost the sense of hopelessness that exists on some of those activists within the African-American community.
” How about seeing the sense of exasperation and hopelessness in the faces of small business owners who have watched their livelihoods be destroyed ?
Or how about seeing the anguish in the faces of loved ones of officers killed by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ She Told Biden To Pick 'Woman of Color ' as Running Mate After She Withdrew After making the statements at a panel with megachurch pastor Louie Giglio and Christian rapper Lecrae , Cathy shined Lecrae ’ s shoes on stage at the event .
The Christian-run chain ’ s cringe-worthy caving to the woke mob after property destruction only further emboldens Marxist revolutionaries .
Some of the rioters and protesters are trying to force all aspects of Western culture , whether corporate , entertainment , educational or political , to grovel in submission @ @ @ @ @ @ @ already embarrassed itself this month by apologizing for a viral photo of an employee in a “ back the blue ” shirt .
“ The company was criticized as ‘ racist , ’ but the shirt actually was supporting a local football team and the picture was several years old , ” Fox reported .
A T-shirt “ backing the blue ” is not racist , whether it refers to police officers or a football team .
Failing to back the blue leads to increased crime rates and murders in majority-black neighborhoods .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ officers in the United States are black .
But in the eyes of the woke mob , their lives do not matter and they deserve no support .
If Chick-fil-A could cave to woke demands for something as innocent as a T-shirt , it is no surprise that its CEO would now engage in this latest humiliating display .
For years , the restaurant chain received praise from Christians because of its courage to stand up for the biblical foundations of marriage , which had the LGBTQ community outraged .
But apparently , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it ’ s not about sides : It ’ s about Christians being targeted .
RELATED : New Christian Kanye , Chick-fil-A , LA Dream Center Provide 11k Meals Per Day to Needy During Pandemic It is growing more and more difficult to find prominent heroes willing to stand up and refuse to be bullied into acts of humiliation .
This probably feels familiar to anyone who lived under communism .
In “ The Power of the Powerless , ” anti-communist dissident Václav Havel famously described life for individuals in Eastern Europe who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ideology .
Havel used the example of a greengrocer .
The greengrocer puts a sign in his window saying “ Workers of the World Unite !
” so that he does not lose his job or store .
Of course , it is never enough and eventually , the grocer will be in trouble for failing to show enough enthusiasm for the ideology .
Dan Cathy is the latest “ greengrocer , ” but he owns a major corporation , not a small shop , and he should have shown more courage .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ destroyed several of his restaurants makes his act with Lecrae feel forced .
And Lecrae should have also never participated in such public debasement of a fellow Christian .
Jesus washed the disciples ’ feet as an act of service , not feigned “ repentance.
” Soon every American will need to make a decision .
Do you keep your integrity and refuse to allow yourself to be labeled a racist ?
Or do you feed the metaphorical crocodile Winston Churchill spoke of in the hope it eats you last ?
Choose integrity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chicken from KFC .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Chick-fil-A CEO Dan Cathy called for white Christians to “fight” on behalf of African-Americans Sunday after a dozen franchises of his company were vandalized over the past week.
He said white people should have empathy for the rioters’ underlying frustration and not condemn the destruction of others’ property.
“We as Caucasians, until we’re willing to just pick up the baton and fight for our black, African-American brothers and sisters, which they are as one human race, we’re shameful. We’re just adding to it,” Cathy said, according to Fox News.
“My plea would be for the white people, rather than point fingers at that kind of criminal effort, would be to see the level of frustration and exasperation and almost the sense of hopelessness that exists on some of those activists within the African-American community.”
How about seeing the sense of exasperation and hopelessness in the faces of small business owners who have watched their livelihoods be destroyed? Or how about seeing the anguish in the faces of loved ones of officers killed by these riots?
After making the statements at a panel with megachurch pastor Louie Giglio and Christian rapper Lecrae, Cathy shined Lecrae’s shoes on stage at the event.
The Christian-run chain’s cringe-worthy caving to the woke mob after property destruction only further emboldens Marxist revolutionaries.
Some of the rioters and protesters are trying to force all aspects of Western culture, whether corporate, entertainment, educational or political, to grovel in submission to their ever-growing demands.
Chick-fil-A had already embarrassed itself this month by apologizing for a viral photo of an employee in a “back the blue” shirt.
Do you think Dan Cathy caved to the mob by making these statements? Yes No
Completing this poll entitles you to The Western Journal news updates free of charge. You may opt out at anytime. You also agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use Yes: 97% (5016 Votes) No: 3% (151 Votes)
“The company was criticized as ‘racist,’ but the shirt actually was supporting a local football team and the picture was several years old,” Fox reported.
A T-shirt “backing the blue” is not racist, whether it refers to police officers or a football team. Failing to back the blue leads to increased crime rates and murders in majority-black neighborhoods. Furthermore, an increasing number of police officers in the United States are black. But in the eyes of the woke mob, their lives do not matter and they deserve no support.
If Chick-fil-A could cave to woke demands for something as innocent as a T-shirt, it is no surprise that its CEO would now engage in this latest humiliating display.
For years, the restaurant chain received praise from Christians because of its courage to stand up for the biblical foundations of marriage, which had the LGBTQ community outraged.
But apparently, they’re changing direction. And it’s not about sides: It’s about Christians being targeted.
It is growing more and more difficult to find prominent heroes willing to stand up and refuse to be bullied into acts of humiliation. This probably feels familiar to anyone who lived under communism.
In “The Power of the Powerless,” anti-communist dissident Václav Havel famously described life for individuals in Eastern Europe who failed to publicly and enthusiastically support Marxist ideology.
Havel used the example of a greengrocer. The greengrocer puts a sign in his window saying “Workers of the World Unite!” so that he does not lose his job or store. Of course, it is never enough and eventually, the grocer will be in trouble for failing to show enough enthusiasm for the ideology.
Dan Cathy is the latest “greengrocer,” but he owns a major corporation, not a small shop, and he should have shown more courage. Doing this after a violent mass movement destroyed several of his restaurants makes his act with Lecrae feel forced.
And Lecrae should have also never participated in such public debasement of a fellow Christian. Jesus washed the disciples’ feet as an act of service, not feigned “repentance.”
Soon every American will need to make a decision. Do you keep your integrity and refuse to allow yourself to be labeled a racist? Or do you feed the metaphorical crocodile Winston Churchill spoke of in the hope it eats you last?
Choose integrity. Oh, and maybe get your chicken from KFC.
Truth and Accuracy Submit a Correction → * Name
* Email
* Message
* All fields are required. Success! We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism. Read our editorial standards.


westernjournal--2020-06-19--DoJ: Idaho Law Barring Biological Males from Female Sports Is Constitutional

A recently passed Idaho law barring biological males who identify as female from competing in women ’ s sports — the first such law in the nation — received backing on Friday from President Donald Trump ’ s administration .
The support came in the form of a court filing submitted by the U.S. Department of Justice , saying a federal judge considering a lawsuit challenging the ban should conclude that the law does not violate the U.S. Constitution .
The law prohibits transgender students who identify as female from playing on female teams sponsored by public schools , colleges @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Union filed the lawsuit in April , contending that the law violates the 14th Amendment ’ s Equal Protection Clause .
The Justice Department wrote that the “ Equal Protection Clause does not require states to abandon their efforts to provide biological women with equal opportunity to compete for , and enjoy the life-long benefits that flow from , participation in school athletics in order to accommodate the team preferences of transgender athletes.
” TRENDING : Klobuchar Says She Told Biden To Pick 'Woman of Color ' as Running Mate After She Withdrew @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 30 signed into law the measure that received overwhelming support in Idaho ’ s Republican-dominated House and Senate and was unanimously opposed by Democrats .
It takes effect on July 1 .
“ The Trump administration has been attacking trans folks in the United States since basically inauguration day , ” Ritchie Eppink , legal director for the ACLU of Idaho , said .
“ It ’ s not surprising they made this a part of their anti-trans agenda as well.
” Two plaintiffs are bringing the lawsuit .
One is an unnamed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other is Lindsay Hecox , who will be a sophomore this fall at Boise State University and hopes to qualify for the women ’ s cross-country team as a biological male .
The NCAA has a policy allowing transgender athletes to compete .
But the sponsor of the Idaho law , Republican Barbara Ehardt , has called the NCAA policy “ permissive.
” Ehardt has said that allowing transgender athletes on girls ’ and women ’ s teams would negate nearly 50 years of progress women have made since the 1972 Title IX @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , scholarships and other opportunities to female athletes .
The lawsuit argues that the new law is itself a violation of Title IX , which bans sex discrimination in education .
Alliance Defending Freedom , a Christian group that defends religious freedoms , is seeking to intervene in the case on behalf of two female athletes at Idaho State University and welcomed the involvement of the Department of Justice .
“ We commend the DOJ for supporting a level playing field for female athletes , ” the group said in a statement .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ DoE Keeping Biological Males out of Female Sports The Trump administration filed a similar document in March in another federal lawsuit focusing on transgender college athletes in Connecticut .
The Justice Department in that case is supporting a lawsuit filed last year by several female track athletes who argued that two biologically male runners had an unfair physical advantage .
The Associated Press contributed to this report .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

A recently passed Idaho law barring biological males who identify as female from competing in women’s sports — the first such law in the nation — received backing on Friday from President Donald Trump’s administration.
The support came in the form of a court filing submitted by the U.S. Department of Justice, saying a federal judge considering a lawsuit challenging the ban should conclude that the law does not violate the U.S. Constitution.
The law prohibits transgender students who identify as female from playing on female teams sponsored by public schools, colleges and universities.
The American Civil Liberties Union filed the lawsuit in April, contending that the law violates the 14th Amendment’s Equal Protection Clause.
The Justice Department wrote that the “Equal Protection Clause does not require states to abandon their efforts to provide biological women with equal opportunity to compete for, and enjoy the life-long benefits that flow from, participation in school athletics in order to accommodate the team preferences of transgender athletes.”
Republican Gov. Brad Little on March 30 signed into law the measure that received overwhelming support in Idaho’s Republican-dominated House and Senate and was unanimously opposed by Democrats. It takes effect on July 1.
“The Trump administration has been attacking trans folks in the United States since basically inauguration day,” Ritchie Eppink, legal director for the ACLU of Idaho, said. “It’s not surprising they made this a part of their anti-trans agenda as well.”
Two plaintiffs are bringing the lawsuit. One is an unnamed Boise area high school student.
The other is Lindsay Hecox, who will be a sophomore this fall at Boise State University and hopes to qualify for the women’s cross-country team as a biological male.
Do you support Idaho's new law? Yes No
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The NCAA has a policy allowing transgender athletes to compete. But the sponsor of the Idaho law, Republican Barbara Ehardt, has called the NCAA policy “permissive.”
Ehardt has said that allowing transgender athletes on girls’ and women’s teams would negate nearly 50 years of progress women have made since the 1972 Title IX federal legislation credited with opening up sports, scholarships and other opportunities to female athletes.
The lawsuit argues that the new law is itself a violation of Title IX, which bans sex discrimination in education.
Alliance Defending Freedom, a Christian group that defends religious freedoms, is seeking to intervene in the case on behalf of two female athletes at Idaho State University and welcomed the involvement of the Department of Justice.
“We commend the DOJ for supporting a level playing field for female athletes,” the group said in a statement.
The Trump administration filed a similar document in March in another federal lawsuit focusing on transgender college athletes in Connecticut.
The Justice Department in that case is supporting a lawsuit filed last year by several female track athletes who argued that two biologically male runners had an unfair physical advantage.
[jwplayer JcD4KHFe]
The Western Journal has reviewed this Associated Press story and may have altered it prior to publication to ensure that it meets our editorial standards.
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westernjournal--2020-06-19--Sister of Slain Black Officer: ‘Where Is the Outrage?’

Family and friends gathered Friday to honor a federal law enforcement officer fatally shot while guarding a U.S. courthouse in Oakland .
They were joined by the acting chief of Homeland Security , who traveled from Washington to honor “ a fallen hero , ” his office said .
David Patrick Underwood , 53 , was killed May 29 while guarding the Ronald V. Dellums Federal Building in Oakland as a large protest was underway nearby over the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis .
A colleague was also shot and wounded .
Hundreds gathered at the memorial service @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attended in the San Francisco Bay Area city of Pinole .
Chad Wolf , the acting secretary of the Department of Homeland Security , joined the ceremony to honor Underwood , whom the agency in a statement called “ a fallen hero who made the ultimate sacrifice.
” TRENDING : Klobuchar Says She Told Biden To Pick 'Woman of Color ' as Running Mate After She Withdrew Underwood died from gunshot wounds sustained during a drive-by shooting the night of May 29 as a protest in downtown Oakland sank into chaos .
Underwood @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as contract security officers for the Department of Homeland Security ’ s Federal Protective Service .
Federal authorities say the shooter used the protest as cover for the crime .
Authorities say that Underwood , who is African-American , was targeted because he wore a uniform .
Last week , the FBI announced murder charges against Air Force Staff Sgt .
Steve Carrillo .
Authorities say Carrillo used the same homemade rifle eight days later to kill a Santa Cruz deputy in a hail of gunfire that wounded four other officers .
Carrillo @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 6 fatal shooting of Santa Cruz County Sheriff ’ s Sgt .
Damon Gutzwiller .
Authorities allege that Carrillo , 32 , had ties to the anti-government “ boogaloo ” movement and had hatched a plan to target federal law enforcement officials during the Oakland protest .
Underwood was the brother of Angela Underwood Jacobs , a recent Republican candidate who sought to fill a vacant U.S. district seat north of Los Angeles .
Jacobs spoke before Congress last week in a House hearing on racial profiling and police brutality .
She remembered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who only wanted to help others and keep his community safe .
He had an infectious laugh and a corny sense of humor.
” Jacobs said her brother was proud to serve his community and asked why his killing has not elicited a national outcry .
“ My brother wore a uniform , and he wore that uniform proudly , ” Jacobs said .
“ I ’ m wondering , where is the outrage for a fallen officer that also happens to be African-American ?
” The Associated Press contributed to this report @ @ @ @ @ @ @ accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Family and friends gathered Friday to honor a federal law enforcement officer fatally shot while guarding a U.S. courthouse in Oakland. They were joined by the acting chief of Homeland Security, who traveled from Washington to honor “a fallen hero,” his office said.
David Patrick Underwood, 53, was killed May 29 while guarding the Ronald V. Dellums Federal Building in Oakland as a large protest was underway nearby over the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis.
A colleague was also shot and wounded.
Hundreds gathered at the memorial service for Underwood at the high school he attended in the San Francisco Bay Area city of Pinole.
Chad Wolf, the acting secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, joined the ceremony to honor Underwood, whom the agency in a statement called “a fallen hero who made the ultimate sacrifice.”
Underwood died from gunshot wounds sustained during a drive-by shooting the night of May 29 as a protest in downtown Oakland sank into chaos. Underwood and a colleague were working that night as contract security officers for the Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Protective Service.
Federal authorities say the shooter used the protest as cover for the crime. Authorities say that Underwood, who is African-American, was targeted because he wore a uniform.
Last week, the FBI announced murder charges against Air Force Staff Sgt. Steve Carrillo. Authorities say Carrillo used the same homemade rifle eight days later to kill a Santa Cruz deputy in a hail of gunfire that wounded four other officers.
Carrillo faces separate state charges for the June 6 fatal shooting of Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Sgt. Damon Gutzwiller.
Does Underwood's death deserve more attention? Yes No
Completing this poll entitles you to The Western Journal news updates free of charge. You may opt out at anytime. You also agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use Yes: 98% (3485 Votes) No: 2% (63 Votes)
Authorities allege that Carrillo, 32, had ties to the anti-government “boogaloo” movement and had hatched a plan to target federal law enforcement officials during the Oakland protest.
Underwood was the brother of Angela Underwood Jacobs, a recent Republican candidate who sought to fill a vacant U.S. district seat north of Los Angeles.
Jacobs spoke before Congress last week in a House hearing on racial profiling and police brutality.
She remembered her brother as “a good man who only wanted to help others and keep his community safe. He had an infectious laugh and a corny sense of humor.”
Jacobs said her brother was proud to serve his community and asked why his killing has not elicited a national outcry.
“My brother wore a uniform, and he wore that uniform proudly,” Jacobs said.
“I’m wondering, where is the outrage for a fallen officer that also happens to be African-American?”
[jwplayer NCKQsREP]
The Western Journal has reviewed this Associated Press story and may have altered it prior to publication to ensure that it meets our editorial standards.
Truth and Accuracy Submit a Correction → * Name
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