Houston’s Historic Black Theater at 50
For five decades, the Ensemble has brought Houstonians together to laugh, cry, and talk back to plays representing all aspects of African-American life.
Civil Rights
Civil Rights Groups Call ‘Election Integrity’ Bill a ‘Dangerous New Assault on Voting Rights in Texas’
A coalition of civil rights groups warns that SB 9 would “sharply escalate an ongoing campaign of voter suppression.”
In Rare Legal Move, the City of Amarillo Takes Landowner to Court Over Homeless Camp
Experts say the city’s lawsuit, filed this month against a man who allowed a homeless camp to be developed on his property, is virtually unprecedented.
Civil Rights Group’s Budget Nearly Halved by Foundation with Ties to Texas Supreme Court
The Texas Civil Rights Project announced it will no longer receive funding from its largest donor, a nonprofit created by the Texas Supreme Court.
Supreme Court Decision Means 2018 Elections Could Use ‘Discriminatory’ Maps
The high court’s intervention raises the possibility that next year’s election may feature “intentionally discriminatory” congressional and state House districts.
Deputies Go Unpunished for Invasive Cavity Search on Houston Roadside
This month prosecutors unexpectedly dropped charges against Harris County deputies accused of violating a woman during a 2015 traffic stop.
Meet the Expert Who Helps Texas Cops Justify Extreme Behavior
Gilbert Flores’ hands were raised when two Bexar County deputies shot and killed him. A former cop who’s trained thousands of state police officers explains why he thinks that’s OK.
Why We Hired a Civil Rights Reporter
Introducing Michael Barajas, the Observer’s new civil rights reporter
Prying Eyes: Border Sheriffs to Use Iris-Scanning Tech in Push for ‘Virtual Wall’
New iris-scanning technology used along the U.S.-Mexico border could exacerbate racial profiling.
‘Recipe for Discrimination’: Legal Battle Brews Over New ‘Religious Refusal’ Child Welfare Law
The controversial measure passed into law last month violates the separation of church and state, legal experts say.