Dreams Into Lightning 2

Jaycee Dugard Goes After Feds

Fox: 'Jaycee Dugard sued the federal government Thursday for failing to monitor the convicted sex offender who kidnapped her and held her captive for 18 years. ...'

Go get 'em.

Shurat ha-Din American Chapter Fights Campus Anti-Semitism

Shurat haDin - Israel Law Center, via email press release:

This week Shurat HaDin's newly established American office in New York warned university and college presidents around the United States that their schools may be subject to civil and criminal liability if they do not take necessary measures to ensure the educational rights and safety of Jewish and Israeli students on their campuses. In letters sent to campus administrators, we also cautioned that their schools have a duty to reasonably prevent university funds from being diverted to unlawful activities that are directed against the state of Israel.

The warning to more than 150 college and university presidents around the United States, informs the schools concerning their legal obligations to prevent harassment and anti-Semitism. The letters note that as a result of their receipt of federal funding their institutions have legal responsibilities to prevent a hostile environment from forming on campus. The letter specifically cites Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 that prohibits discrimination on the basis of national origin in federally assisted programs and activities. ...

Related, at JTA: ZOA encouraged by anti-discrimination progress:

October 6, 2010

(JTA) -- The Zionist Organization of America praised the U.S. Department of Education for its efforts to protect Jewish students from anti-Semitic harassment and discrimination.

U.S. Rep. Brad Sherman (D-Calif.), with Sen. Arlen Specter (D-Pa.), introduced legislation last month that would amend the Civil Rights Act of 1964, whose Title VI prohibits discrimination based on "race, color, or national origin," to also include religion.

Sherman reported Monday that after speaking with Education Secretary Arne Duncan, he is "more than cautiously optimistic" that the Department of Education will begin enforcing Title VI to protect Jewish students.

In a statement posted on his website, Sherman specifically acknowledged the ZOA's contribution to this result. The ZOA has led efforts to bring about legislative changes to Title VI, including lobbying members of Congress. ...