Tomorrow! We’re arguing against the Trump-era policy that turns back asylum seekersTomorrow at 1 p.m. ET/10 a.m. PT, we’ll be arguing before U.S. District Judge Cynthia Bashant of the Southern District of California urging the court to permanently end and declare unlawful the Trump-era policy that turned back tens of thousands of asylum seekers at ports of entry along the U.S.-Mexico border, denying them access to the U.S. asylum system. The case, Al Otro Lado v. Mayorkas, was brought by Al Otro Lado, a bi-national advocacy and legal aid organization and a group of 13 individuals seeking asylum in the United States whom Customs and Border Protection turned away at ports of entry along the southern border through metering and other tactics. They are represented by the Center for Constitutional Rights, Southern Poverty Law Center, American Immigration Council, and the law firm Mayer Brown. For more information about the case and to learn how you can attend the oral argument over the phone, head to our website. | ||
 LISTEN: “The Activist Files” Podcast — “Jailhouse Lawyer’s Handbook - Exploring the legacy of inside-outside organizing”What is the Jailhouse Lawyer’s Handbook and why is it a crucial tool for people in prison? Our Senior Legal Worker Ian Head spoke with a number of people who have influenced and been influenced by the handbook for the 41st episode of “The Activist Files,” “Jailhouse Lawyer’s Handbook: Exploring the legacy of inside-outside organizing.” In this episode, Ian spoke with Brian Glick, a lawyer, Fordham Law School professor, writer and activist, and original author of the handbook; Jenipher Jones Bonio, lead counsel, Jailhouse Lawyers Speak International Law Project and program manager for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Social Justice Initiatives at Sturm College of Law; Lisa Drapkin, director of membership for the National Lawyers Guild, which helps with the distribution of the handbook; and Chinyere Ezie, our senior staff attorney and co-author of the updated edition of the Jailhouse Lawyer’s Handbook. Ian wrapped up the episode by playing a recording by Mumia Abu Jamal, political activist, journalist and jailhouse lawyer. Listen to the latest episode of the Activist Files on our website. | ||
Upcoming events: ATTICA THEN AND NOW, and more...ATTICA THEN AND NOW ATTICA THEN ATTICA NOW This two-part series focuses on the current struggle for abolition, decarceration, defunding, reparations, equal justice, and making the historic demands of the Attica Brothers a reality. Register and learn more on our website. Indefinite Detention: Examining Guantanamo 20 Years After September 11 Date: Thursday, September 9, 2021 | 4–5 p.m. ET Will courts defer to executive branch claims that the U.S. Government can legally detain suspected terrorists after the withdrawal from Afghanistan as the Justice Department claims? If so, what does this say about how – or if – the judiciary will police separation of powers and protect civil liberties in the face of national security claims moving forward? Join our Legal Director Baher Azmy as he participates in a webinar hosted by the American Constitution Society to discuss these and other questions! Learn more and RSVP on our website. 20 Years After September 11: Lessons in Solidarity Date: Tuesday, September 14, 2021 | 3–5 p.m. ET Join our Executive Director Vince Warren as he participates in this teach-in to mark the 20th anniversary of 9/11 and its aftermath. Members of the Solidarity Summits will share insights around deepening connections, being co-conspirators, and building towards co-liberation. Head over to our website for more information. |
August 30, 2021
