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Civil Rights

Civil rights protect individuals from discrimination or neglect by the government or private organizations. These rights ensure equal opportunities to participate in political and civil activities, while remaining free from discrimination based on race, gender, disability, family status, LGBT status, or national origin. At Empire Justice, we represent the people who have been denied these rights by providing them with advice and counsel and representing them in court.

ARTICLES

Batavia City School District Class Action Complaint
On April 5, 2013 Empire Justice Center filed a class action suit against Batavia City School District on behalf of three female softball players and their families, alleging wide disparities in treatment between girls’ softball and boys’ baseball. Read More

Resources for those Affected by Hurricane Sandy
Here are some helpful resources and links as you and your clients deal with the aftermath of Sandy. We’ll do our best to keep updating it. Read More


IN THE NEWS

Batavia Softball Players Claim Discrimination
Three softball players and their parents have sued the Batavia City School District, claiming the boys baseball team has better facilities and equipment. The lawsuit says the district is in violation of Title IX, which requires equal treatment of boys and girls in athletic programs. Read More


Reaction mixed on wage increase
Low-income workers may be applauding the deal reached in Albany that raises the minimum wage to $9 an hour. Read More


POLICY ADVOCACY

Empire Justice Testimony Regarding New York’s State’s Draft Child Care Development Fund Plan for FFY 2014-2015
Our testimony on New York's draft CCDF PLan for 2014 - 2015, including comments on access to quality child care, the effects of lead poisoning on minority communities, immigrant access to quality child care and access to language services at local district offices. Read More


Empire Justice Testimony on the Regulations and Implementation Process for SafeRx Legislation
Our active advocacy with regard to language access issues coupled with our health advocacy work has educated us on the critical importance of ensuring meaningful access for pharmacy consumers with Limited English Proficiency (LEP). Read More



PUBLICATIONS

Tool Kit for Community Health Centers- Helping Patients Access Medicaid
This tool kit provides fact sheets and forms on ten different topics related to helping patients access Medicaid coverage or other help with paying for health care services. Read More

 

NEWSLETTERS

Legal Services Journal - Fall 2011
The Fall 2011 Legal Services Journal reports on a wide range of poverty law topics. This issue provides analysis addressing the connection between domestic violence and a victim's increased need, not only for physical protection, but also for privacy safeguards. Also featured in this issue are articles on immigration, language access in hospital care, Medicaid, Food Stamps, foreclosure prevention services program and look at wage theft and the impact on communities and forging a path to wage justice. Thanks to all of our authors for their contributions to this issues of the Legal Services Journal. Read More


TRAININGS AND EVENTS

Introduction to Language Access Rights
Language Access for Limited English Proficient (LEP) is a half day training for advocates and attorneys that work with LEP communities. Participants will be given an overview of the state and federal protections for LEP individuals. Read More

Special Ed Litigation: Achieving Systemic Change within School Districts
From Greece, NY to New York City, public interest attorneys have challenged school districts' systemic failures to provide appropriate educational support to students with disabilities. In this session, attorneys and advocates will learn about the most recent cases, as well as "cutting-edge strategies" for litigating systems-change lawsuits that aim to compel school districts to improve services for large numbers of students. Read More