News & Commentary

One photo shows an Iraqi teenager bound and standing in the headlights of a truck immediately after his mock execution, staged by U.S. soldiers. Another shows a group of soldiers forcing a detainee to look at pictures of lingerie-clad women. Another depicts the body of Muhamad Husain Kadir, an Iraqi farmer, shot dead at point-blank range by an American soldier while handcuffed.
These are just three of thousands of p

When Kristin Pagano came to the ACLU after being denied accommodations to pump breast milk during the Illinois bar exam, we decided to take action on her behalf. After the ACLU of Illinois sent a letter to the Illinois Board of Admissions to the Bar, the board agreed to make nursing moms eligible for accommodations – such as breaks and a private room for pumping.
Then another new mom-to-be, Shahzeen K

Larry Ysunza met his partner Tim Love in 1980 and told his mother that very day that he had met the man he was going to marry. Thirty-five years later, Larry and Tim are among the plaintiffs in the marriage cases that the Supreme Court will hear today. They will be in the courtroom eagerly listening for clues from the justices about whether their long engagement will finally end in marriage vows.
“I never thought this would happen,

This was originally published by USA Today.
Is it lawful for the government to use

It’s nearly 10:00 a.m. one Friday in late February, and I’m getting antsy. The British journalist Johann Hari was supposed to be here by now to talk about his new book, “Chasing the Scream: The First and Last Days of the War on Drugs.” We’ve had plans to meet a few times before, but Hari had to cancel twice because of conflicts due to his U.S. book tour. My favorite via e-mail: “Alas I have been summoned to be on Bill Maher's show in LA on Friday.”
But just as I’m about to head downst

My two dads taught me everything I know about love and family. And now we're ready to show the rest of America what it means because many people don't realize that marriage bans affect kids and families – not just same-sex couples.
Next week, my family will drive from K

As a child, I spent almost a decade being shuffled through 14 different foster care placements, including two group homes. It wasn't until I was 12 years old that a family came along and gave me the permanent, loving home of my dreams.
I will forever be grateful for the inc

This piece originally appeared at MSNBC.com.
When Frontier Airlines Flight 623 land

You'd think the officials at Notre Dame would have their hands full with allegations of their broken sexual harassment and assault investigation protocols. And you'd also think that they wouldn't want to alienate their female employees and students any more than they already have.
But you'd be wrong.
Notre Dam