Worldwide: Human Rights

The Department of Education has issued new guidance prohibiting schools from considering race in student discipline decisions, arguing that efforts to address racial disparities in disciplinary outcomes may violate Title VI. Two federal investigations have been launched against school districts, signaling an expansive interpretation of anti-discrimination law that could reshape how educational institutions approach equity considerations across all operations.

Federal agencies and states are increasingly taking divergent approaches to disparate-impact liability. While the federal government has moved to eliminate disparate-impact enforcement...

A federal appeals court has upheld a ruling that the Trump administration unlawfully denied bond hearings to thousands of noncitizens detained by ICE in New England. The decision affirms that the government's 2025 policy change, which abandoned decades of precedent, violates federal law and due process protections for immigrants arrested within the United States.

The U.S. Supreme Court's landmark decision in Cisco Systems, Inc. v. Doe fundamentally reshapes the landscape of international human rights litigation in American courts. By ruling that federal courts cannot create new causes of action under the Alien Tort Statute and that the Torture Victim Protection Act does not provide for aiding-and-abetting liability, the Court has effectively closed the door on decades of litigation targeting U.S. businesses for alleged human rights violations abroad. What does this

Global supply chains face unprecedented regulatory scrutiny as the EU Forced Labour Regulation and UK Modern Slavery Act reforms demand robust due diligence frameworks. How can multinational businesses navigate these evolving compliance requirements while managing enforcement, disruption, and reputational risks across their operations?

A historic Black church in Dallas, founded by formerly enslaved people in 1884, faced organized community opposition when seeking to restore its property and obtain a special use permit. After months of legal advocacy challenging unconstitutional restrictions, the church secured unanimous approval from the Addison City Council to continue operations as a place of worship.

Sanford Heisler Sharp McKnight celebrates two decades of growth and commitment to social justice. Firm leaders, including Chairman and Co-Founder David Sanford, reflect on the principles and mission that have driven the firm's success and expansion over the years.

The Sanctions Update is compiled by Steptoe’s International Trade and Regulatory Compliance team and Steptoe’s Strategic Risk team.

After decades of advocacy, Leonard Peltier was granted clemency on the final day of the Biden administration. The effort required an extraordinary coalition spanning Native American communities, civil rights organizations, a rock legend from the E Street Band, and even a phone call to the Vatican at three o'clock in the morning. Kevin Sharp, who served as Peltier's attorney, takes you inside this remarkable journey.