Arkansas
September 26, 2023 -
Two days before the start of school, the Arkansas Department of Education said that AP African American Studies would not count for graduation credit, citing a recent law banning ‘indoctrination.’ Arkansas educators — including some at schools that are still offering the course — share their perspectives.
July 20, 2023 -
An Arkansas law that goes into effect Aug. 1 weakens oversight on minors in the workplace. Advocates fear that immigrant children employed in agricultural industries are most vulnerable.
April 28, 2023 -
Workers at a Tyson Foods chicken processing plant in Van Buren, Arkansas, walked out for several days this month, saying the company is putting their health and safety at risk — and is now shoving them out the door after hailing their loyalty through a deadly pandemic.
January 24, 2023 -
The poverty rate for people with disabilities is more than double that of our nondisabled counterparts, and the disparity is being driven by state policy choices that force us into institutions unnecessarily and allow employers to pay us subminimum wages. Some Southern states have already embraced reforms, and others should act now.
November 18, 2022 -
Voters across the South weighed in on dozens of high-profile ballot initiatives in this year's general election, directly shaping policy on matters including reproductive rights, prison labor, and ballot measures themselves. In another election to be held next month, Louisiana voters will consider three ballot measures, including one to bar noncitizens from voting in local elections.
March 23, 2022 -
Arkansas and Florida are the only Southern states that still allow citizens to place questions on the ballot, but Republican lawmakers there want to erect new barriers to this form of direct democracy.
October 29, 2021 -
The Republicans who control legislatures in Arkansas, North Carolina, and Texas have drawn congressional maps that favor their party and disadvantage voters of color. Meanwhile, an independent redistricting commission has faltered in its effort to draw new election maps in Virginia.
