Attorney General Loretta Lynch took the oath of office today, becoming the first African American woman to serve in the role.
Organizations Urge the President to Reinterpret Helms Amendment and Aid Nigerian Refugees
A campaign launched last week in response to more than 200 girls raped and impregnated by Boko Haram members urges President Obama to reinterpret the Helms Amendment to include abortion care.
Obama Administration Clarifies ACA Birth Control Benefit After Reports of Conflicting Policies
The Obama administration announced yesterday in new guidance to health insurance companies that insurers are obligated to cover all forms of birth control under the Affordable Care Act.
The Obama Administration Has Come Out Against Anti-Gay “Conversion Therapy”
The statement was in response to a WhiteHouse.gov petition that was created after the suicide of transgender teenager Leelah Alcorn, which gained more than 120,000 signatures.
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Obama Administration Announces Global Initiative for Girls’ Education
Let Girls Learn will build on investments the US already has made in global primary school education and expand them to help adolescent girls complete their education.
President Obama Pushed for Immigration Reform at a Florida International University Town Hall
Obama spoke largely about his two biggest promises for immigration reform.
Obama Just Vetoed the Keystone XL Pipeline, But The Fight Isn’t Over
While the veto has stopped pipeline construction from being forced through legislation, the project is going back to review in the State Department, where it has been for the past six years.
Department of Justice May Sue Ferguson Over Race Discrimination
The Department of Justice will sue Ferguson, Missouri, if it finds evidence that its police department discriminates based on race and that its authorities aren’t trying to make changes, according to CNN.
Violence Against Women Came to the Forefront at Last Nights’ Grammy Awards
The 57th Annual Grammy Awards set a new precedent last night with a speech from a domestic violence survivor and activist and the airing of a PSA from President Obama about violence against women.
Senator Boxer Urges President to Continue Support for UN Population Fund
The United States restored its funding for UNFPA under President Obama in 2009.
In Major Win for Women, President Obama Pushes for Paid Sick Leave
President Obama has announced his intention to sign a Presidential Memorandum “directing agencies to advance up to six weeks of paid sick leave for parents with a new child,” and to grant up to seven paid sick days to federal workers.
Obama’s Judicial Appointments Most Diverse in History
Obama’s confirmed nominees to the federal bench are 42 percent women, 19 percent African-American, 11 percent Hispanic, and 11 percent openly gay men or lesbian women, making this the most diverse group of judges in history.
Senate Maneuvering Allows for Confirmation of Obama Nominees
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid was able to push for confirmation of 24 Obama nominees over the weekend.
The Employment Rate for Women Just Surpassed its Previous Peak in 2013
The Bureau of Labor Statistics for November 2014 show more job growth in the past 11 months than in any previous calendar year since the 1990s.
President Obama Meets with Ferguson Activists and Announces Policing Reforms
Following the non-indictment of former Ferguson police officer Darren Wilson, the White House announced a national plan for police reform.
President Obama Nominates Loretta Lynch to Serve as Attorney General
In his announcement, the President emphasized the need for the next Attorney General to continue building on the civil and human rights legacy being left behind by Eric Holder, and pointed to the quiet, but solid record of his nominee.
Obama Administration Issues New Rule to Strengthen Response to Campus Sexual Violence
After the Department of Education’s announcement of final rule on implementing changes last week, the Clery Act will now more effectively address and report campus violence.
White House Releases Updated Title IX Guidance on Campus Sexual Assault
As part of the “It’s On Us” campaign to end campus sexual assault by changing campus culture, the White House has released guidance to assist with enforcement of institutional Title IX policies.
Legislation to Support Testing of Backlogged Rape Kits Goes to President’s Desk
The Senate on Thursday voted to renew the Debbie Smith Act, aimed at cutting the backlog of untested rape kits. The bill, already passed in the House, now heads to President Obama to become law.
GALLERY: Inside the White House Launch of the “It’s On Us” Campaign
Today, the White House announced the official launch of “It’s On Us,” a media initiative aimed at ending campus sexual assault. Here’s a glimpse into what happened!
