CLASP logo

EDUCATION, LABOR, AND WORKER JUSTICE February 2024

Fostering Inclusion for Black Immigrants Students at HBCUs

Historically Black Colleges & Universities (HBCUs) play a pivotal role in providing accessible education to Black communities, including Black immigrant students. This report highlights the decline in HBCU enrollment, and the unique challenges faced by Black immigrant students and underscores the need for tailored support and policy reforms to foster their success. It also discusses actionable strategies and policy options for developing a more supportive and equitable environment for Black immigrant students.

Voters Are Negatively Impacted by Surveillance, Overwork, and Lack of Support in the Workplace; Gig Workers Are the Most Harmed

Surveillance, overwork, and poor job quality have severe impacts, particularly for gig workers. A CLASP and Data for Progress survey of likely voters finds that technology enforces harsh productivity quotas, leading to unsafe conditions. The report argues for urgently-needed policy changes to improve job quality and protect worker autonomy and dignity.

Opportunities and Obstacles: A Closer Look at the Stronger Workforce for America Act

The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) is the cornerstone federal legislation for workforce development. But WIOA perpetuates systemic inequities in the labor market that particularly affect women and workers of color, and the proposed bipartisan reauthorization bill, A Stronger Workforce for America Act, maintains the status quo. CLASP recommends a pro-worker approach that emphasizes worker empowerment, job quality standards, and targeted investments in proven workforce programs.

Additional Publications and Testimonies

Remembering Martin Luther King, Jr. as a Labor Leader and Champion of Working People in the Civil Rights Movement

Martin Luther King Jr.‘s legacy extends beyond his fight for racial equality; he was a fervent supporter of workers’ rights and a key figure in the labor movement. King saw the fights for civil rights and labor rights as inseparable and believed that racial equality was inextricably linked to economics. King’s advocacy for fair wages, just working conditions, and respect for workers aligned with his vision for a more equitable society.

New Poll Confirms: Unaffordable and Inaccessible Child Care Impacts Parents’ Ability to Work

The scarcity of affordable childcare is eroding parents’ ability to work and advance their careers. The shortfall of federal support and dwindling number of providers have made affordable care elusive. This crisis deepens racial disparities in care access, threatening families and the broader economy.

The State of the Unions in 2023: New Data Show Corporate Greed Continues to Overpower Good Jobs for Working People

The 2023 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report reveals a slight decrease in union density despite increased union activity. This is attributed to corporate tactics discouraging union growth and outdated labor laws. The fight for workers’ rights continues amidst corporate greed and exploitative business models.

Testimony in Support of Maryland S.B. 485: Family and Medical Leave Insurance Program

Testimony in Support of Maryland H.B. 751: Family and Medical Leave Insurance Program

CLASP provided written testimony in support of Maryland S.B. 485 and H.B. 751 in their modifications of the Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FAMLI) program. These bills focus on modifying the FAMLI programs to enhance job quality for low-wage workers, ensuring accessible implementation, and establishing crucial administrative guidelines for effective execution.

ELWJ In the News

JANUARY 2024 | THE 19TH
Op Ed: SCOTUS Ruling Disproportionately Impacts Opportunities for Black Males

FEBRUARY 2024 | THE HOPE CENTER
Why need to rethink the term “student-athlete”

FEBRUARY 2024 | INSIGHT INTO DIVERSITY
Op Ed: SCOTUS Ruling Disproportionately Impacts Opportunities for Black Males

Conferences and Presentations

FEBRUARY 23, 2024

Student Loan Debt Relief Negotiated Rulemaking Committee

On Friday, February 23, India Heckstall and other negotiators on the student loan debt relief negotiated rulemaking committee reached consensus to provide debt forgiveness to borrowers experiencing financial hardship. The U.S. Department of Education will share draft proposed regulations for public comment, potentially in May, with the comment period likely lasting 30 days.

FEBRUARY 28, 2024

UNC Chapel Hill Sports Administration Program

On February 27, policy analyst Christian Collins gave a guest lecture to graduate students in the Sports Administration program at UNC – Chapel Hill. The focus of the lecture was on Christian’s Equal Play, Unequal Pay report on how college athletics and public policy intersect in unique ways, as well as how small colleges are increasingly using athletics as a way to boost enrollment; the growing concerns around private equity firms seeking to become involved in public university athletic departments; and current court cases where college athletes are suing for collective bargaining rights and formal compensation from schools.

Upcoming

MARCH 12, 2024

Launching The Good Jobs Collaborative

Discover the future of workforce development at the launch of The Good Jobs Collaborative on March 12th. This pioneering initiative aims to rebalance our employer-dominated system and empower workers, particularly those from marginalized communities. Join us at New America in Washington, D.C., for engaging discussions with labor leaders, experts, and workers on building a more equitable and sustainable workforce. From reimagining policy principles to amplifying worker voices, be part of the conversation that shapes the future of work. Lunch will be provided. Learn more and RSVP here!

LEARN MORE

APRIL 2, 2024

Just Economy Conference 2024

NCRC’s 2024 Just Economy Conference is coming up on April 3-4. Join us in Washington, DC, for two days of learning, networking and creating impact with community leaders across the country. NCRC’s conference is the national event for community non-profits, policymakers, government officials, small businesses, media and academia – all focused on how we can work together to create a more #JustEconomy.

Join India Heckstall, senior policy analyst, as she leads a session on “Re-Envisioning the Workforce System to Better Serve Underrepresented Communities,” alongside CLASP partner organizations. The presentation will share examples of worker-centered workforce development programs operating outside the traditional system and engage audience members on how to reform the public workforce development system in a more equitable and accessible way. Learn more and register here!

CLASP.ORG | MAKE A DONATION

CLASP • 1310 L St, NW, Suite 900 • Washington DC xxxxxx • (202) 906-8000

CLASP
1310 L St NW, Suite 900
Washington, DC xxxxxx
United States

unsubscribe