On D.C. School Closings – Dual Standards

In 2008 the District closed 23 public schools. Those closures followed the closing of some 55 public schools, beginning in 1976. Recently, Chancellor Kaya Henderson announced yet another round of closings, 15 in total, including 13 at the end of this school year and two additional schools at the end of next school year.

It is clear and undisputable that the closings in 2008 and those scheduled for 2013 and 2014 have had and will have a disproportionate impact on students of color and individuals with disabilities. …  

The Community Renewables Energy Act – An Energy Justice Bill

Earlier this year, Councilmembers Yvette Alexander and Mary Cheh introduced legislation that will change the energy landscape in Washington, D.C. by allowing renters to benefit from renewable energy generation. The Community Renewables Energy Act (Bill No. 19-715) aims to expand access to renewable energy to more DC residents through a mechanism called “virtual net metering.” What is virtual net metering?…  

Every Creative Needs an Advocate

A month or so ago, I received an email from an independent fashion designer in Seattle, Washington. She was concerned because a first tier department store sent her a cease and desist letter. The letter was short and succinct and contained a request that she “cease and desist” from using her federally registered trademark. Why? The department store argued that the designer’s trademark was confusingly similar to the trademark they owned for similar fashion goods.…