Rights This Way

What’s Causing New York’s Lead Crisis? With Shannon Burkett

Lead is in the walls and water of an untold number of places New Yorkers live, go to school, work, and visit. Its life-altering impacts pose a potential danger to everyone in our state, but lead poisoning disproportionately affects Black and Brown New Yorkers. Thousands of people’s lives are impacted by lead poisoning, but our state and local governments aren’t doing nearly enough to combat it. On this episode, we speak with Shannon Burkett, an award-winning actor, writer, producer, and nurse who created the podcast “Lead: How This Story Ends is Up to Us,” which tells the true story of her family’s experience with lead poisoning. We also talk with Lanessa Owens-Chaplin, the Director of the NYCLU’s Racial Justice Project about an ongoing lead water crisis in Syracuse and about what we can do to prevent lead poisoning in New York. Please download, rate review and subscribe to Rights This Way. It will help more people find this podcast. Resources: Listen to Shannon’s podcast: "Lead: How This Story Ends Is Up To Us" https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lead-how-this-story-ends-is-up-to-us/id1808995949 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lead-how-this-story-ends-is-up-to-us/id1808995949] More on the Lead Pipe Replacement Act: https://www.nyclu.org/resources/policy/one-pagers/ensure-safe-drinking-water-for-all-new-yorkers [https://www.nyclu.org/resources/policy/one-pagers/ensure-safe-drinking-water-for-all-new-yorkers] More on Syracuse’s lead crisis https://www.nyclu.org/resources/policy/one-pagers/syracuse-is-ignoring-its-lead-water-crisis [https://www.nyclu.org/resources/policy/one-pagers/syracuse-is-ignoring-its-lead-water-crisis] Fight the lead crisis in Syracuse: https://action.aclu.org/petition/fix-lead-crisis-syracuse [https://action.aclu.org/petition/fix-lead-crisis-syracuse] Follow Shannon @endleadpoisoning: endleadpoisoning.org For more on everything we discuss in this episode, visit www.nyclu.org/ [https://www.nyclu.org/] For transcripts and additional information on the episodes, visit www.nyclu.org/podcasts [https://open.acast.com/networks/62e28f3d6d8af6001229f800/shows/62e28f3d6d8af6001229f7fe/episodes/www.nyclu.org/podcasts] Follow NYCLU on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/nyclu/], LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/new-york-civil-liberties-union/], and Bluesky [https://bsky.app/profile/nyclu.org]. ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Mamdani, Hochul and the Future of New York with Christina Greer

Perhaps no dynamic defines politics in New York State and New York City in 2026 more than the relationship between Gov. Kathy Hochul and Mayor Zohran Mamdani. The Mayor needs the Governor’s help to accomplish many of the key pillars of his agenda, and the two have already signaled clear areas of agreement and key points of friction. On this episode, we discuss the promise and potential pitfalls of this relationship with Christina Greer, who understands New York politics as well as anyone. She is an Associate Professor of Political Science at Fordham University and the co-host of the popular podcast FAQ NYC. And we also speak with NYCLU Assistant Director of Policy Michael Sisitzky who explains some of the top civil rights issues that Hochul and Mamdani must reckon with. Please, download, rate, review, and subscribe to Rights This Way. It will help more people find this podcast. Resources: Listen to Christina's podcast, FAQ NYC: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/faq-nyc/id1422065980 NYCLU Mayoral Agenda: https://www.nyclu.org/report/a-civil-rights-agenda-for-the-next-mayor-of-new-york-city A civil liberties agenda for NY State: https://www.nyclu.org/report/rising-to-the-historical-moment-a-new-york-civil-rights-agenda-for-2026 NYCLU Executive Director Donna Lieberman arguing for the NY for All Act in the Albany Times Union: https://www.nyclu.org/commentary/ny-for-all-act-is-the-best-way-to-protect-immigrants-and-communities For more on everything we discuss in this episode, visit www.nyclu.org/ [https://www.nyclu.org/] For transcripts and additional information on the episodes, visit www.nyclu.org/podcasts [https://open.acast.com/networks/62e28f3d6d8af6001229f800/shows/62e28f3d6d8af6001229f7fe/episodes/www.nyclu.org/podcasts] Follow NYCLU on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/nyclu/], LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/new-york-civil-liberties-union/], and Bluesky [https://bsky.app/profile/nyclu.org]. ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

How We Win the Battle for the Soul of the University with Professor Katherine Franke

President Trump is waging war on free speech and academic freedom. And too often, colleges and universities have waved the white flag. Over and over, places of higher education have given in to the Trump administration’s outrageous demands and allowed the federal government to have an unprecedented say in what gets taught and what people can say on college campuses. New York City’s Columbia University is at the center of Trump’s attempts to destroy America’s colleges. Few have had a better seat to watch this assault on our cherished freedoms than Professor Katherine Franke. Franke is a former tenured law professor at Columbia who was put under investigation by the university in 2024 in the midst of the school’s crackdown on pro-Palestine speech. Then in January, she entered into an agreement with Columbia to leave the school after 25 years as a distinguished professor. Few people have spoken out with more passion, clarity, and insight about the ongoing siege on academic freedom. On this episode, we speak with Professor Franke about her experience at Columbia, the climate of censorship, fear, and repression at Columbia and schools across the country, and efforts to fight back against Trump’s attacks. Please download, rate, review, and subscribe to rights this way. It will help more people find this podcast. Guest: Katherine Franke https://www.instagram.com/profkfranke/ Resources: Follow Professor Katherine Franke: https://www.instagram.com/profkfranke/ [https://www.instagram.com/profkfranke/] Inside Columbia’s Crackdown on Pro-Palestine Free Speech: https://www.nyclu.org/podcast/inside-columbias-crackdown-on-pro-palestinian-free-speech [https://www.nyclu.org/podcast/inside-columbias-crackdown-on-pro-palestinian-free-speech] Mahmoud Khalil in His Own Words: https://www.nyclu.org/podcast/mahmoud-khalil-in-his-own-words [https://www.nyclu.org/podcast/mahmoud-khalil-in-his-own-words] What are the Stakes of Mahmoud Khalil’s Case: https://www.nyclu.org/podcast/what-are-the-stakes-of-mahmoud-khalils-case [https://www.nyclu.org/podcast/what-are-the-stakes-of-mahmoud-khalils-case] NYCLU Letter: Columbia Should Not Capitulate to Trump: https://www.nyclu.org/commentary/letter-columbia-should-not-capitulate-to-trump [https://www.nyclu.org/commentary/letter-columbia-should-not-capitulate-to-trump] For more on everything we discuss in this episode, visit www.nyclu.org/ [https://www.nyclu.org/] For transcripts and additional information on the episodes, visit www.nyclu.org/podcasts [https://open.acast.com/networks/62e28f3d6d8af6001229f800/shows/62e28f3d6d8af6001229f7fe/episodes/www.nyclu.org/podcasts] Follow NYCLU on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/nyclu/], LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/new-york-civil-liberties-union/], and Bluesky [https://bsky.app/profile/nyclu.org]. ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Inside the Right-Wing Plot to Ban Books with NYT Bestseller Kalynn Bayron

A legion of far-right activists is determined to purge school libraries of books they don't like. A huge percentage of the books they want to get rid of are about race or racism, feature people of color, or include LGBTQ characters. This is a nationwide movement, and New York is not immune. Several New York school districts are facing calls to ban books. On this episode, we talk to New York Times bestselling author Kalynn Bayron. One of Kalynn’s books, “Cinderella is Dead”, has been targeted by several book ban campaigns. She talks with us about why she wrote the story and why she thinks it’s important for students of all backgrounds to have a diverse set of books to choose from. Then we chat with an NYCLU expert about book bans in New York and legislation that’s on Gov. Hochul’s desk that would help combat them. Guests: Kalynn Bayron, New York Times and Indie bestselling author Emma Hulse, Education Counsel, NYCLU Resources: Check out Kalynn’s books: https://bookshop.org/shop/bloomsburyusa [https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/bookshop.org/shop/bloomsburyusa__;!!Phyt6w!YYPjwqCsVcziL89tIr_tG4C1vZ27nFg1AADch-_KlZnNjHjmFdirggmaWuD0OZMeUvgZCegTgnCsQDMND4QLPdK3XuQ$] Tell Gov. Hochul to sign Freedom to Read: https://action.aclu.org/send-message/fight-freedom-read [https://action.aclu.org/send-message/fight-freedom-read] More from Emma: https://www.nyclu.org/commentary/ny-schools-are-banning-books-heres-what-you-can-do-about-it [https://www.nyclu.org/commentary/ny-schools-are-banning-books-heres-what-you-can-do-about-it] More on Freedom to Read: https://www.nyclu.org/uploads/2024/05/Freedom-to-Read-Act-Legislative-Support-Memo-2526_04.14.25.pdf [https://www.nyclu.org/uploads/2024/05/Freedom-to-Read-Act-Legislative-Support-Memo-2526_04.14.25.pdf] For more on everything we discuss in this episode, visit www.nyclu.org/ [https://www.nyclu.org/] For transcripts and additional information on the episodes, visit www.nyclu.org/podcasts [https://open.acast.com/networks/62e28f3d6d8af6001229f800/shows/62e28f3d6d8af6001229f7fe/episodes/www.nyclu.org/podcasts] Follow NYCLU on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/nyclu/], LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/new-york-civil-liberties-union/], and Bluesky [https://bsky.app/profile/nyclu.org]. ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

SCOTUS Undermined Trans Rights: How Do We Protect Them in NY

In its recent decision in the case, United States v. Skrmetti, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that a Tennessee law banning gender-affirming medical care does not violate the Constitution and can remain in effect. The decision is a devastating loss for trans rights and risks emboldening other states to advance similar bans. The decision comes as the Trump administration and its allies in hostile state governments have made clear they aim to exclude transgender people from public life and eliminate access to abortion across the country. On this episode, we talk with Chase Strangio, the ACLU lawyer who argued against the Tennessee law in the Skrmetti case. He’ll explain the flawed logic behind the conservative majority’s decision, what it means and what its nationwide implications are. Then we chat with two NYCLU experts who will explain what the decision means for New Yorkers and what Gov. Hochul can do to shore up access to gender-affirming and abortion care in our state. Please download, rate, review and subscribe to rights this way. It will help more people find this podcast. Guests: Chase Strangio, Co-Director of the ACLU’s LGBT & HIV Project Allie Bohm, NYCLU senior policy counsel Jenna Lauter, NYCLU policy counsel Resources: Tell Gov. Hochul to sign the bills we discuss on this episode: https://action.aclu.org/send-message/protect-gender-affirming-care [https://action.aclu.org/send-message/protect-gender-affirming-care] ACLU response to Skrmetti decision: https://www.aclu.org/press-releases/aclu-lambda-legal-respond-to-supreme-court-ruling-in-u-s-v-skrmetti [https://www.aclu.org/press-releases/aclu-lambda-legal-respond-to-supreme-court-ruling-in-u-s-v-skrmetti] NYCLU response: https://www.nyclu.org/press-release/nyclu-on-supreme-court-ruling-upholding-tennessees-ban-on-gender-affirming-care [https://www.nyclu.org/press-release/nyclu-on-supreme-court-ruling-upholding-tennessees-ban-on-gender-affirming-care] For more on everything we discuss in this episode, visit www.nyclu.org/ [https://www.nyclu.org/] For transcripts and additional information on the episodes, visit www.nyclu.org/podcasts [https://open.acast.com/networks/62e28f3d6d8af6001229f800/shows/62e28f3d6d8af6001229f7fe/episodes/www.nyclu.org/podcasts] Follow NYCLU on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/nyclu/], LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/new-york-civil-liberties-union/], and Bluesky [https://bsky.app/profile/nyclu.org]. ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.