Human Rights

SOMERVILLE, Mass., Aug. 12, 2014 – While some cities and towns have said they don’t want to host immigrant children from Central America, Somerville’s agencies, non-profits and many residents are welcoming them.

About two to three immigrant children have been arriving in Somerville each week this summer. Health workers estimate that there are at least 70 of the recent arrivals – known as “unaccompanied minors” – in the city, mostly living with relatives.

Pro-Choice Massachusetts – State House
In a statement released last week, NARAL Pro-Choice Massachusetts thanked Gov. Patrick, Attorney General Martha Coakley, Senate President Therese Murray, State Senator Harriette Chandler, and House Speaker Robert DeLeo for their efforts in filing the bill entitled, An Act to Promote Public Safety and Protect Access to Reproductive Health Care Facilities, which aims to address safety concerns that have arisen since the US Supreme Court struck down the Massachusetts buffer zone law.

BOSTON/Fenway - Demonstrators called on the Northeastern University administration to reinstate the suspended student organization, Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP), in a picket at the school on Tuesday. 

Over 200 supporters and members of SJP protested the university’s decision earlier this month to suspend the group for what the administration alleges were repeated violations of the school’s policy concerning protests.

Brockton, Mass. - Officers of the Brockton Police Department are due in court this week in a lawsuit that comes from their handling of a noise complaint in 2008.

A trial is set to begin next week after four family members launched a civil suit in November 2011 against the officers alleging warrantless entry, excessive force, indifference to medical needs, assault and battery, and arrest without probable cause.

If the jury finds in favor, the plaintiffs could be awarded punitive damages and compensation for injuries allegedly received as a result of the police action.