US issues alert on violence targeting LGBTQI+ individuals and events
The U.S. Department of State has issued a worldwide caution for U.S. citizens, warning of potential violence targeting LGBTQI+ individuals and events, urging increased caution, avoiding unsafe locations, and registering with STEP, as the FBI and DHS also warn of potential threats during Pride Month.
Blind customer kicked out of restaurant over guide dog; video goes viral
A Seattle man detailed what he experienced with his guide dog in an Instagram video that gained tons of views and reactions on social media.
Nationwide campus protests, DEI was focus of Texas Committee hearing
State lawmakers are trying to decide how to respond to the recent pro-Palestine protests on college campuses. Lawmakers also called on university leaders to explain how they have responded to a law requiring the closure of DEI programs.
Catholic school can legally fire gay teacher, court finds
On May 8, the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that a North Carolina Catholic high school could legally fire gay teacher Lonnie Billard, citing the "ministerial exception" to uphold its religious doctrines.
Virginia board votes to restore Confederate names to 2 schools
The Shenandoah County School Board in Virginia voted 5-1 to revert two schools, previously renamed for racial justice, back to their original Confederate-associated names, Stonewall Jackson High School and Ashby Lee Elementary.
Texas DEI shutdown: UT Austin faculty members push back
Since January, when SB 17 took effect, colleges across Texas have shut down diversity, equity and inclusion programs. FOX 7's Rudy Koski spoke to UT faculty about why they believe DEI should remain.
Opal Lee receives Presidential Medal of Freedom
The Fort Worth woman known as the grandmother of Juneteenth will receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Austin City Council passes transgender protection resolution to combat SB 14
Austin City Council passed a transgender protection resolution, which hopes to offer some sort of protection to transgender children and their families following the passing of SB 14.
Dripping Springs community voice concerns on proposed LGBTQ changes in district policy
Advocates in Dripping Springs are concerned about proposed changes to the Dripping Springs ISD's anti-discrimination policy.
Al Roker sued for allegedly failing to follow diversity, equity, inclusion mandate
A former Al Roker Entertainment producer claims the company failed a diversity initiative.
Texas’ diversity, equity and inclusion ban has led to more than 100 job cuts at state universities
Universities throughout Texas rushed to make changes after Republican Gov. Greg Abbott signed Senate Bill 17 into law last year.
Texas DPS racial discrimination lawsuit can move forward: judge
Three current and former state troopers sued Texas DPS for racial discrimination. A judge has allowed the lawsuit to move forward.
Texas lawmakers, DEI advocates speak out against UT's decision to terminate division
Some state and city leaders are fighting against the University of Texas's decision to terminate at least 66 employees. They want the university to reconsider its terminations.
Center for Islamic Life at Rutgers vandalized during Eid
Officials launched an investigation after the Center for Islamic Life at Rutgers University's New Brunswick campus was vandalized during Eid, according to officials.
Disney to tighten disability access service rules to prevent line skipping at its theme parks
Disney said the service is intended for those with a developmental disability like Autism. Theme park experts said the goal of the changes to the accessibility service is to cut down on abuse.
How wages for state-funded caregivers are impacting those with disabilities
Many state-funded, licensed caregivers are leaving their jobs and leaving some Texans with disabilities helpless. 7 On Your Side reporter Carissa Lehmkuhl has more.
CAIR-Austin calls attack on Muslim UT student 'hate crime'
CAIR-Austin says that a UT student wearing attire associated with the South Asian Muslim community was walking back to campus when he was attacked by three men.
University of Texas professors demand reversal of job cuts from shuttered DEI initiative
Officials at the 52,000-student university, one of the largest college campuses in the U.S., have not said how many jobs were eliminated.
Ed Dwight, first US Black astronaut candidate, will finally get to space with Blue Origin at 90 years old
Blue Origin announces NS-25 mission crew including French brewer, venture capital founder, ancestry history engineer, world traveler losing her sight and a pilot.
Former Olympic athlete, parent of college champion aim to diversify professional sports business
FOX 7 Austin's Leslie Rangel spoke with a local Austin organization that's making sure young athletes who end their sports careers at graduation continue in the sports industry as decision makers and business leaders.