Social Issues

Federal agency will investigate alleged harassment against Somali students
The U.S. Department of Education has launched an investigation into allegations of harassment of Somali students in St. Cloud and Owatonna, agency officials confirmed on Tuesday.
Naomi Tutu on race in America
International activist and daughter of Archbishop Desmond Tutu delivered the keynote address at the St. Paul Foundation's "Facing Race Ambassador Award Celebration" April 19, 2010.
U.S. Sen. Al Franken is introducing a bill Thursday designed to protect gay students from discrimination and harassment. The measure would prohibit discrimination based on actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity.
Sexual orientation the focus of new anti-bullying bill
U.S. Sen. Al Franken, DFL-Minn., is planning to introduce a bill today designed to protect gay students from discrimination and harassment. The Student Non-Discrimination Act would prohibit discrimination based on actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity. If signed into law, public schools that violate the statute could lose federal funding or be sued by victims.
The Agriculture Department announced Wednesday it will encourage grocery stores and other retail outlets that accept food stamps to post signs reading "We Welcome SNAP Benefits."
Immigration dispute rises in Willmar
In the west-central Minnesota community of Willmar, some Latino residents are upset that the city council is considering a federal immigration enforcement training program for police officers.
Surveillance society
Security cameras survey public areas, such as where we withdraw money, where we shop and where we wait for buses or trains. But where does it cross the line from protecting the public to invading one's privacy?