News & Commentary

I am currently at SICI and we just got our first positive case on our tier and the guy was my side Bunkie. We are currently under quarantine status so we only get off our tier to use the kiosk every once in a while for about 45 minutes for the whole 48-person tier. Also, we haven't been outside now for about a week — which sucks for me because I love being outside and I work out about 3 hours every day. All the workout equipment is outside, so it’s just calisthenics and cardio for now.

Ashley was born in Guadalajara, Jalisco, MX. Although both of her parents were working nonstop in Mexico, they were struggling financially to support the family. Her father was tired of living this way, so he came to the US first, then Ashley and her mom later followed. She was only three years old when they crossed so her recollection of how they crossed the border is a blur. She remembers her mom telling her that at one point they were in the desert and they ran out of food and water that her mom gave her liquid Tylenol just to keep her hydrated. The coyote told her mom that it would be easier if she just left Ashley behind to cross with a different group por la linea, that since Ashley was little they wouldn’t question her, but her mom refused to be separated from her. After getting detained two times at the border they finally succeeded to cross on their third attempt. Ashley was a few days away from turning four when she arrived in the U.S.

Earlier this year, the Idaho Legislature passed a bill that bans women and girls who are transgender from school and college sports. The law also forces all girls and women who participate in school athletics to endure invasive testing to prove their sex if anyone disputes their gender. The bill was known as House Bill 500, or HB 500 for short. The Governor signed the bill and on July 1, 2020, it became an Idaho law.What is the lawsuit about?The law makes Idaho the only state to completely bar all women and girls who are transgender from sports. We sued because trans people belong everywhere, including in schools and on sports teams. The lawsuit asks the court to strike down the new law.What is the hearing on July 22 about?The hearing is for the lawyers in the case to make arguments to the judge about HB 500. There are three big topics they will argue about:Will the judge #LetLindsayRun? The judge has to decide whether to stop HB 500 from taking effect during the coming school year. The judge can do that by issuing an order called a “preliminary injunction.” That order would stop the government from enforcing HB 500 for now. If the court issues an injunction, Lindsay Hecox can try out for Boise State’s cross-country team next month.Should the court dismiss the case? State officials have all asked

Dear ACLU of Idaho, Human Kind, and Black & Pink Boise,

Carlos was born in Ciudad de México, MX. His dad and one of his brothers had been living in the U.S. for a year. Which is why Carlos, his mom, and other brother decided to immigrate to the states to reunite with them. Like a lot of families, they had to cross the border to get here. Carlos remembers how that was one of the worst experiences of his life. Not only were they almost abandoned in the middle of the desert, but he had to witness his mom being abused by the person crossing them over.

June 7, 2020

Erik was born in Celaya, Guanajuato, MX. His parents were struggling financially in Mexico, and, like many immigrant families, wanted to provide a better life and education to their kids. Despite how people want to put the blame on DACA recipient parents for the limbo their kids are living in, Erik is proud of his parents’ decision. He believes it’s difficult for people who have never been put in a similar situation to understand how it feels to escape poverty, war zones, persecution, etc. But at the end of the day, he believes that any good parent would want to make sure their kids have the best life possible and will do anything in their power to do so. Erik was 9 months old when he came to the U.S. with his family.  

June 2, 2020

Gloria was born in Romita, Guanajuato, MX. At just six months old, she immigrated to the U.S. with her mom and older brother to reunite with her father — who had already been working a stable job in the states for some time. She is now a mother of two beautiful kids and, despite the hurdles that have come her way, she is determined to persevere for her children.