Since 2004, Major League Baseball (MLB)—and baseball fans—have celebrated Jackie Robinson Day on April 15, to commemorate his first day in the major leagues on April 15, 1947. That was the day he broke baseball’s “color barrier” and became the first Black player in MLB “since 1889, when baseball became segregated.” This blog post reflects on his life during and after baseball.
Read moreEmployer-Mandated COVID Vaccinations?
As vaccination efforts against COVID-19 improve across the country and conversations focus on returning to the workplace, questions have emerged as to whether employers can require its employees to get vaccinated prior to going back. Employers are placed in the position of balancing the general health, safety, and welfare of its employees with the rights provided under various federal statutes.
Read moreThinking Outside the Building: #LibrariesTransform to Serve the Public Where They Are
The second week in April marks National Library Week, and this year’s theme is “Welcome to Your Library.” According to the American Library Association (ALA), this theme “promotes the idea that libraries extend far beyond the four walls of a building—and that everyone is welcome to use their services.” Looking at the library as more than a building became crucial a year ago as physical facilities closed due to public health concerns. ALA stated, “In 2020, libraries of all types stepped up to meet the needs of their communities as they responded to the impacts of COVID-19, a national financial crisis, and social unrest.” In this blog post, we highlight some of the services and activities offered over the past year by us, Houston Public Library, and Harris County Public Library.
Read moreWhat is a Vaccine Passport?
A German national passport photographed with a WHO Yellow Card.
In the absence of compulsory vaccination, some employers have decided to ensure herd immunity among their employees by requiring a vaccination to work. In December, the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission issued guidance that employers are able to require employee vaccination, so long as reasonable accommodations are provided if possible where the Americans with Disabilities Act applies.
Read moreTexas Eviction Resources for an Uncertain Time
On March 28, 2021, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) extended the order halting certain residential evictions through June 30, 2021. However, an emergency order from the Texas Supreme Court “that instructed judges across Texas how to follow the federal mandate expired March 31.” This blog post features resources for residents of Texas who are facing eviction.
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