Holden Hopkins is a student at Harvard Law School.
In today’s News & Commentary, Iowa’s rollback of anti-bias protections for trans individuals tees up a likely court challenge and Homeland Security Secretary moves to gut collective bargaining rights for Transportation Security Administration agents.
On February 28, Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds signed into law a bill removing gender identity as a protected category under state anti-bias laws. This action comes amid broader federal attacks against trans individuals and their rights in the workplace and beyond. The law also contradicts the 2020 Supreme Court ruling in Bostock v. Clayton County, which recognized gender identity discrimination under federal law.
Legal experts predict lawsuits citing violations of the Fourteenth Amendment’s Equal Protection Clause and conflicts with federal anti-bias laws. Advocates argue that states cannot provide fewer protections than federal law requires. This decision follows Iowa’s previous restrictions on transgender rights, including limits on bathroom access and participation in school sports. Similar legal tensions are emerging in other states like Utah, indicating broader implications for transgender rights across the U.S.
The upcoming court battles will determine whether states can strip away protections once granted and whether federal law ultimately overrides state-level rollbacks.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has taken sweeping action to prevent the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) from unionizing again, following her decision to revoke collective bargaining rights for transportation security officers. In a Feb. 27 memo, Noem directed TSA leadership to explore ways to ensure that future administrations cannot restore union rights without congressional intervention.
The move is part of a broader effort under the Trump administration to reduce the federal workforce and weaken the influence of unions. Noem claims that union representation has hindered TSA’s operational flexibility and mission effectiveness. The directive also halts payroll deductions for union dues and blocks grievance reviews tied to past collective bargaining agreements. AFGE, which has represented TSA workers since 2011, has vowed to challenge the decision, setting the stage for a legal and political battle over workers’ rights within the federal agency.
Daily News & Commentary
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March 10
Iowa sets up court fight over trans anti-bias protections; Trump Administration seeks to revoke TSA union rights
March 9
Federal judge orders the reinstatement of NLRB Board Member Gwynne Wilcox; DOL reinstates about 120 employees who were facing termination
March 6
A federal judge hears Wilcox's challenge to her NLRB removal and the FTC announces a "Joint Labor Task Force."
March 5
In today’s news and commentary, lots of headlines for the United Auto Workers as the union comes out in support of tariffs, files for an election at a Volkswagen distribution center in New Jersey, and continues to bargain a first contract at the Chattanooga VW plant they organized last spring. The UAW released a statement […]
March 4
In today’s news and commentary, the Tennessee Drivers Union allegedly faces retaliation for organizing, major hospital groups are hit with a wage suppression lawsuit, and updates from Capitol Hill. The Tennessee Drivers Union announced on social media that its members are facing retaliation from Uber and Lyft for their rideshare organizing activities. Specifically, 34 members […]
March 3
Democrats invite fired federal workers to Trump’s address to a joint session; the NLRB’s acting general counsel announces agency focus on boosting settlements; the United Federation of Teachers may face a regime change