Delegate Calls Black Children 'Monkeys'

Illinois suburb trustee and Sen. Barack Obama delegate Linda Ramirez-Sliwinski resigned from her campaign post after she allegedly called two Black children monkeys, reports The Associated Press (AP). Ramirez-Sliwinski, noticing the children playing in a small magnolia tree and concerned for both their safety and the health of the tree, asked the children to get down. After the parents supervising the children told her it was none of her business, Ramirez-Sliwinski retorted, saying "the tree is not there for them to be climbing in there like monkeys," reports AP. However, Sliwinski says she meant nothing racial by her comment. The Obama campaign issued a statement that "given the incident, Linda Ramirez-Sliwinski is stepping down as a delegate and will be replaced," said Obama spokesperson Amy Brundage.

New Study: Income Gap Widening Exponentially

The income gap between the rich and the poor is widening at an alarming rate in Connecticut, according to a new study by the Economic Policy Institute and the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, reports The New York Times. The average income increased by $52,429, or 45 percent, for the top fifth of the state's households, compared to a $4,437 drop, or 17 percent, for the state's bottom fifth, reports the Times. The study also showed that, when compared to other states, New York had the highest income gap, with the top fifteen earning an average of $148,200 annually, more than 8 times the $17,100 average annual income for the bottom fifth, reports the Times. Read more on how income affects your life expectancy.

Amid Olympic Protests, Chinese LGBT Community Pushes Agenda

Amid the controversy surrounding the treatment of Tibetans, members of China's LGBT community are trying to shed light on their struggle for equal rights, reports the Washington Blade. Last month, a petition displaying more than 10,000 signatures in support for the legalization of same-sex marriage made its debut at a Beijing exhibition. "These signatures visibly demonstrate that love and commitment are values we all share, and it is our hope the government will legally recognize same-sex couples," Bin Xu, a lesbian and head of the Chinese gay-advocacy group known as Common Language, said in a phone interview with the Blade. What are the same-sex-marriage laws in your state? Also, read DiversityInc Partner and Cofounder Luke Visconti's firsthand account of Beth and Joanne's civil union, one of the first to legally take place in New Jersey.

In more Olympic news, the Olympic torch reached more turmoil yesterday as Tibetan activists and anti-China protestors stormed the streets of San Francisco and held rallies that included speeches by Richard Gere and South African Archbishop Desmond Tutu, reports the Los Angeles Times. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) is considering cutting the ironically coined "Journey of Harmony" short in response to the protests that have become increasingly violent. "I'm definitely concerned about what has happened in London and in Paris," Jacques Rogge, president of the IOC told the Times. One torchbearer dropped out, citing safety concerns, according to officials. See why movie director Steven Spielberg left his post on the Olympics committee as artistic adviser.   

Deportees Face Starvation and Extortion Upon Return Home

More News Digest >>