In response to a late June announcement, the United States will be conducting an investigation of former federally funded boarding schools to search for graves of Native American children.
Supreme Court rules in favor of Catholic agency in foster case
In a unanimous decision June 17, the Supreme Court said that a Catholic social service agency should not have been excluded from Philadelphia’s foster care program because it did not accept same-sex couples as foster parents.
Supreme Court upholds health care law’s individual mandate in 7-2 ruling
In a 7-2 decision June 17, the Supreme Court dismissed a challenge to the Affordable Care Act, saying the states that sued over the law did not have the legal right to do so.
Brood X cicadas don’t bug this cicada expert
That loud buzzing and clicking sound across 15 states and the District of Columbia this spring — from the emergence of billions of Brood X cicadas — is music to the ears of a Catholic university professor and entomologist.
President of Santa Clara University resigns due to inappropriate behavior
Jesuit Father Kevin O’Brien, president of California’s Santa Clara University, announced his resignation following reports of inappropriate behavior, university officials said May 12.
Loyola Maryland, other Catholic colleges will require COVID-19 vaccinations in fall
Many colleges will require their students to be vaccinated for COVID-19 and some schools also are mandating that staff and faculty members be vaccinated.
Indiana court dismisses former-Catholic high school teacher’s lawsuit
An Indiana trial court May 7 dismissed the lawsuit of a former Catholic high school teacher in Indianapolis who said he was fired in 2019 because of his same-sex marriage.
Advocates, editorials call on Biden to end federal death penalty
The death penalty has been getting attention across the country this year with legislation introduced or voted on in several states aimed at limiting, repealing or even renewing capital punishment.
Bill introduced to expand Supreme Court to 13 justices
Less than a week after President Joe Biden signed an executive order announcing the formation of a commission to look into possible reforms to the Supreme Court, congressional Democrats are moving ahead with introducing legislation to expand the court from nine to 13 justices.
NCEA convention highlights Catholic educators in challenging pandemic year
The annual gathering of Catholic educators from around the country April 6-8 was in many ways a tribute to how they have done their jobs this past year amid COVID-19.
Head of Santa Clara University on leave as alleged misconduct investigated
Jesuit Father Kevin O’Brien, president of California’s Santa Clara University, has been placed on leave while his Jesuit province investigates reports of his alleged misconduct.
Jesuits pledge $100 million to benefit descendants of enslaved people
The Jesuit order is pledging to raise $100 million for descendants of enslaved people once owned and sold by their order as a way to make reparations and also help the nation move toward racial healing.