This week has been filled with controversial promises by presidential candidates, Golden Globe nominations and the Supreme Court debating whether affirmative action is unconstitutional. Here are a few things you might have might this week.
Trump wants no Muslims in the U.S., according to release
Presidential candidate Donald Trump is calling for a total and complete shutdown of Muslims entering the United States until representatives can figure out a solution.
“Without looking at the various polling data, it is obvious to anybody the hatred is beyond comprehension… Until we are able to determine and understand this problem and the dangerous threat it poses, our country cannot be the victims of horrendous attacks by people that believe only in Jihad and have no sense of reason or respect for human life. If I win the election for President, we are going to make America great again,” Trump said.
After the controversial statement, many protested including Muslim boxer Muhammad Ali, who defended his religion and encouraged others to do the same.
“We, as Muslims, have to stand up to those who use Islam to advance their own personal agenda,” Ali said in a statement. “They have alienated many from learning about Islam. True Muslims know or should know that it goes against our religion to try and force Islam on anybody.”
Supreme Court keeps quiet about assault weapons
The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday rejected a challenge by gun rights activists to a Chicago suburb’s ordinance banning assault weapons, which bans the use of semi-automatic rifles and high-capacity magazines. The 2013 ordinance passed by the city of Highland Park, Illinois will remain in place.
On Monday, the Supreme Court passed on hearing that challenge. This comes in a time after the recent mass shooting in San Bernardino, where the status of gun control is a hot issue between gun owners and activists.
President Barack Obama noted that the husband-and-wife shooters who killed the 14 people had stockpiled assault weapons and ammunition and called for new limits on assault weapons.
The Supreme Court hasn’t taken on a major gun case since 2010, in McDonald v. City of Chicago.
Nike forms lifetime bond with LeBron James
The Cleveland Cavaliers forward player said “I do” to the shoe company for a lifelong deal that could surpass $500 million, according to a source close to deal. That’s an estimated $30 million annual income.
“We can confirm that we have agreed to a lifetime relationship with LeBron that provides significant value to our business, brand and shareholders,” Nike said in a statement. “We have already built a strong LeBron business over the past 12 years, and we see the potential for this to continue to grow throughout his playing career and beyond.”
This is the first lifetime deal in the shoe and apparel company’s 44-year history. The company won’t disclose on how much the deal is worth.
Golden Globe nominations are out
As the announced runner-ups rolled out Thursday, Todd Haynes’ film “Carol,” about a lesbian affair in 1950s New York, led the nominations for the 73rd Annual Golden Globes, earning five overall.
Some snubs were also there as “Spotlight,” one of the best-reviewed dramas of the year, got a Best Picture nomination, but no one in its ensemble cast, including leads Michael Keaton and Rachel McAdams, received a nod for the film.
In a surprising note, Amy Schumer picked up a best actress in a comedy nomination for her performance in “Trainwreck.” The film, which she co-wrote, also earned a nomination for best comedy or musical.
Supreme Court debating affirmative action policy
The Supreme Court is debated whether an affirmative action program at a U.S. university is constitutional.
For years, public colleges and universities have been able to consider race in admissions— to add diversity within institutions. It also gave disadvantaged applicants the shot they deserve.
A white student sued the University of Texas, saying she was rejected in 2008 because of her race. The case made it to the Supreme Court two years ago. And the Court avoided giving a direct answer, instead sending the case back to a lower court to take a closer look. It is now back on the Supreme Court’s list again.
If the court decides that affirmative action is unconstitutional, there could be a whole reversal to many university policies nationwide.
