October 2, 1982 - MPR’s Dale Connelly interviews disability advocate Paula Goldberg about the fight for funds and rights for handicapped children in the U.S. education system.
April 5, 1983 - MPR’s Pat Kessler reports on the Minnesota legislature’s latest attempt to take up the issue of gay rights. Report includes various viewpoints on the gay rights bill from advocates and opponents.
December 6, 1984 - Aminda Badeau Wilkins (affectionally know as “Minnie”) shares remembrances about her husband, prominent civil rights leader Roy Wilkins. Much of his childhood and education was spent in St. Paul.
August 14, 1985 - On this Midday program Wayne Olhoft, executive director of the Berean League, answers listener questions about the political goals sought by this fundamentalist Christian organization.
January 13, 1986 - MPR’s George Boosey reports on Potter v. LaSalle Court Sports & Health Club case being heard at the Minnesota Supreme Court. The case stems from a complaint by gay man that health club discriminated against him due to his sexuality. Report includes clips of arguments presented by attorneys.
November 7, 1986 - A group calling itself Community United Against Violence said one purpose of its announcement is to draw attention to the recent death of Robert Churchill. Churchill is the latest victim in a string of eleven gay murders in the Twin Cities. During November the group will be organizing activity to heighten awareness of violence, especially violence against homosexuals. Yesterday’s announcement comes at a time of heightened tension between some leaders of the gay community and police. There have been complaints that the police aren’t doing enough to solve unsolved gay murder cases.
April 6, 1987 - Under current law in Minnesota, sodomy, adultery and sex out of wedlock are illegal. A bill by Senator Donna Peterson, a Minneapolis democrat, would erase those laws, but would also make it illegal to engage in sex in public. Peterson told a Senate judiciary committee that her measure would create a law that’s needed and do away with laws that are both unfair and unenforced.
February 16, 1988 - Steven Cooper, commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Human Rights, answers listener questions about current human rights issues in Minnesota and the various protected groups. Topics include case backlogs at department, minority population in state, racism, and AIDS.
September 20, 1988 - MPR’s Chris Tetlin reports on Minnesota’s desegregation law and school districts' efforts and to comply. Some citizens are looking beyond the school buildings, to the actual classes.
May 20, 1989 - MPR’s Kathleen Hallinan profiles Karen Thompson, an activist and feminist, whose court fight over human rights issues captured national attention. Thompson speaks on racism, sexism, gay rights, and disability rights.