Hi John,
Change has always been difficult for me. Even when I see it coming or when I use my coping skills to accept what is already in motion, I am always immensely stressed and sad during transitions. My stomach knots up, I can’t sleep, and all I can think about is the Next Big Change.
And here it is: This will sadly be my last newsletter…I am leaving the National Women’s Law Center and Washington, D.C., to pursue a master’s degree in creative writing (something I never would’ve been brave enough to do if I hadn’t worked here, but I’ll get to that later). Before I start the waterworks and pass the torch on to my colleague, Hannah Finnie—whom long-time readers might remember as a prior NWLC newsletter writer—I want to leave some resources and actions that I know I will definitely be keeping up with.
The education attacks hold steady 🎓🎯
While I’ve been chatting with y’all over the last year, I’ve also been the main press person for all of our education work. After everything I’ve seen, I can tell you that the executive and judicial branches (ahem, the Supreme Court) are aligned on one thing: making us stupid and weaponizing their power to harm students.
July was just the latest example. Trump's Department of Education announced a deal with the University of Pennsylvania to strip a trans athlete of her medals and the administration continues to use fear to unlawfully bully schools into discriminating against trans kids. The Supreme Court picked up a case for its next term on a trans athlete sports ban. It also gave the Trump administration a green light to move forward with firings that would effectively dismantle the Department of Education.
Honestly, it has been infuriating and exhausting to watch this administration target marginalized students for political gain at the expense of gutting our country’s education system, among other horrible actions. As we are approaching the back-to-school season and are still only six months into this administration, we must—and will—continue to apply pressure and support all students.
Bulldozing in: the Big Betrayal Bill 😡⏳
Congress’ tax and spending bill—the Big Ugly Bill—is now law and has already hurt people across the country. The law will overwhelmingly enrich billionaires and big corporations at the expense of everyday women and families. It’s a disgrace that Donald Trump and congressional Republicans pushed for a law that will raise costs on families by robbing them of their health care and food assistance. We will not stop fighting for a country where the rich are taxed fairly, where families have what they need to thrive, and where no child is forced to live in poverty.
Must-Dos and Must-Reads ✅📖
People that Lived Rent Free in my Head this Month: Our Newsletter Team and Interns 📊💻
This newsletter and *all* of the emails you get from us would not be possible without our immensely talented content team. A crucial vertebrae of NWLC, Selina, Hallie, and Hannah have been working with me for over a year to keep me on track as I draft, edit, and finalize these newsletters. Their creativity, support, and discipline have inspired me and my colleagues during this very stressful and difficult time. They do so much to keep everyone informed and keep us on trend. This summer, I also have had the joy of working with our interns, Jojo and Cate, who have really been above and beyond team players. Y’all are in overwhelmingly competent hands with my soon-to-be former colleagues.
Feminist Moment of Joy: All of Y’all 🥹
Your engagement and feedback over the last year have been a great beacon of light. From Lin’s support during my mouse invasion, to Norma sharing the newsletters with her daughters, to Lois reminding me of the importance of supporting local advocacy organizations; your interactions have kept me grounded in the work and reminded me of what drives me as a communicator, writer, advocate, and community member. If y’all were able to take anything away from my newsletters, I am beyond touched and grateful. As I’m doing my graduate school assignments and bouncing around the Windy City, I’ll be reminiscing on the time that I spent chatting with y’all. Thanks for letting me into your inboxes and minds.
In solidarity and with love,
Jessica Baskerville
she/her/hers
Media Relations Manager, Education
National Women’s Law Center
