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Hi John—

We have had a whirlwind few weeks! Between historic wins, court arguments, and releasing new reports, we’re thankful we also had a moment last Thursday to pause for joy, gather virtually, and celebrate the progress we’ve made this year at our gala. Despite moving our gala to an online event, with support from people like you, we’re still on a high from celebrating gender justice with our amazing community.
As we imagined The Future We Deserve, The Future We’re Fighting For, [[link removed]] the virtual event featured many other friends in the fight. One of the great things about a virtual gala is you can re-watch anytime! Check out the video on YouTube. [[link removed]]

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Making the Case for Diversity in Schools

Groups opposing gender justice want to end programs on college campuses that promote gender and racial diversity and equity, like gender studies courses, even though these courses are open to and benefit anyone, regardless of gender. We released Making the Case: Gender-Conscious Programs in Higher Education [[link removed]] to counter these attacks, explain when gender-conscious programming is permissible, and why it’s still necessary today.

We know this country’s laws and policies have perpetuated racism, sexism, and inequality, even in schools. Schools have used affirmative action to promote diversity and address past exclusionary practices. And schools can create policies that are aimed to increase representation and participation from women and girls, especially in fields where they have been historically underrepresented or excluded. Programs that center gender help address these biases. Read the report now. [[link removed]]

Order in the Court!

It has been a relentless battle in the courts to protect access to health care and rights for student survivors of sexual harassment and assault. Here are the most recent developments on the Affordable Care Act and Title IX.

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) changed the landscape for health insurance and provided access to lifesaving health services. Recently, the Supreme Court heard arguments in California v. Texas and a decision could invalidate the ACA and devastate at least 20 million people who have benefitted from the landmark decision. Fatima Goss Graves stated, “People across the country know what’s at stake, and a decisive majority just voted for progress. People need and deserve expanded access to health care, especially during a pandemic.”

Learn more about how this case against the ACA threatens women’s health and economic security.
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The Trump administration’s recent changes to Title IX rules discourage students from reporting sexual violence, reduce schools’ obligations to respond to harassment, and impose traumatizing procedures on student survivors. We initially filed a lawsuit with co-counsel in June 2020 against Betsey DeVos and the U.S. Department of Education to challenge these changes and were in court last week arguing the case. Shiwali Patel, Director of Justice for Student Survivors & Senior Counsel stated, “… for many students and survivors, ending this rule can’t wait. Schools should be environments where all students can feel safe and supported, not sources of more trauma and neglect.”

Watch (and follow) our TikTok to learn more about the impact of these changes.
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MUST READS
Nearly 2.2 million women left the labor force between February and October—865,000 in September alone. Read articles from USA Today, Romper, and CNBC citing our data.
Fatima Goss Graves spoke with PBS Newshour about Black women’s role in the presidential election. “We’re in a moment where we have an opportunity to redefine who the ‘we’ is in this country, and that does make me a little bit hopeful.” Read the full article here.
Fatima also had an amazing conversation with Slate writer Dahlia Lithwick and NYU Law School Professor Melissa Murray about the current and future state of the courts. Watch here.
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Feminist Moment of Joy
Kamala Harris. That’s it, that’s the tweet. After a long, hard election season, Kamala Harris has made history as the first woman, Jamaican-American, and Indian-American elected to become vice president. After generations of white men in the position, young girls of color can finally see themselves represented in one of the highest offices in this country. It’s way overdue, but a huge reason to celebrate! And as always, I have a playlist [[link removed]] for the occasion. After all, the work continues, and we have a long way to go until there is enough representation of women in government. What is “enough” representation? Well, I think Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg sums it up best, so I’ll leave you with this quote:
“When I’m sometimes asked when will there be enough [women on the Supreme Court] and I say, ‘When there are nine,’ people are shocked. But there’d been nine men, and nobody’s ever raised a question about that.”# [#]
For justice (and joy) for her and all,
LySaundra Campbell
she/her/hers
Writer and Editor
National Women’s Law Center
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