Update: Trump is expected to sign a Executive Order to DISMANTLE the US Department of Education. We cannot let this happen.

Hi!

We are the Rise Above Justice Movement (@RiseAboveJusticeMovement on Instagram and Threads) and we are a coalition of survivors of sexual and gender based violence and we are calling on Congress, The President of the United States and community members to take action to protect and advocate for survivors of all backgrounds, gender identities, gender expression, sexual orientation, disability status, etc. Demanding these changes be reverted back to the 2024 ruling by the Biden-Harris Administration sets the tone that ALL survivors will be seen, heard, valued, and receive quick and swift justice for the perpetrators wrong doings. We will never blame the survivor for what happened to them.

During Linda McMahon's confirmation hearing, she stated that she would protect the ACCUSED of sexual assault, but failed to mention about protecting SURVIVORS of sexual assault. 

The Department of Education's recent decision to revert Title IX rules back to their 2020 state is alarming. This development disregards essential protections for survivors based on gender identity, sexual orientation, or gender expression. It fundamentally deviates from the inclusive principles of equal opportunities that our educational institutions should uphold. 

Notably, in its current state, Title IX fails to address the specific needs of transgender or non-binary students, widening the existing gap in protection. According to the 2015 U.S Transgender Survey, 24% of transgender people had been physically assaulted at school because they were transgender, and 13% had faced sexual assault owing to the same reason.

This demonstrates a clear and pressing need for increased protections within our educational environment. The Department of Education must be held accountable for this regressive move and prioritize restoring these crucial provisions. A more inclusive, just, and resilient education environment requires immediate action.

We, therefore, call on all to sign this petition and demand the Department of Education to reconsider its decision, reinforcing a Title IX that can protect all students - no matter their identity.