This is a open call to sign onto our Open Letter to Survivors of Sexual and Gender Based Violence.
By signing this open letter, you are sharing your voice, you are sharing your concern, and you are uniting behind a force that is larger than the simple eye can see. This letter will be circulated to advocates, survivors, direct service providers, college and student groups, advocacy groups, and allies of survivors, and beyond.
By signing this letter, you agree that we can share your name on our website and display the letter on our website, RiseAboveJusticeMovement.com. Thank you for your advocacy, your voice, and being the best part of this movement. We welcome you to our table.
We are the Rise Above Justice Movement, @RiseAboveJusticeMovement on Instagram and Threads. We believe firmly against the recent reversal of guidelines on Title IX, where it reverts protections back to the 2020 Guidelines as set forth by the first Trump Administration.
On January 31st, 2025, the acting Assistant Secretary sent out the following memo:
https://www.ed.gov/media/document/title-ix-enforcement-directive-dcl-109477.pdf
We stand firmly against this ruling and we are demanding the United States Department of Education to reverse this ruling and incorporate the 2024 Guidelines as set forth by the Biden-Harris Administration as followed:
Our Open Letter for you to sign onto is as followed:
An Open Letter to Survivors & Allies
Dear Survivors, and Allies of Survivors,
We see you.
We understand the profound challenges that come with being a survivor in the current political climate, under the Trump administration. The recent decision made by the United States Department of Education to undo progressiveness of Title IX to include sex based discrimination, as well as the addition of sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression serves as a troubling reminder of how the legal system can be manipulated to undermine the very protections that many of us rely on. With the recent confirmation of Linda McMahon as the United States Department of Education, we feel even more compelled to do this open letter. With Linda McMahon as the US Secretary of Education, we stand a very firm risk of having the Department of Education weakened so much that it could begin the fall of the Education Department, therefore, the direct impact of such could and will have a immense negative impacts towards survivors of sexual and gender based violence who attempt to report their assault, harassment, etc. because the Department of Education handles Title IX cases.
Read the memo here:
https://www.ed.gov/media/document/title-ix-enforcement-directive-dcl-109477.pdf
This decision fundamentally alters the application of existing laws, effectively weaponizing them against vulnerable students. It strips away vital protections that are meant to safeguard individuals who experience discrimination, harassment, and violence while pursuing their education on campus. Such actions create a precarious environment that not only endangers the physical safety and emotional well-being of survivors but also cultivates an atmosphere rife with fear and silence. Victims may find themselves feeling increasingly reluctant to come forward and seek help.
The implications are profound: when survivors are already apprehensive about reporting their experiences, this decision exacerbates their fears, leading to serious doubts about the value of speaking out. Many may question whether it is truly worth the emotional toll of retelling their traumatic stories, especially if they believe the system is no longer equipped to support them. This cycle of fear, silence, and doubt can discourage individuals from pursuing justice, ultimately hindering their ability to heal and thrive in their educational environments.
We want you to know that you are not alone, and you matter.
We are united with you during these difficult times, advocating for the rights and safety of all individuals on campus, and in the community. It is imperative that we continue to raise our voices and fight for the protections that ensure every student can learn without fear of discrimination or harm. Together, we can work toward a more inclusive and supportive environment for all.
Together, we have the power to be the change that is so desperately needed. So let’s unite in honor of Sexual Assault Awareness month by sharing this letter far & wide. We are the Rise Above Justice Movement, and we are united as one, together, we will be the difference and the resistance.
The people who have signed this letter agree that they will take direct action to advocate, uplift and support the survivor voice. This can look like calling your representatives, requesting to meet with your representative, uplift survivors on social media, and working alongside organizations who are taking direct action. We firmly believe in accountability. Accountability doesn't only fall on a institution, but also those who are advocating.
Signatures in Solidarity will be displayed below this line.
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