While today marks the start of a new, dangerous presidential administration, it is also an opportunity to recommit, despite the odds, to a vision of the United States in which every young person has equal unfettered access to the reproductive and sexual health information and services they need – no matter their income, age, location or political party.

“The District Court’s ruling is incredibly disappointing – and dangerous – for the students who spent years advocating for updated protections against sex-based discrimination. President Biden’s Title IX guidance defends survivors against retaliation, extends accommodations for parenting students, and ensures LGBTQ+ young people can attend class without fear of harassment. With this ruling, the District Court imperils countless young people’s right to a safe, inclusive education. 

Everyone has the right to be who they are and to express their gender in ways that work for them. Yet politicians continue to villainize transgender people simply for being who they are, and to make private spaces unsafe.

This legislation is clearly a response to pro-Palestine and anti-war student protestors. We recognize and deplore the disingenuous use of charges of antisemitism to advance H.R. 9495. We know the rights of Jewish, Muslim, LGBTQ, and all young people are intertwined. We are committed to an intersectional approach that reaches across identity and issue area silos towards greater solidarity and allyship. 

Nex Benedict should be alive today. While this announcement is a move toward justice for survivors of violence and abuse, many young people remain at risk. Elected officials must stop playing political games with students’ lives and adopt the Biden Administration’s updated Title IX guidance. Students' lives are at stake.

Make no mistake: we are no stranger to setbacks, and youth activists will continue to strategize and mobilize against misinformation and extremism in all its forms. Advocates for Youth remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting young people and their ability to make informed decisions about their body and their future unobstructed by political extremism or judicial activism – regardless of who occupies the Oval Office.