As organizations that are deeply invested in the safety and health of young people, especially those who are most marginalized, Advocates for Youth and SIECUS: Sex Ed for Social Change are concerned about the Kids Online Safety Act (S.1409), or KOSA. KOSA is being put forth as a bill to protect minors on social media, however in reality it will block young people from accessing critical and potentially life-saving resources, including sex education and sexual health resources.

“Parents understand that attacking vulnerable students is wrong and shouldn’t be any school board’s mission,” said Debra Hauser, President, Advocates for Youth.  “We’re glad, but not surprised, that voters rejected the Moms for Liberty agenda. Young people are leading efforts to ensure LGBTQ+ youth are safe in their communities and celebrated for who they are, and we are proud to walk alongside them.”

The vote is a testament to the work of advocates and organizers in Ohio, and to the young people mobilizing every day to protect and expand abortion access for all. Young people are working to move this country forward, and they won’t be stopped by extremists’ agenda of harm and control.

Over the last week we have seen the disproportionate toll the violence in Gaza and Israel has taken on young people and the leadership of young people coming together for peace and justice.The gravity and impact of the harm done these past few days, weeks, years, and decades is unmeasurable and horrific. It is not borne equally by all of us and we mourn lives lost and support those most impacted.

Advocates for Youth is furious over a looming government shutdown. Congress has  until September 30 at midnight to prevent a government shutdown by passing Appropriations bills or a Continuing Resolution. Instead, extreme House Republicans are abusing the Appropriations process to advance their anti-immigrant, anti-reproductive rights, and anti-LGBTQ agenda. All summer we saw extreme House Republicans threaten to cut federal funding over gender affirming care, drag shows, Pride flags, and even LGBTQ+ community centers. 

This weekend, racially motivated gun violence took three people’s lives in Jacksonville, Florida. We mourn the losses of Angela Michelle Carr, 52, Anolt Joseph “AJ” Laguerre Jr., 19, and Jerrald Gallion, 29.

We condemn the violent actions of the killer, and the toxic culture that empowered white supremacist violence. We must stop the radicalization of young white men that is enabled by politicians who pander to extremists for votes. We must work alongside those who are leading efforts to end white supremacy and gun violence. Young people are working for a time when everyone can live free from violence and fear.