Protection for students, a bad move for the Redskins, and priorities for the new Congress: Civic action to-do list for 12-3-18

3. Protect the Rights of Students

All students have a right to learn in schools free of sexual harassment, assault, and discrimination. But Betsy DeVos and the Department of Education are proposing to weaken Title IX’s protections by narrowing the definition of sexual harassment, limiting when schools must respond to allegations, and making it more difficult for students to come forward when they experience sexual harassment or assault. This will roll back civil rights protections for all students! Read the proposed regulation for yourself and sign up for a webinar to learn how to submit a comment on this proposed roll-back on the civil rights of all students!

2. Tell the Redskins They Made a Bad Move

Institutions must hold perpetrators of domestic violence accountable for their actions. But this week, and just three days after being arrested on domestic violence charges, the Washington Redskins picked up Rueben Foster. In making this decision management did not educate themselves on the tactics of abusers, the likelihood of re-offending, or the abusive power dynamics in interpersonal relationships, but instead relied on “candid conversations” with Foster’s friends, teammates, and colleagues. The process they utilized devalues the gravity and lethality of domestic violence and is completely unacceptable. Call the team's Public Relations Department at 703-726-7000 and demand that the Redskins drop Foster from the team immediately.

1. Demand the New Congress to Prioritize Gun Violence!

The next session of Congress begins on January 3rd, and among the highest priorities should be curbing gun violence. Congress must pass legislation to stem the epidemic of gun violence in our country. There are so many policies that could help save lives: Mandating universal background checks, closing the “boyfriend loophole.” instituting a ban on assault weapons and high-capacity magazines, and raising the age to purchase a firearm from 18 to 21. Tell your elected officials they must prioritize this issue and pass meaningful legislation ASAP!