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Weekly Full Policy Report - 7/12
- atenmorin0
- Jul 11
- 4 min read
Gender Justice Means Equity & Equality For Everyone
President Trump and his allies are trying to bully and erase trans athletes by using sports bans, public attacks, and pressure campaigns like the one that stripped Lia Thomas of her titles. Now, the Supreme Court is set to hear two major cases that will decide the future of trans athletes’ rights and how transgender people are viewed by The Court.
Let’s reflect on some facts and context:
Body diversity is normal in sports — from Michael Phelps’ wingspan to Brittney Griner’s height are cheered on with awe and fervor. Yet trans women and girls are targeted and banned, despite no evidence they dominate sports or harm fellow athletes. These bans on trans athletes, specifically banning trans women athletes, fuel the same sexist myths women have fought for decades.
Policing trans athletes puts all women at risk. Laws and regulations that allow for invasive physical exams and testing of student athletes, disproportionately harming Black and brown women and anyone deemed "too strong" or "too different." These policies harm all athletes.
Title IX protects all girls and women. Trans athletes benefit from the same positive impacts of sports; and when they’re included, all girls thrive. Discriminating against them violates Title IX and reinforces harmful gender stereotypes.
Fighting for trans athletes is part of the fight for all women’s rights. Every girl, regardless of their sex assigned at birth, deserves a fair shot to play – free from fear, discrimination, and harassment. Gender justice means equity and equality for everyone.
Education Action Alliance will continue to advocate for the inclusion of transgender and non-binary student athletes because every student deserves the chance to thrive.
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
Our last update went to print before the Arizona Legislature sine die (adjourned their session) until January 12, 2026. The Good News is they’re done for the next few months. The Bad News is that they still did damage with their lack of oversight on vouchers/ESAs, age-verification passage, and continued clashing of funds and actions at the border (and in cities in the name of The Border).
We look forward to this next phase of reflecting and strategizing for what’s to come in the next session.
SCHOOL BOARD ACTION
Hall Monitors + Parents Rights
Schools out for Summer! But not for long - schools are set to start back up at the end of the month! With all the new laws, executive orders and court cases - are you ready to go Back to School?
Given the recent Mahmoud Supreme Court decision, parents with religious objections can opt their students out of classes that include LGBTQ+ storybooks and themes. Parents have seemingly more reach and control of their student’s learning than ever before: from the materials used to the topics of discussion, parents can essentially edit out all the subjects and materials they deem “inappropriate” due to their religious beliefs.
If you have a student attending public school, you’ll soon be receiving emails to review your student’s curriculum and materials. Under Arizona law, parents have long had the ability to review such items, so any manufactured outrage at school board meetings is purely performative.
You can help your school community by signing up to be a Hall Monitor to monitor any trends and opportunities that arise throughout the school year. School board meetings are usually held 1-2 times a month and Hall Monitors are able to listen and watch meetings in person or on the school district’s live stream from the comfort of your own home. Email policy@educationactionalliance.org to sign up!
CIVIC LITERACY
Checks & Balances: The Judiciary Branch
The judiciary branch plays a vital role in the checks and balances of government by interpreting laws, applying them to specific cases, and ensuring the constitutionality of actions by other branches of government. This process, particularly judicial review, is vital for maintaining democracy and safeguarding people’s rights.
The Roles and Functions of the Judiciary Branch:
Interpreting and Applying Laws:The judiciary's primary function is to interpret laws passed by the legislature or Congress and ensure they are applied fairly and consistently in individual cases. This interpretation process is essential for clarifying the meaning of laws and applying them to specific situations, including those involving the Constitution.
Judicial Review: Judicial review, the power to determine the constitutionality of laws and actions, is a key aspect of the judiciary's role in civic education. It ensures that the other branches of government, the legislative and executive, operate within the bounds of the Constitution.
Safeguarding Rights: The judiciary plays a crucial role in protecting the rights and freedoms of citizens by ensuring that laws are applied fairly and impartially, and that no one is above the law.
The importance of an informed community is essential for fostering engaged members who can participate effectively in their government and contribute to a well-functioning democracy.
NEWS
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