On Thursday, multiple school systems around the United States released advisories stating that Trump's EO mandating discrimination in schools will not be followed.
I know. They are true heroes in all of this. It’s not easy at any level to go up against an authoritarian. A very scary thing to do in this environment. But please email them to express your support. They need to hear from people.
Just got the official okie-dokie from the nurse at my VA hospital. They will not be complying with ANY anti-trans or lgbtqia+ directives. And their DEI initiatives are all congressional sanctioned. Trump can’t touch them.
Where are the statements of outrage from those who claimed to be our allies? Where are Senators Schummer (New York), Hickenlooper (My state Colorado), Bennett (also Colorado), Blumenthal (Connecticut), Representatives Ocasio-Cortez, Pelosi, Chu, etc.? Where are former Presidents Obama and Biden? Why is my political party (Libertarian) which claims to be a staunch supporter of individual Liberty and reduced executive authority absolutely silent on this unrelenting assault on us? WE didn't storm the national Capital. WE didn't riot in Charlottesville. WE aren't the ones in the local news for murder, rape, assault, and robbery. WE have done NOTHING but ask to be left alive and to be left alone. Sarah McBride, Zooey Zephyr, and Erin Reed are doing all THEY can, but who else has our backs?
Totally agree Joanne. I have stopped all donations to the Democratic Party and am giving them hell every chance I get. Maybe it’s time for a new party on the left for “the rest of us”!
With all respect, I fear this is approach guarantees GOP dominance and more heinous policies. If there is one thing to learn from Trump--he got power by taking over and reforming the GOP, not creating a 3rd party. (In fact, let's not forget that Trump **did** run for president before 2016, on the reform ticket, and got absolutely nowhere.) If we try to outflank the Democratic party by forming a leftist challenger, all that will do is split the vote and elect Republicans.
Similarly, while I understand the desire to stop donating to the party, I'd recommend refocusing donations. A party is defined by its elected officials. Donating to Democrats (either at the national or local level) that share more progressive values is the most effective way to elevate them in the party and shift the conversation. Pulling support and turning away from the party just ensures centrists will control the party forever.
As much as it might pain me to make these recommendations, the stakes are just too high. We can't afford several lost decades. (Honestly, truly abandoning the democrats would lead to supermajorities for the GOP in the House and Senate, and without a centralized counterparty to organize, could lead to absolutely horrific Constitutional Amendments that could cement Trump's atrocities for centuries.) We need to quickly build trenches around the gains we can defend and push back where possible.
We have a much better chance at reshaping the Democratic party than we do trying to get behind a 3rd party.
What I'm doing to do is withhold my donation dollars from Dem candidates who vote against our right and give them to those who do, even if they aren't Senators or reps for my state.
Look, let's be realistic though, a 3rd party isn't going to form overnight, if at all.
Our best chance in this moment is to press our Democratic reps and demand they shine the spotlight on what is going on and in 2026 make our voices heard in the primary elections.
I emailed my senate and house reps yesterday, and encouraged many other to do so.
Here is what I sent them -
--------
Dear <SENATOR || REPRESENTATIVE> <LAST NAME>,
I am horrified and alarmed at the attacks on the transgender community by the Trump Administration since January 20th and they appear to be escalating.
As you are likely aware, they have issued executive orders which -
*preventing transgender people from obtaining a passport in their correct gender
*threatens teachers and schools with prosecution for “practicing medicine without a license” or “sexual abuse” if they use a transgender child’s correct pronouns.
*ban gender affirming care for 18 year old adults and minors, threatening to withhold federal funding from hospitals who provide this critical care while classifying hormone therapy (not just surgery) as genintal mutilation and instructions the attorney general to prosecute hospital and doctors through a distorted interpretation of various laws such as the law prohibiting female genital mutilation.
*direct the attorney general to prosecute parents and doctors of transgender children under distorted interpretations of laws such as child abuse.
Even though these executive orders are not law, it is absolutely terrifying that hospitals, in blue states, have begun to obey in advance.
There seems to be very little public attention on this massive overreach of executive power. If the Trump Administration succeeds in using threats like this to coerce private organizations to obey his orders, without even waiting for courts to weigh in, I fear he will use this strategy for other things.
Accordingly, this is not just a transgender issue, this affects everyone. Please help us to focus public and governmental scrutiny on these abuses which are destroying people’s lives!
MissNumbersNinja: VERY well thought out and worded message. People need to realize that we are the canaries in the coal mine. Any one who displeases this administration is looking at similar treatment. Encouraging people like the Proud Boys merely fans the flames.
Joanne, thanks! Exactly - canaries in the coal mine. I wrote another version of the message today, more crisp and links to abortion.
-------------
Dear <REP>,
The Trump Administration's executive orders attacking against the transgender community are appalling and blatant executive overreach.
Multiple large hospitals in Blue States have ended gender affirming care for 18 year old adults and younger. They are complying in advance before courts even weigh in. That's dictatorship.
Please speak out and shine a spotlight on this issue so hospitals know they cannot betray their patients quietly, and other hospitals are more likely to hold the line until courts can intervene.
If we do not top him here, next he'll surely unilaterally declare abortion illegal nationwide.
I will use this and combine with the previous-sending to my Congresspersons and senators and both my local school district and the district where my children attended. That you for the crisp, direct , and eloquent address.
Awesome, you're welcome and thanks so much to taking the time to do the outreach!
I'm trying to put these together proactively but I also take requests -
If anyone would like senator/rep communications written at some point that focus on a different/new dimensions of what's going on as things evolve, just let me know and I'm happy to help.
Your words led to me shaking loose a thought I've been trying to pull together for several weeks: too often, candidates and their parties, in the wake of a defeat or leading up to an election, ask the wrong question. It is, 'How can we get the votes of the people who didn't vote for us last time?' when a better question would be, 'Why did those who voted for us vote for us?' IOW, not, 'What did we do/are we doing wrong?' but, 'What did we do *right*, and how can we keep those voters and get the word out to more people like them?' In trying to court those who *didn't* vote for them, they're targeting a demographic much of which won't ever vote for them, in hope of prying loose a few less-adamant voters, rather than serving those who did vote for them and thus attracting other potential voters of like mind.
On a different angle: I fear the silence of your Libertarian Party is because a great many of its members have fallen for the bait-and-switch that's been subverting libertarianism in the US (and in Canada where I am, to a slightly lesser degree, but only slightly) for *decades*: the idea that 'less executive power' means 'small government', and 'small government' means 'the fewer people in charge, the better'. I'm croggled that so many people who identify as libertarian can swallow the idea that a single powerful autocrat somehow embodies their 'small government' ideals; as a left-libertarian/libertarian socialist, I'm less concerned about the numeric size of government (if anything, I want it bigger: it should be *all* of us), and much more concerned about how much power *that is not, and is distinct from, the power of the citizenry* it has.
SunflowerP: I agree with you. The U.S. Libertarian party has been taken over by the Mises Caucus. It is their aim to make the party nothing more than Republican Lite. Our national Chairperson and my own state's Chairperson have sold out to the Republicans. Individual liberty is in serious jeopardy in this country.
Hopefully this will become a tidal wave of support from the education community. Thanks to all these administrators willing to take a stand, and protect the students. Bravo!!!
Thanks for your reporting Erin. I am so grateful for your work - I know it must take a toll but it means so much. The EO was really bringing us down this morning but just hearing that schools are standing up against this BS gives me renewed energy. THANK YOU!!
This type of local resistance is really going to be the only hope going forward, especially in the blue protective states. This administration is bloodthirsty in its desire to eliminate the rights of trans kids and adults and they will stop at nothing. The fact that civil rights that have existed for decades are being stripped away, is a sign of a badly decaying society. This cannot end well, I fear.
I know that last week they issued a statement regarding ICE, saying "ICE agents are not permitted access to CPS [Chicago Public School] facilities unless they provide their credentials, the reason they are requesting access, and a criminal judicial warrant signed by a federal judge.” I'm hoping their refusal to kiss the ICE ring signals a similar stance toward Orange Hilter's trans attacks.
If the Trump Administration restricts our state’s ability to access our federal funds because we refuse to step on the civil rights of our students and we refuse to send public funds to private, unaccountable institutions, then my office will be relentless about preserving our federal funds in support of our own constituents, and I hope our congressional delegation will join me.
Received a superintendent announcement last night that Northampton ma public schools will not make any changes 😀
Thank goodness! I was wondering, holding my breath. Thank you for sharing
Oh good, I had just emailed the NPS curriculum director to find out. Yay Northampton!
If you have a child in nps please check your ParentSquare announcements
So proud of these school officials not only standing up for their students, but doing it publicly, so that others have an examplento follow.
I know. They are true heroes in all of this. It’s not easy at any level to go up against an authoritarian. A very scary thing to do in this environment. But please email them to express your support. They need to hear from people.
Just got the official okie-dokie from the nurse at my VA hospital. They will not be complying with ANY anti-trans or lgbtqia+ directives. And their DEI initiatives are all congressional sanctioned. Trump can’t touch them.
That's great to hear!
Oh this is so relieving to hear.
Seattle Public Schools also sent a declaration they will not comply and stand by all kids.
Well hallelujah...so nice to see some citizens with a backbone. Best news of the week!
Where are the statements of outrage from those who claimed to be our allies? Where are Senators Schummer (New York), Hickenlooper (My state Colorado), Bennett (also Colorado), Blumenthal (Connecticut), Representatives Ocasio-Cortez, Pelosi, Chu, etc.? Where are former Presidents Obama and Biden? Why is my political party (Libertarian) which claims to be a staunch supporter of individual Liberty and reduced executive authority absolutely silent on this unrelenting assault on us? WE didn't storm the national Capital. WE didn't riot in Charlottesville. WE aren't the ones in the local news for murder, rape, assault, and robbery. WE have done NOTHING but ask to be left alive and to be left alone. Sarah McBride, Zooey Zephyr, and Erin Reed are doing all THEY can, but who else has our backs?
Totally agree Joanne. I have stopped all donations to the Democratic Party and am giving them hell every chance I get. Maybe it’s time for a new party on the left for “the rest of us”!
With all respect, I fear this is approach guarantees GOP dominance and more heinous policies. If there is one thing to learn from Trump--he got power by taking over and reforming the GOP, not creating a 3rd party. (In fact, let's not forget that Trump **did** run for president before 2016, on the reform ticket, and got absolutely nowhere.) If we try to outflank the Democratic party by forming a leftist challenger, all that will do is split the vote and elect Republicans.
Similarly, while I understand the desire to stop donating to the party, I'd recommend refocusing donations. A party is defined by its elected officials. Donating to Democrats (either at the national or local level) that share more progressive values is the most effective way to elevate them in the party and shift the conversation. Pulling support and turning away from the party just ensures centrists will control the party forever.
As much as it might pain me to make these recommendations, the stakes are just too high. We can't afford several lost decades. (Honestly, truly abandoning the democrats would lead to supermajorities for the GOP in the House and Senate, and without a centralized counterparty to organize, could lead to absolutely horrific Constitutional Amendments that could cement Trump's atrocities for centuries.) We need to quickly build trenches around the gains we can defend and push back where possible.
I absolutely agree!
We have a much better chance at reshaping the Democratic party than we do trying to get behind a 3rd party.
What I'm doing to do is withhold my donation dollars from Dem candidates who vote against our right and give them to those who do, even if they aren't Senators or reps for my state.
I agree, it's frustrating!
Look, let's be realistic though, a 3rd party isn't going to form overnight, if at all.
Our best chance in this moment is to press our Democratic reps and demand they shine the spotlight on what is going on and in 2026 make our voices heard in the primary elections.
I emailed my senate and house reps yesterday, and encouraged many other to do so.
Here is what I sent them -
--------
Dear <SENATOR || REPRESENTATIVE> <LAST NAME>,
I am horrified and alarmed at the attacks on the transgender community by the Trump Administration since January 20th and they appear to be escalating.
As you are likely aware, they have issued executive orders which -
*preventing transgender people from obtaining a passport in their correct gender
*threatens teachers and schools with prosecution for “practicing medicine without a license” or “sexual abuse” if they use a transgender child’s correct pronouns.
*ban gender affirming care for 18 year old adults and minors, threatening to withhold federal funding from hospitals who provide this critical care while classifying hormone therapy (not just surgery) as genintal mutilation and instructions the attorney general to prosecute hospital and doctors through a distorted interpretation of various laws such as the law prohibiting female genital mutilation.
*direct the attorney general to prosecute parents and doctors of transgender children under distorted interpretations of laws such as child abuse.
Even though these executive orders are not law, it is absolutely terrifying that hospitals, in blue states, have begun to obey in advance.
Denver Health Hospital,
https://www.denver7.com/news/pride/denver-health-suspends-gender-affirming-surgeries-for-minors-following-trump-executive-order
Children’s National Hospital (Washington D.C)
https://www.seattlepi.com/news/politics/article/some-hospitals-pause-gender-affirming-care-to-20068761.php
VCU Health and Children’s Hospital of Richmond
https://www.seattlepi.com/news/politics/article/some-hospitals-pause-gender-affirming-care-to-20068761.php
There seems to be very little public attention on this massive overreach of executive power. If the Trump Administration succeeds in using threats like this to coerce private organizations to obey his orders, without even waiting for courts to weigh in, I fear he will use this strategy for other things.
Accordingly, this is not just a transgender issue, this affects everyone. Please help us to focus public and governmental scrutiny on these abuses which are destroying people’s lives!
MissNumbersNinja: VERY well thought out and worded message. People need to realize that we are the canaries in the coal mine. Any one who displeases this administration is looking at similar treatment. Encouraging people like the Proud Boys merely fans the flames.
Joanne, thanks! Exactly - canaries in the coal mine. I wrote another version of the message today, more crisp and links to abortion.
-------------
Dear <REP>,
The Trump Administration's executive orders attacking against the transgender community are appalling and blatant executive overreach.
Multiple large hospitals in Blue States have ended gender affirming care for 18 year old adults and younger. They are complying in advance before courts even weigh in. That's dictatorship.
Please speak out and shine a spotlight on this issue so hospitals know they cannot betray their patients quietly, and other hospitals are more likely to hold the line until courts can intervene.
If we do not top him here, next he'll surely unilaterally declare abortion illegal nationwide.
Sincerely,
<YOUR NAME>
---------------
I will use this and combine with the previous-sending to my Congresspersons and senators and both my local school district and the district where my children attended. That you for the crisp, direct , and eloquent address.
Awesome, you're welcome and thanks so much to taking the time to do the outreach!
I'm trying to put these together proactively but I also take requests -
If anyone would like senator/rep communications written at some point that focus on a different/new dimensions of what's going on as things evolve, just let me know and I'm happy to help.
Your words led to me shaking loose a thought I've been trying to pull together for several weeks: too often, candidates and their parties, in the wake of a defeat or leading up to an election, ask the wrong question. It is, 'How can we get the votes of the people who didn't vote for us last time?' when a better question would be, 'Why did those who voted for us vote for us?' IOW, not, 'What did we do/are we doing wrong?' but, 'What did we do *right*, and how can we keep those voters and get the word out to more people like them?' In trying to court those who *didn't* vote for them, they're targeting a demographic much of which won't ever vote for them, in hope of prying loose a few less-adamant voters, rather than serving those who did vote for them and thus attracting other potential voters of like mind.
On a different angle: I fear the silence of your Libertarian Party is because a great many of its members have fallen for the bait-and-switch that's been subverting libertarianism in the US (and in Canada where I am, to a slightly lesser degree, but only slightly) for *decades*: the idea that 'less executive power' means 'small government', and 'small government' means 'the fewer people in charge, the better'. I'm croggled that so many people who identify as libertarian can swallow the idea that a single powerful autocrat somehow embodies their 'small government' ideals; as a left-libertarian/libertarian socialist, I'm less concerned about the numeric size of government (if anything, I want it bigger: it should be *all* of us), and much more concerned about how much power *that is not, and is distinct from, the power of the citizenry* it has.
SunflowerP: I agree with you. The U.S. Libertarian party has been taken over by the Mises Caucus. It is their aim to make the party nothing more than Republican Lite. Our national Chairperson and my own state's Chairperson have sold out to the Republicans. Individual liberty is in serious jeopardy in this country.
Trump has them standing bi in the Honeymoon Suite until the post election honeymoon period is over.
Hopefully this will become a tidal wave of support from the education community. Thanks to all these administrators willing to take a stand, and protect the students. Bravo!!!
Thanks for your reporting Erin. I am so grateful for your work - I know it must take a toll but it means so much. The EO was really bringing us down this morning but just hearing that schools are standing up against this BS gives me renewed energy. THANK YOU!!
This type of local resistance is really going to be the only hope going forward, especially in the blue protective states. This administration is bloodthirsty in its desire to eliminate the rights of trans kids and adults and they will stop at nothing. The fact that civil rights that have existed for decades are being stripped away, is a sign of a badly decaying society. This cannot end well, I fear.
Any word from Chicago public? Love seeing this ❤️❤️❤️ we all need a little good news.
I know that last week they issued a statement regarding ICE, saying "ICE agents are not permitted access to CPS [Chicago Public School] facilities unless they provide their credentials, the reason they are requesting access, and a criminal judicial warrant signed by a federal judge.” I'm hoping their refusal to kiss the ICE ring signals a similar stance toward Orange Hilter's trans attacks.
I checked my local news feeds. No statement from Chicago Public Schools yet.
Thank you for sharing. I will reach out to my kid's district and encourage them to do the same.
Excellent example of citizens holding the line when our elected representatives cannot or choose not to. Let’s remember to reach out and thank allies!
We need more of this!
From Washington State Superintendent of Schools:
If the Trump Administration restricts our state’s ability to access our federal funds because we refuse to step on the civil rights of our students and we refuse to send public funds to private, unaccountable institutions, then my office will be relentless about preserving our federal funds in support of our own constituents, and I hope our congressional delegation will join me.
Just a thought…. Should we set up a library of letter templates for our community. I would be happy to assist!
That sounds like a great idea!
HCPS, city of my alma mater! 😭👏🏼 So happy to see that!