Statement on Recent SCOTUS Decisions – NJ Coalition Against Sexual Assault

From NJ Coalition Against Sexual Assault.

This past week, we have been reflecting on the recent major rulings made by the United States Supreme Court (SCOTUS). We are disheartened and fearful of the harmful consequences that will arise as a result of these decisions.

On Thursday (6/29/23), SCOTUS struck down affirmative action, ending race-conscious admission programs at colleges and universities and reversing the right to expand access for students from marginalized backgrounds. This decision undermines the important efforts to address the ongoing realities of racism in higher education and the persisting barriers to accessing education in the United States.

Then, on Friday (6/30/23), the Court's decision in 303 Creative LLC v. Elenis ruled that businesses involving customized expressive messages can turn away same-sex couples or other customers, effectively granting businesses open to the public a constitutional right to refuse to serve members of a protected class. This ruling is extremely harmful, weakening laws that protect marginalized communities and opening the doors for additional discrimination and harm against LGBTQ+ individuals and other marginalized communities.

The New Jersey Coalition Against Sexual Assault (NJCASA) strongly condemns these decisions made by the U.S. Supreme Court. With anti-racism and anti-oppression at the core of our work, we cannot ignore the damaging impacts these decisions have on our communities and our movement. A world where access to equitable opportunity is denied and discrimination is permitted is a world where sexual violence will continue to persist.

As we express our opposition to these decisions, we also reaffirm our commitment to fighting against the oppressive forces that have been emboldened by the U.S. Supreme Court. In our pursuit of liberation from violence and oppression, we will continue to advocate for safety, protection, and equitable treatment and access for our communities.

In Solidarity,

Team NJCASA

Visit https://njcasa.org.