What bothers me the most in the recent Supreme Court decisions is the ideological split in the interpretation of the Constitution between conservatives and liberals.
It's troubling to witness the apparent political influence on the highest court in the land. The Constitution is not a partisan football.
Affirmative Action
Let's hope selective and private universities will retain their racial diversity under the nationwide affirmative action ban and that non-racial diversity efforts will be successful.
Having our campuses reflect the entire USA is essential.
I hope for the day in America when both of the statements, issued years ago, are true.
"The way to stop discrimination on the basis of race is to stop discriminating on the basis of race." - Chief Justice Roberts
"The way to stop discrimination on the basis of race is to speak openly and candidly on the subject of race and to apply the Constitution with eyes open to the unfortunate effects of centuries of racial discrimination." - Justice Sotomayor
First Amendment rights vs. LGBTQ rights
Today's ruling against LGBTQ rights in favor of a wedding website designer who refused service to a gay couple is a regressive blow to equality and justice.
Let me be clear: LGBTQ rights do not infringe upon speech or religious rights.
The founders built our nation on the principles of religious tolerance and the separation of church and state.
This ruling is a stark reminder that our fight for full equality must continue, and our duty to uphold the values of inclusivity and reject discrimination must endure.
"Our Constitution contains no right to refuse service to a disfavored group." Justice Sonia Sotomayor. I agree.
Student Debt
Nearly 40 million Americans have overwhelming student debt. $1.6 trillion is in federal loans, of which President Biden's plan would forgive $430 billion. Twenty million borrowers could see their balances wiped clean.
Again, in an ideological split 6-to-3 decision, the conservatives stated the debt cancellation program required approval by Congress. The Democratically appointed Justices stated the majority had read into the law a restriction that wasn't there.
From here, Congress should vote on loan forgiveness: a simple vote, no amendments.
Congress authorizes $10,000 of student debt for borrowers earning up to $125,000 annually or up to $250,000 for married couples. Those who received Pell Grants, a form of financial aid for low- and middle-income students, would be eligible for an additional $10,000 in forgiveness.
How would you vote?
Yea.
Nay
Student debt forgiveness across the board is not a perfect solution. We need to make post-secondary education significantly more affordable to address the root cause - and targeted student debt relief for those who need it the most is equitable, but I disagree with the Supreme Court's decision.
Gaining a democratic majority is the only pathway to providing affordable education through a House appropriations bill, and I'm determined to be in Congress to get it done.
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