IGNITE Statement on the Supreme Court Decision to Allow Continued Access to Abortion Pill

IGNITE Statement on the Supreme Court Decision to Allow Continued Access to Abortion Pill

"We are pleased to see today’s Supreme Court overruling the efforts of lower courts to restrict the mailing of abortion pills. A ban would have disproportionately impacted Black and Brown communities, gender expansive people, and other marginalized groups. While this ruling is a relief to many, it is by no means the end of the long-running struggle to restore abortion access in America. Gen Z voters will continue to show up at the polls in a decisive way as judges seek to regulate their bodies through the courts. Abortion access remains a top issue for Gen Z women-identifying voters. In Kansas, in Wisconsin, in Chicago, and across the country—time and again, it has catalyzed Gen Z to mobilize. A majority strongly believe they have the right to make decisions about their health and their bodies, and they believe deeply in reproductive justice. IGNITE will continue to advocate for policies that support reproductive justice in America."

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Judy Heumann with her published books on disability rights

Remembering Judy Heumann in the Fight for Disability Rights

My favorite member of One Direction is Harry Styles. I like Cheez-itz and women's empowerment. I'm also the founder of a media company created by and for young disabled people. You’ll notice these things are all incongruent to each other. But to me, they are all the things that make me the young disabled person I am. Other people, or rather, mainstream media, would tell you that I spend all my days crying into my Cheez-itz because of my disability. But honestly, that could not be farther from the truth.

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Democratic state Rep. Justin Jones of Nashville gestures during a vote on his expulsion from the state legislature at the State Capitol Building on April 6, 2023 in Nashville, Tennessee.

IGNITE Statement on the Expulsion of Rep. Justin Jones and Rep. Justin Pearson from the Tennessee Legislature

As an organization dedicated to empowering young women to pursue political office, IGNITE is deeply concerned about the recent expulsion of Rep. Justin Jones and Rep. Justin Pearson, two young Black state reps, from the Tennessee legislature, after they participated in a protest over gun control. The move sets a dangerous anti-democratic precedent for removing young people of color from political office and deterring others from aspiring to hold these seats of power. It is unacceptable for lawmakers to silence the voices of their constituents, especially those who are marginalized and underrepresented in our political system.

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In the wake of the Dobbs decision, IGNITE participants are fighting for reproductive justice

IGNITE participants are fighting for reproductive justice

Many people will never forget where they were and how they felt when the Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization decision was leaked. News that Roe v. Wade was about to be overturned quickly spread, and individual reactions ranged the entire emotional -- and political -- spectrum. In that moment, it seemed as though 5 decades of work toward reproductive justice would simply vanish.

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Women's History Month 2023: Uplifting Today's Changemakers

Women's History Month 2023: Uplifting Today's Changemakers

Happy International Women's Day! Throughout Women's History month, IGNITE will be highlighting some of today's young changemakers. These IGNITE leaders are making an impact on their communities through advocacy, policymaking, organizing and much more. Keep reading to learn more about their work! 

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Women's suits hung up in a closet

More Than a Dress: An Examination of America’s Sexist Obsession With Women Politicians' Wardrobes

When it came to Hillary Clinton during the 2016 election, there was a lot to talk about. From think pieces about her emails to op-eds on whether she would deliver on more progressive campaign promises, the conversation surrounding her was almost unending.

But out of everything being said about Hillary Clinton during the election, one word kept popping up again and again: pantsuit.

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Three black women looking forward and smiling

Pushing For Racial Justice This Black History Month and Beyond

It's Black History month and our IGNITE community continues to push for racial justice in America. 

Black History Month was first recognized at the Federal level in 1976 to push back against years of denial of Black history in America. It is sad to say that almost half a century later, efforts to prevent the teaching of Black history continue. The U.S. Supreme Court's imminent affirmative action ruling will likely also undermine representative democracy.

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