Dear John,

Since coming into office, the Trump administration has unleashed policies that threaten to silence and isolate survivors. So far, the administration has attempted to freeze federal funding to nonprofits that serve victims of gender-based violence, rolled back critical Title IX protections for student survivors, and filled its ranks with officials who have a history of alleged misconduct, abuse, and blatant disregard for people of color, women, and queer and trans people. The message from this administration is clear: survivors will not be prioritized.

Here at the National Women's Law Center, we have a different message: Survivors are powerful and are not backing down. We will not be silent.

Last month, my team at the Law Center:

• Filed motions seeking to join two lawsuits in federal court to block enforcement of the Trump administration’s harmful Title IX rule regarding sexual harassment and reinstate protections for student survivors under the Biden administration’s 2024 Title IX rule. Together with our clients, the Victims Rights Law Center and Jane Doe, we are fighting to ensure that student survivors are treated fairly and that schools continue to ensure access to equal opportunity.
• Submitted an amicus brief in support of a student survivor who faced a retaliatory defamation suit after she spoke out about her experience. These types of retaliatory suits are intended to silence survivors by punishing people for speaking out. Our brief highlights the need to protect the rights of those who report sexual misconduct and prevent the weaponization of courts against victims.
• Supported survivors by linking them with legal resources and support through the TIME’S UP Legal Defense Fund and NWLC’s Legal Network for Gender Equity.
• Sounded the alarm with policymakers on how the Trump administration’s attacks on diversity, equity, and inclusion harm survivors and threaten progress on prevention.

I'll be honest with you: the road ahead will be difficult and long. But we have been here before.

Just a few months ago, our movement united to stop Matt Gaetz from rising to one of the most powerful positions in the country. Many believed his confirmation was inevitable, even amid serious sexual assault allegations. But when we fight together, we win. And within just a few weeks, our public pressure forced Gaetz to withdraw his nomination.

John, survivors are counting on us—and we’re counting on you. For Sexual Assault Awareness Month, make a gift today to help us fight back and defend the rights of survivors and all women and girls.

In solidarity,

Gaylynn Burroughs
she/her/hers
Vice President for Education and Workplace Justice
National Women's Law Center