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Today, in a historic ruling, the Supreme Court affirmed the right of every American to marry the person they love, regardless of their gender or sexual orientation.
This ruling means that couples can now get married in all 50 states and that no matter where they go in this great nation, their right to marry, and to be recognized as married, cannot be denied or infringed upon. It means that partners and wives and husbands can visit their loved ones in the hospital when they are sick. It means they can access the same tax benefits afforded to other married couples in their state. It means they can breathe easy knowing that as they pursue their happiness, their rights are equally protected under the law. Generations of Americans have worked tirelessly - lobbying behind the scenes, marching in our cities, demanding legal protection, and dedicating countless hours of activism - to fight this battle. Today, the Supreme Court was on the right side of history, joining those Americans who have been all along. We have all gained something from today's historic ruling. We can now come together to celebrate all peoples' marriages, families and futures. There is still a lot of work to be done. Homophobia still rages across the country. An estimated 400,000 gay and transgender youth face homelessness every year. The average life expectancy for a black trans woman in our country is only 35 years. But today was an incredibly important day for this struggle, and that should be celebrated. Truly, The Columbia University College Democrats Executive Board ### The above statement was voted on, and supported by, the current Executive Board in accordance with the procedures set forth in our Constitution. For questions, comments, or concerns, please contact: dems@columbia.edu. On June 17th, a small group met for a Bible study at the Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina. A stranger attended the meeting for about an hour before he opened fire into the group.
Emanuel AME is one of the oldest black churches in America. Today we recall one of Emanuel AME’s founders, Denmark Vesey, who was a former slave and who worked to organize a slave revolt in antebellum South Carolina. He was executed by the state government in 1822. This week’s tragedy is a reminder of how often we have allowed history to repeat itself. In the face of racial terrorism, black churches, towns, and people have suffered—from the Civil War, to Birmingham in 1963, until today. When we ignore that the color of one’s skin in this country determines their value and safety, we allow history to repeat itself, and inequality prevails. When we blame it on causes besides systematic racism, we allow history to repeat itself, and injustice prevails. Racial prejudice runs deep in our society and manifests in so many ways. Until we truly work to eliminate the weight of racism in our nation, horrors like the one suffered by the innocent congregation of Emanuel AME will continue. The Columbia University Democrats are deeply saddened by the heartbreaking attack that occurred, and we wish to extend our condolences to the loved ones and community of those who were lost. Rest in Power Rev. Clementa Pinckney Cynthia Hurd Rev. Sharonda Coleman-Singleton Tywanza Sanders Ethel Lance Susie Jackson Depayne Middleton Doctor, Rev. Daniel Simmons Myra Thompson. Signed, The Columbia University College Democrats Executive Board ### The above statement was voted on, and supported by, the current Executive Board in accordance with the procedures set forth in our Constitution. For questions, comments, or concerns, please contact: dems@columbia.edu. Please give a warm welcome to our newly elected Executive Board.
President Kristen Gonzalez Vice President Isabel Rothberg Lead Activists Allison Emmet and Adjua Kai Jones (joining Mike Glendinning and Annika Freudenberger) Media Director AIexander Tin Treasurer Dan Burkhardt Secretary Partha Sharma Membership Director Joelle Boxer Event Coordinator Shoshana Lauter Thank you also to our amazing Council of Elders for running a smooth election and transition: Austin Heyroth, Sejal Singh, Samantha Gilbert, and Brooke Burrows. We wish you all the best in your amazing future endeavors! |
AuthorThese posts are written by CU Dems Executive Board and General Body members! Archives
April 2016
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