CIVIL RIGHTS, SOCIAL JUSTICE & EQUALITY
Here are our Calls to Action, Guides, and Explainers on issues related to civil rights, social justice, and racial, gender, LGBTQ+, and economic equality. Interested in helping us track legislation and policy on this topic at the state or federal level? Take action with us.
NO FAMILY DETENTION: Maine vigils against Trump’s internment camps
More than a dozen groups around Maine took part in the Lights for Liberty vigil on July 12, a national protest of Trump’s inhumane immigration policies and his internment camps for immigrant families. Hundreds turned out in 12 towns around the state, joining thousands of others in more than 700 cities around the U.S. ACTION: See the image galleries below from the Maine vigils, volunteer at one of Maine’s immigrant advocacy organizations, and tell your members of Congress to take action.
PROTECT TITLE IX: Oppose Protection Rollbacks for Student Survivors
The Trump administration has issued new Title IX regulations that would make it harder for students who are sexually assaulted to report the assaults. More than 100,000 comments were submitted during the public comment period on the rule, with the vast majority in opposition. QUICK ACTION: Stay tuned for updates and ask Reps. Pingree and Golden to support 3 bills in the House that protect Title IX.
MARCH FOR EQUALITY: Join a March or Rally January 18-19
Groups across Maine are planning marches and rallies Jan. 18-19 to speak out for gender, racial and social justice and equality. Join an event near you!
SUPPORT OUR TROOPS: Block Trump’s Transgender Ban
With four federal courts blocking his discriminatory ban on trans troops, Trump recently issued a new, but similarly flawed order reportedly drafted by LGBTQ opponent Mike Pence.
QUICK ACTION: Speak out in support of ALL our troops, and ask King, Pingree, and Poliquin to support the bipartisan bills that would prevent Trump’s ban from taking effect with this easy tool!
ADA ACCESSIBILITY ROLLBACKS: Protect the Americans with Disabilities Act
A bill that would roll back accessibility rules required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) passed the House last week–with Rep. Poliquin voting YES–and is headed to the Senate.
QUICK ACTION: Call Poliquin to protest his vote and call Sens. Collins and King and tell them to oppose any attempt to bring the bill for a vote.
WOMEN’S MARCH 2.0: Join Events in Maine on Jan. 20-21
The Women’s March galvanized millions around the world to rise up and speak out.
QUICK ACTION: Gather your friends to celebrate the one-year anniversary on Jan 20 in Augusta, Bangor, Bar Harbor, Gouldsboro, and Brunswick and Jan 21 in Kingfield and Portland. Can’t make one of these events? Host your own Women’s March House Party or participate in the online Disability March.
HOLD DEVOS ACCOUNTABLE: Oppose Discrimination in Education
In a recent budget hearing in the House of Representatives, Betsy DeVos indicated that she would not be opposed to allowing schools that engage in discrimination to receive federal funding. Contact Betsy DeVos, the Education Department’s Office for Civil Rights, and your Members of Congress to let them know that this is unacceptable and that taxpayer money should never be given to schools that discriminate against any group of students or staff.
Suit Up Maine is an independent, all-volunteer grassroots progressive group that seeks to build a more informed and engaged electorate in Maine. Founded in 2016, Suit Up Maine is run by and for Mainers, and is not engaged in fundraising of any kind. Representing thousands of constituents across Maine’s 16 counties, Suit Up Maine raises awareness of and advocates for policies and legislation that promote equity and equality in civil rights, social justice, health care, the environment, education, the economy, and other areas that affect the lives of all people. Suit Up Maine is beholden to issues and action, not parties or politicians.
