Hey, Breakdown pals. Coming off this weekend, I’m feeling physically exhausted but emotionally refreshed because I got to spend time with a lot of folks I really love. I hope you all get the chance to do the same!
As always, let’s tackle this week’s news together. Read on for updates on the Jeffrey Epstein case, celebrities taking a stand about mass shootings, a win for transgender student rights...and alllll the way at the bottom, some must-see oppossum content.
- Jackie
Jeffrey Epstein’s Death Won’t Stop Justice From Being Served, Survivors Say Federal investigations into Jeffrey Epstein’s alleged sex trafficking operations are continuing even after the disgraced financier was found dead in his cell prison cell Saturday of an apparent suicide..
Epstein was charged with sex trafficking and conspiracy, and he is accused of sexually abusing dozens of underage girls. The survivors of Epstein’s abuse are still demanding justice, and Attorney General William Barr confirmed that the Justice Department is investigating Epstein’s associates for potential involvement.
The details of Epstein’s death are also being reviewed, with “serious irregularities” already found, but beware of unfounded conspiracy theories floating around in the wake of this news.
(For services and support for human trafficking survivors, or to report a tip, call 1-888-373-7888, text 233733, or chat online.)
Take Action: Share a graphic online to educate others about sex trafficking.
Celebrities Stand With Those Affected by Mass Shootings There’s been a huge outpouring of support following the recent mass shootings in the US, and a lot of celebrities are pitching in. Artists like Khalid, Bad Bunny, and J Balvin are hosting benefit concerts to raise money for shooting victims and survivors.
Others, including Kacey Musgraves and John Legend, are speaking up for stronger gun laws. Lady Gaga is giving back to the communities affected by funding over 160 classroom projects. These efforts are admirable, but it shouldn’t be left up to celebrities to pick up the pieces after tragedies occur -- we need the diligent work of lawmakers to prevent them from happening in the first place.
Take Action: Use our easy tool to email your reps with the click of a button.
Court Ruling in Favor of Gavin Grimm Is a Win for Transgender Student Rights A federal judge found a Virginia school’s bathroom policy unconstitutional, and ruled that it violated the rights of former student Gavin Grimm (who was honored by DoSomething earlier this year). Grimm, who identifies as a transgender man, wasn’t allowed to use the boys’ bathroom when he attended the high school in 2015.
The ACLU filed a case on his behalf, and it became one of the most followed lawsuits for transgender rights. The decision is a huge victory for the protection of transgender students , and it joins a few other cases in affirming the right of transgender people to use bathrooms that match their gender identity.
Take Action: Make your school more inclusive for LGBTQ+ students by reading and sharing our crowdsourced ally guide.
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