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Social Justice

Advancing Social Justice

It is unconscionable that any individual faces discrimination for who they are or who they love. Systemic racism and homophobia are shameful, yet undeniable parts of our nation’s history and I am committed to righting these historic wrongs – because lives depend on it.

Ending Racial Injustice

Centuries of slavery, discriminatory legislation, and prejudiced practices in our country perpetuated racial inequalities and prevented Black Americans, and all people of color, from accessing the full rights owed to them as American citizens. Although our nation has begun to address the deep-rooted racial inequalities that exist in our country, systemic racism continues today. Combating the racism ingrained in our nation’s systems and practices is one of my most critical concerns in Congress and I will never stop fighting for an America where equal rights and justice are afforded to everyone.

To begin deconstructing the racial inequities in every sector, from housing to education to healthcare, we must examine the full history and impact of racism in America. I am honored to be an original cosponsor of the Commission to Study and Develop Reparation Proposals for African Americans Act (H.R. 40), which would establish a commission to address the fundamental injustice and inhumanity of slavery in the America. While no monetary sum, nor any amount of material compensation could ever truly account for the treatment of Black Americans in this country, examining the origins and legacy of slavery will allow us to begin to make reparations and build a new America, where everyone is equal.

Confronting LGBTQ+ Discrimination

Every American, no matter who they love or how they identify, deserves to be treated equally under the law. For too long, members of the LGBTQ+ community have faced discrimination, violence, and hate and I am proud to stand with LGBTQ+ Americans and fight for their rights.

I was honored to cosponsor and vote in support of the Respect for Marriage Act, signed into law by President Biden on December 13th, 2022. This essential legislation ensures that LGBTQ+ couples and interracial couples no longer need to fear whether the state they reside in recognizes their marriage. While there is significant progress still to be made to advance LGBTQ+ rights, I will continue to advocate for policies that federally protect the LGBTQ+ community from discrimination.

Addressing the Rise in Hate Crimes

In recent years, the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities, as well as the Jewish community, have faced a startling rise in hate crimes. It is critical we support these communities through this surge in horrific crimes, protect them from violence, and draw awareness to the hate that goes against America’s most foundational values. My foremost duty as your Representative is to ensure the safety of all Americans and I will continue to defend minority communities and resist all attempts to divide our nation and pit communities against one another.