Hi Friends!
As Pride Month kicks off, we are at a critical moment for continuing REAP’s lifechanging and groundbreaking work. Will you commit to helping REAP continue to protect LGBTQ+ students facing discrimination at religious colleges by getting REAP to 50K for GiveOUT Day this Pride Month?
We launched REAP just one year ago as the only national effort solely committed to supporting and empowering LGBTQ students who face discrimination at taxpayer-funded schools.
Within one year, we’ve elevated the national conversation by shining a light on anti-LGBTQ discrimination at these institutions – putting them on notice: If you discriminate - we will hold you accountable:
In March 2021, we published a first-of-its-kind report detailing the rampant abuse and discrimination faced by queer and transgender students at more than 200 taxpayer funded religious colleges and universities nationwide.
Two weeks later, we launched a class-action lawsuit, with 33 (now 46) LGBTQ students demanding that the U.S. Department of Education stop granting religious exemptions to schools that discriminate.
We've ramped up our Campus and Alumni Organizing to assist students beyond the scope of litigation by starting petitions, participating in demonstrations, and filing Title IX complaints and accreditation challenges.
In 2022, in response to the Title IX complaints we filed, the Office for Civil Rights has opened 7 investigations into allegations of discrimination at religious schools around the country.
REAP's work, and, most importantly, the stories of our plaintiffs and other LGBTQ+ students, have been featured in more than 100 media outlets nationwide, including POLITICO, Washington Post, NBC and Religion News Service.
If we’ve accomplished all of this in just one year, imagine – with your support – how powerful this movement will be in the months and years to come.
When you support REAP, you provide much-needed relief by filling a gap in the LGBTQ movement – powering a clear strategy laser-focused on ending anti-LGBTQ discrimination at taxpayer-funded religious colleges.
Make this PRIDE month the most meaningful month for LGBTQ+ students who are being targeted for discrimination, threats, harassment, discipline and dismissals at taxpayer funded religious schools. Please give generously today to help REAP reach our GiveOUT Day goal of 50K.
Thank you, Paul Carlos Southwick Director, REAP
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