TTAKE ACTION: Politicized Courts Threaten Students, Schools, and Communities

As the nation mourns the loss of U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Senate Majority Leader McConnell and President Trump are rushing to replace her on the court. The next president must nominate Justice Ginsburg’s replacement after the people have spoken.

We are just more than 40 days away from Election Day, with people voting all across the nation even now about who will nominate the new Supreme Court Justice. Under no circumstances should the Senate consider a replacement for Justice Ginsburg until after inauguration.

In order to have a Supreme Court that is just and fair, we need a fair-minded justice like Ginsburg. A principled, dignified defender of justice who will utilize their position on the bench to safeguard civil rights. We accept nothing less.

Our nation is reeling from a global pandemic. We are fighting against state-sanctioned violence and unjust policing. Our rights are at risk. Access to health care. Access to voting. Access to quality education. Economic security. Disability rights. Our ability to live freely and fully. We need our Court to recognize and protect the rights of all of us.

Let the next president choose the nominee after the voters have spoken.

Please urge your Senators to wait until after inauguration to go through the nominations process.

3 Ways to Lobby Your Legislator

1) Be Informed
Know thew issues and your lawmakers. Know where they stand on issues important to students and educators. Use Facebook, Twitter, and other social media to gain insight on their stance on our issues.

2) Contact Your Lawmakers
A recent study found that 97 percent of congressional staffers agree that in-person visits from constituents influenced lawmakers most. But for many. in-person visits during the school day are impossible. Making phone calls, writing letters, and sending emails is also effective. The study found that these personalized communication methods had greater impact that a professional lobbyists's efforts.

3) Be Persuasive, Personable, and Patient.
In comminications with lawmakers, tell your story in a manner that is professional and upbeat. Personalize talking points provided by NEA-NH with your own experiences. Once you've made contact, stay in touch with your lawmaker. And remember that political decision making can be lengthy, so don;t get discouraged.