The Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade

Out for Undergrad (O4U) is committed to equity and opportunity in all aspects of life and work. We view the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade as a coercive and destructive action against human rights, reproductive freedom, and the United States Constitution.

This decision marks a rare occurrence of the Supreme Court overruling an earlier decision establishing a constitutional right and one that served as a precedent since it was established — and this is the only time such a decision has taken away a right with considerable public support. We view this action as part of a larger movement by those who are systematically eroding decades of human rights advances and promulgating a harmful worldview seeking to overturn basic human rights related to gender, sexuality, reproductive freedom, body autonomy, and more.

In striking down Roe v. Wade, Justice Clarence Thomas wrote, in a concurring opinion, that the Supreme Court should reconsider Griswold, Lawrence, and Obergefell. Rulings that currently protect contraception, same-sex relationships, and same-sex marriage.

These cases are fundamental rulings that established key reproductive, sexual, and civic rights. Griswold v. Connecticut (1965) established the right of married couples to purchase contraception without government restriction. Lawrence v. Texas (2003) established that criminal punishments for those who commit “sodomy” were unconstitutional. Obergefell v. Hodges (2015) ruled that the right to marriage was guaranteed to same-sex couples.

Many in our community and across the country are angry, heartbroken, and worried for our future.

What can we do as a community and as individuals?

We stand with those impacted by the court’s decision, and we recognize the direct path it paves for eroding the human rights of all in our community.

O4U will continue to do our work of creating opportunities for LGBTQ2+ undergraduates to achieve their full potential, and will continue to expand those opportunities to serve more students.

O4U will continue to utilize our influence, and collective voice, to make it clear that, at 7,000+ individuals strong, the O4U community stands for equity and the preservation of human rights.

We encourage all to support our sponsors as they take public positions, and institute policies and practices, to support impacted employees.

Support those that directly resist the destruction of human rights in our courts like the Transgender Law Center.

Support organizations like Demand Justice who are working to restore ideological balance and legitimacy to our nation’s courts by reforming the Supreme Court, expanding the circuit and district courts, and championing new judges.

Contact your members of Congress and urge them into action.

We encourage you to use your voice, your vote, your time and your resources to stand with us against this decision before more follow.