NNEDV Reacts to Regressive SCOTUS Decisions That Will Harm Survivors 

June 30, 2023

As the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) heads into recess, the National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV) decries two decisions—Students for Fair Admissions, Inc. v. President and Fellows of Harvard College and 303 Creative v. Elenis—which will negatively impact survivors and dismantle progress towards racial and gender equality. As we look to a holiday weekend meant to celebrate equality, liberty, and freedom, NNEDV is gravely concerned that these SCOTUS decisions are perpetuating racism, homophobia, sexism, and fear. Although we are weary and frustrated, we are undeterred in our resolve to move forward with our work to advance equity, inclusion, diversity, safety and justice for all in our nation.

NNEDV Condemns Supreme Court Decision Regarding Affirmative Action

NNEDV strongly condemns SCOTUS’ decision in Students for Fair Admissions, Inc. v. President and Fellows of Harvard College striking down the use of affirmative action in college admissions. The ruling willfully ignores and perpetuates the legacies of racism and discrimination. We recognize this ruling is part of larger, coordinated efforts to dismantle progress towards racial equality in our nation.

Racism perpetuates inequality and drives the disproportionate rates of domestic violence faced by survivors of color. The ruling will overly impact Black, Latina, and Native American women, who are disproportionately victims of domestic violence. Access to higher education can lead to financial stability, which can prevent domestic violence from occurring in the first place or help survivors escape abuse. We cannot end domestic violence without addressing racial and economic injustice. NNEDV is committed to dismantling racist and sexist systems that oppress victims and Communities of Color.

NNEDV praises the Biden-Harris Administration’s immediate response to the ruling and looks forward to promoting practices that will diversify student bodies and empower survivors.

NNEDV Condemns Court-Sanctioned Discrimination Against LGBTQ+ Community

In 303 Creative v. Elenis, SCOTUS ruled that businesses involving customized expressive messages can turn away same-sex couples or other customers. The case addressed whether a website designer in Colorado could refuse to design wedding websites for same-sex couples. 

LGBTQ+ individuals are a protected class and yet face enshrined discrimination and relentless social and legal attacks, as well as violence. Homophobic discrimination impacts victims of domestic violence by making it harder for LGBTQ+ people to reach out for help in an increasingly hostile environment. Though the decision today is limited in its scope, it is another dehumanizing attack on the LGBTQ+ community. NNEDV is committed to creating a world that rejects homophobia and discrimination.

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The National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV) represents the 56 state and U.S. territorial coalitions against domestic violence. NNEDV is a social change organization working to create a social, political, and economic environment in which domestic violence no longer exists. NNEDV works to make domestic violence a national priority, change the way society responds to domestic violence, and strengthen domestic violence advocacy at every level.