On Monday, January 20th, President Donald J. Trump issued a slew of executive orders disrupting public health and safety, including actions related to health care, Covid-19 and emergency preparedness, diversity, equity, and inclusion, LGBTQ+ protections, immigration, climate change, reproductive rights, and the death penalty. 

National APAMSA condemns these overwhelmingly unconstitutional policies aimed at disempowering marginalized communities. As discussed in previous statements and our policy compendium, we will continue to uphold health care reform; protection of migrants, refugees, and undocumented immigrants; and advocacy in favor of dismantling racial, ethnic, and gender disparities. 

While these recent events may be discouraging, we encourage our community to practice resilience, center optimism, and remain energized. In memory of Martin Luther King, Jr. this week, we offer a reminder: “We are now faced with the fact that tomorrow is today. We are confronted with the fierce urgency of now. In this unfolding conundrum of life and history, there ‘is’ such a thing as being too late. This is no time for apathy or complacency. This is a time for vigorous and positive action.” 

We urge community leaders, lawmakers, and judicial systems to challenge these executive actions and fight for justice, equity, and inclusion for all. Find and contact your representatives in Congress by visiting www.congress.gov/members/find-your-member. 

For questions about this statement, please reach out to Nataliyah Tahir at rapidresponse@apamsa.org. For local support, please contact your region director.