Sharon McGowan
@sharon-mcgowan.bsky.social
Social justice advocate, attorney, parent, (good) troublemaker
Pinned
As Rights Are Taken Away, a Transgender Trailblazer Seeks Refuge Abroad
www.nytimes.com
Honored to have been given the opportunity to contribute to this important and heartbreaking article about one of my (s)heroes, Robyn McCutcheon - please take a minute to read 👇🏼👇🏼👇🏼
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/18/u...
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/18/u...
[458634-white-snow-falls].
December 4, 2025 at 8:14 PM
[458634-white-snow-falls].
Honored to have been given the opportunity to contribute to this important and heartbreaking article about one of my (s)heroes, Robyn McCutcheon - please take a minute to read 👇🏼👇🏼👇🏼
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/18/u...
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/18/u...
As Rights Are Taken Away, a Transgender Trailblazer Seeks Refuge Abroad
www.nytimes.com
December 4, 2025 at 2:37 PM
Honored to have been given the opportunity to contribute to this important and heartbreaking article about one of my (s)heroes, Robyn McCutcheon - please take a minute to read 👇🏼👇🏼👇🏼
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/18/u...
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/18/u...
Terrific new article from @thenewyorker.bsky.social about all of the harm being done to students and families by the gutting of the Dept of Ed's OCR work, and how orgs like @publicjustice.bsky.social are responding to this national crisis.
www.newyorker.com/news/the-led...
www.newyorker.com/news/the-led...
When the Government Stops Defending Civil Rights
The Department of Education’s abandonment of traditional civil-rights litigation has effectively transported parents back in time, to the era before the 1964 Civil Rights Act.
www.newyorker.com
October 29, 2025 at 8:21 PM
Terrific new article from @thenewyorker.bsky.social about all of the harm being done to students and families by the gutting of the Dept of Ed's OCR work, and how orgs like @publicjustice.bsky.social are responding to this national crisis.
www.newyorker.com/news/the-led...
www.newyorker.com/news/the-led...
Reposted by Sharon McGowan
BREAKING: Yesterday, we filed a lawsuit demanding that the Adams County, Colorado Jail bring back in-person visits with physical contact and stop profiting off of the separation of families who just want to be able to hug each other.
read more: bit.ly/4nrJ7vG
read more: bit.ly/4nrJ7vG
Children Sue to Restore Contact Visits in the Adams County Jail, Asserting Their Right to Hug Their Parents | Public Justice
The lawsuit challenges a conspiracy between Adams County and HomeWAV to profit off of the elimination of contact visits.
bit.ly
October 29, 2025 at 3:29 PM
BREAKING: Yesterday, we filed a lawsuit demanding that the Adams County, Colorado Jail bring back in-person visits with physical contact and stop profiting off of the separation of families who just want to be able to hug each other.
read more: bit.ly/4nrJ7vG
read more: bit.ly/4nrJ7vG
So proud of all of the advocates (including my @publicjustice.bsky.social colleague Leslie Bailey and PJ alum Leslie Brueckner) who fought for and with this brave family, who transformed their pain and grief into a righteous demand for justice and accountability.
www.wfaa.com/article/news...
www.wfaa.com/article/news...
Jury awards $42.75M in ‘Jailed to Death’ case first exposed by WFAA
A jury has ordered LaSalle Corrections, one of the nation’s largest private jail operators, to pay $42.75 million in death of Louisiana man.
www.wfaa.com
October 24, 2025 at 8:11 PM
So proud of all of the advocates (including my @publicjustice.bsky.social colleague Leslie Bailey and PJ alum Leslie Brueckner) who fought for and with this brave family, who transformed their pain and grief into a righteous demand for justice and accountability.
www.wfaa.com/article/news...
www.wfaa.com/article/news...
Reposted by Sharon McGowan
TOMORROW (10/23) at 9 AM CDT Attorney Hannah Kieschnick is presenting oral argument to the 8th Circuit in VonDeylen v. Aptive Environmental LLC! To call in, dial 1-571-353-2301 with access code 74437841. Learn more about the case here: www.publicjustice.net/case_brief/v...
VonDeylen v. Aptive Environmental, LLC | Public Justice
Ms. VonDeylen sued Aptive, bringing class claims for invasion of privacy and negligent and willful violations of the Telephone Consumer Protection Act.
www.publicjustice.net
October 22, 2025 at 7:41 PM
TOMORROW (10/23) at 9 AM CDT Attorney Hannah Kieschnick is presenting oral argument to the 8th Circuit in VonDeylen v. Aptive Environmental LLC! To call in, dial 1-571-353-2301 with access code 74437841. Learn more about the case here: www.publicjustice.net/case_brief/v...
A vindicating and historic verdict in NJ this week not just for this brave man but for far too many sexual assault survivors of the RC Church. Proud of the work of @publicjustice.bsky.social board member Rayna Kessler on this case and so happy for her client.
morristowngreen.com/2025/10/08/j...
morristowngreen.com/2025/10/08/j...
Jury awards $5M to Delbarton grad who accused monk of 1976 sexual abuse - Morristown Green
A landmark Delbarton verdict is hailed as victory for survivors of clergy abuse.
morristowngreen.com
October 9, 2025 at 2:01 PM
A vindicating and historic verdict in NJ this week not just for this brave man but for far too many sexual assault survivors of the RC Church. Proud of the work of @publicjustice.bsky.social board member Rayna Kessler on this case and so happy for her client.
morristowngreen.com/2025/10/08/j...
morristowngreen.com/2025/10/08/j...
Reposted by Sharon McGowan
Red line. Orange line. Tips line.
#ICYMI, you can now catch ProPublica’s tips line on the DC metro 🚆
Federal workers and contractors: We want to hear from you. You can reach us at https://propublica.org/tips or 917-512-0201 on Signal.
#ICYMI, you can now catch ProPublica’s tips line on the DC metro 🚆
Federal workers and contractors: We want to hear from you. You can reach us at https://propublica.org/tips or 917-512-0201 on Signal.
October 3, 2025 at 10:25 PM
Red line. Orange line. Tips line.
#ICYMI, you can now catch ProPublica’s tips line on the DC metro 🚆
Federal workers and contractors: We want to hear from you. You can reach us at https://propublica.org/tips or 917-512-0201 on Signal.
#ICYMI, you can now catch ProPublica’s tips line on the DC metro 🚆
Federal workers and contractors: We want to hear from you. You can reach us at https://propublica.org/tips or 917-512-0201 on Signal.
Reposted by Sharon McGowan
Great explainer/resources
from @publicjustice.bsky.social and allies about Trump’s illegal immigration fines.
noimmigrationfines.org
from @publicjustice.bsky.social and allies about Trump’s illegal immigration fines.
noimmigrationfines.org
No Immigration Fines – Legal Resources and Information for Immigration Fine Recipients
noimmigrationfines.org
October 3, 2025 at 11:55 PM
Great explainer/resources
from @publicjustice.bsky.social and allies about Trump’s illegal immigration fines.
noimmigrationfines.org
from @publicjustice.bsky.social and allies about Trump’s illegal immigration fines.
noimmigrationfines.org
Reposted by Sharon McGowan
🎧 Check out Episode 2 of "In Competition We Trust"!
@progressivepolicy.org's Diana Moss and Greg Asciolla from @wolfturndefender.bsky.social discuss the need for stronger private antitrust enforcement for competition and consumer protection against price-fixing.
👉 Listen here: tinyurl.com/2u2w9f9m
@progressivepolicy.org's Diana Moss and Greg Asciolla from @wolfturndefender.bsky.social discuss the need for stronger private antitrust enforcement for competition and consumer protection against price-fixing.
👉 Listen here: tinyurl.com/2u2w9f9m
Episode 2: How Private Antitrust Enforcers are Protecting Consumers
open.spotify.com
September 29, 2025 at 4:38 PM
🎧 Check out Episode 2 of "In Competition We Trust"!
@progressivepolicy.org's Diana Moss and Greg Asciolla from @wolfturndefender.bsky.social discuss the need for stronger private antitrust enforcement for competition and consumer protection against price-fixing.
👉 Listen here: tinyurl.com/2u2w9f9m
@progressivepolicy.org's Diana Moss and Greg Asciolla from @wolfturndefender.bsky.social discuss the need for stronger private antitrust enforcement for competition and consumer protection against price-fixing.
👉 Listen here: tinyurl.com/2u2w9f9m
As someone who was in the courtroom, I can attest that this is some spot-on coverage of the historic hearing held today in Missoula, MT in Lighthiser v Trump. A treat to watch my Public Justice colleagues, OCT partners and our amazing co-counsel in action!
www.newsfromthestates.com/article/yout...
www.newsfromthestates.com/article/yout...
Youth, scientists, argue for court to halt Trump executive orders unleashing fossil fuel industry
MISSOULA — For the second time in two years a youth-led lawsuit challenging the government’s role in climate change is seeing the inside of a Montana courtroom — this time with more plaintiffs and Dem...
www.newsfromthestates.com
September 17, 2025 at 4:53 AM
As someone who was in the courtroom, I can attest that this is some spot-on coverage of the historic hearing held today in Missoula, MT in Lighthiser v Trump. A treat to watch my Public Justice colleagues, OCT partners and our amazing co-counsel in action!
www.newsfromthestates.com/article/yout...
www.newsfromthestates.com/article/yout...
Reposted by Sharon McGowan
BREAKING: The Supreme Court just denied South Carolina’s shameful attempt to bar our client from using restrooms that align with his gender identity. This is a HUGE victory for trans students, trans communities, and civil rights nationwide.
September 10, 2025 at 8:39 PM
BREAKING: The Supreme Court just denied South Carolina’s shameful attempt to bar our client from using restrooms that align with his gender identity. This is a HUGE victory for trans students, trans communities, and civil rights nationwide.
Thrilled and relieved to report that SCOTUS has rejected South Carolina's claim that one trans HS boy using the right restroom is an "emergency" requiring the Court's intervention.
So happy for our client, and proud of the @publicjustice.bsky.social team!
www.usatoday.com/story/news/p...
So happy for our client, and proud of the @publicjustice.bsky.social team!
www.usatoday.com/story/news/p...
Supreme Court lets transgender boy use boys' bathroom for now
The Supreme Court declined to block a lower court ruling that a transgender boy can use the boys' restroom while challenging state bathroom rules.
www.usatoday.com
September 10, 2025 at 9:27 PM
Thrilled and relieved to report that SCOTUS has rejected South Carolina's claim that one trans HS boy using the right restroom is an "emergency" requiring the Court's intervention.
So happy for our client, and proud of the @publicjustice.bsky.social team!
www.usatoday.com/story/news/p...
So happy for our client, and proud of the @publicjustice.bsky.social team!
www.usatoday.com/story/news/p...
Reposted by Sharon McGowan
Sotomayor: “We should not have to live in a country where the government can seize anyone who looks Latino, speaks Spanish, and appears to work a low wage job.”
But we do. Because the Supreme Court traded the Fourth Amendment for the MAGA Constitution.
slate.com/news-and-pol...
But we do. Because the Supreme Court traded the Fourth Amendment for the MAGA Constitution.
slate.com/news-and-pol...
The Supreme Court Just Let ICE Detain Americans Based on Race
Indiscriminate immigration raids will expand across the country with the implicit blessing of the conservative supermajority.
slate.com
September 8, 2025 at 8:36 PM
Sotomayor: “We should not have to live in a country where the government can seize anyone who looks Latino, speaks Spanish, and appears to work a low wage job.”
But we do. Because the Supreme Court traded the Fourth Amendment for the MAGA Constitution.
slate.com/news-and-pol...
But we do. Because the Supreme Court traded the Fourth Amendment for the MAGA Constitution.
slate.com/news-and-pol...
Reposted by Sharon McGowan
It doesn’t matter if you feed your kids organic foods, MAHA moms.
It doesn’t matter if you lift every day, bro.
It doesn’t matter how many supplements you consume.
When polio, diphtheria, measles, mumps, and whooping cough come a calling, all that matters is if you are vaccinated or not.
It doesn’t matter if you lift every day, bro.
It doesn’t matter how many supplements you consume.
When polio, diphtheria, measles, mumps, and whooping cough come a calling, all that matters is if you are vaccinated or not.
September 3, 2025 at 6:08 PM
It doesn’t matter if you feed your kids organic foods, MAHA moms.
It doesn’t matter if you lift every day, bro.
It doesn’t matter how many supplements you consume.
When polio, diphtheria, measles, mumps, and whooping cough come a calling, all that matters is if you are vaccinated or not.
It doesn’t matter if you lift every day, bro.
It doesn’t matter how many supplements you consume.
When polio, diphtheria, measles, mumps, and whooping cough come a calling, all that matters is if you are vaccinated or not.
Reposted by Sharon McGowan
And I would never want to get between Ted and a trip to Cancun when there’s an emergency in Texas
Ted Cruz: "I don't want to get between JB Pritzker and the Dominos Pizza line, but I'll tell you what I am willing to get between -- him and his open doors for every human trafficker ... "
September 3, 2025 at 9:02 PM
And I would never want to get between Ted and a trip to Cancun when there’s an emergency in Texas
Reposted by Sharon McGowan
Our youth need you with them! Join us and @publicjustice.bsky.social in cheering on the Lighthiser v. Trump youth and filling the courthouse on September 16 & 17 at 7:15am in Missoula, MT ✊🌎RSVP: bit.ly/lvt-hearing1 Amplify using the toolkit: bit.ly/lvthearing-toolkit #YouthvTrump
September 2, 2025 at 7:23 PM
Our youth need you with them! Join us and @publicjustice.bsky.social in cheering on the Lighthiser v. Trump youth and filling the courthouse on September 16 & 17 at 7:15am in Missoula, MT ✊🌎RSVP: bit.ly/lvt-hearing1 Amplify using the toolkit: bit.ly/lvthearing-toolkit #YouthvTrump
This kind of collusion & manipulation of our legal system to nullify longstanding duly-enacted laws is yet another grave threat to democracy. While we couldn’t stop this preordained outcome, @publicjustice.bsky.social wasn’t just going to sit by and let it happen. TY Chris for lifting this up.
“The Court should not enjoin a democratically enacted law on which so many students depend without careful deliberation informed by arguments on both sides of the issues,” Public Justice argued to a federal judge.
The judge blocked the law on Friday without even considering the group’s arguments.
The judge blocked the law on Friday without even considering the group’s arguments.
Federal judge signs off on DOJ and Oklahoma's sham anti-immigrant lawsuit
Judge Ronald White did not even consider a brief arguing the court lacked jurisdiction to hear the matter before issuing an order striking down a decades-old Oklahoma law.
www.lawdork.com
August 31, 2025 at 3:53 PM
This kind of collusion & manipulation of our legal system to nullify longstanding duly-enacted laws is yet another grave threat to democracy. While we couldn’t stop this preordained outcome, @publicjustice.bsky.social wasn’t just going to sit by and let it happen. TY Chris for lifting this up.
Reposted by Sharon McGowan
BREAKING: South Carolina has asked the Supreme Court for a permission slip to take away our client’s right to use the boys’ restrooms at school. Ninth grade is hard enough as is without state-mandated discrimination. The Supreme Court should deny South Carolina’s request.
August 28, 2025 at 10:52 PM
BREAKING: South Carolina has asked the Supreme Court for a permission slip to take away our client’s right to use the boys’ restrooms at school. Ninth grade is hard enough as is without state-mandated discrimination. The Supreme Court should deny South Carolina’s request.
Reposted by Sharon McGowan
Our youth need you with them! Join us and
@ouryouth123.bsky.social
in cheering on the Lighthiser v. Trump youth and filling the courthouse on September 16 & 17 at 7:15am in Missoula, MT ✊🌎RSVP: bit.ly/lvt-hearing1 Amplify using the toolkit: bit.ly/lvthearing-toolkit #YouthvTrump
@ouryouth123.bsky.social
in cheering on the Lighthiser v. Trump youth and filling the courthouse on September 16 & 17 at 7:15am in Missoula, MT ✊🌎RSVP: bit.ly/lvt-hearing1 Amplify using the toolkit: bit.ly/lvthearing-toolkit #YouthvTrump
August 19, 2025 at 2:34 PM
Our youth need you with them! Join us and
@ouryouth123.bsky.social
in cheering on the Lighthiser v. Trump youth and filling the courthouse on September 16 & 17 at 7:15am in Missoula, MT ✊🌎RSVP: bit.ly/lvt-hearing1 Amplify using the toolkit: bit.ly/lvthearing-toolkit #YouthvTrump
@ouryouth123.bsky.social
in cheering on the Lighthiser v. Trump youth and filling the courthouse on September 16 & 17 at 7:15am in Missoula, MT ✊🌎RSVP: bit.ly/lvt-hearing1 Amplify using the toolkit: bit.ly/lvthearing-toolkit #YouthvTrump
Reposted by Sharon McGowan
This is endlessly frustrating about current activism. Disabled people are INCREDIBLE organizers and have fought for successful change for generations. And yet these days y’all leave us out of your activism and refuse to create accessible spaces.
But look at what actual solidarity can accomplish:
But look at what actual solidarity can accomplish:
In 1977, Disabled activists occupied the Federal Building in San Francisco to demand the passage of Section 504— legislation to protect against disability discrimination.When the building was cordoned off, in an effort to starve activists out, The Black Panthers *Broke In* to deliver them hot meals.
The 504 Protests and the Black Panther Party – Disability Social History Project
disabilityhistory.org
August 20, 2025 at 10:17 PM
This is endlessly frustrating about current activism. Disabled people are INCREDIBLE organizers and have fought for successful change for generations. And yet these days y’all leave us out of your activism and refuse to create accessible spaces.
But look at what actual solidarity can accomplish:
But look at what actual solidarity can accomplish:
Reposted by Sharon McGowan
🎯
Bowser: "If people are concerned about a president's ability have the MPD be responsive to the DOJ, the time to address that is when we're talking about statehood for DC."
August 11, 2025 at 7:29 PM
🎯
Esp since the feds are basically out of the business of protecting public health and safety, I'm so proud of my team here at Public Justice & excited about our latest win against one of the biggest corporate pollution menaces in history, Chemours (aka Dupont).
www.newsandsentinel.com/news/busines...
www.newsandsentinel.com/news/busines...
Chemours must immediately stop unlawfully polluting Ohio River, federal judge orders
A federal judge ordered the Chemours Chemical Company on Thursday to immediately stop discharging unlawful levels of cancer-causing chemicals into the Ohio River from the company’s Washington Works pl...
www.newsandsentinel.com
August 8, 2025 at 7:50 PM
Esp since the feds are basically out of the business of protecting public health and safety, I'm so proud of my team here at Public Justice & excited about our latest win against one of the biggest corporate pollution menaces in history, Chemours (aka Dupont).
www.newsandsentinel.com/news/busines...
www.newsandsentinel.com/news/busines...
Reposted by Sharon McGowan
"No matter where I lived, I knew this was guaranteed because after moving into a new place, we’d plug in our old box television, adjust the shitty little antenna just so, and voila, like magic, there was PBS. It was free."
We Can Save Public Radio and Television
Viewers and listeners like us.
charlotteclymer.substack.com
August 2, 2025 at 3:49 PM
"No matter where I lived, I knew this was guaranteed because after moving into a new place, we’d plug in our old box television, adjust the shitty little antenna just so, and voila, like magic, there was PBS. It was free."
Reposted by Sharon McGowan
So, we're all pretty much agreed that CBS cancelled The Late Show because Mr. Colbert calls out Trump's bullshit, right?
July 18, 2025 at 12:30 AM
So, we're all pretty much agreed that CBS cancelled The Late Show because Mr. Colbert calls out Trump's bullshit, right?