Shaping Justice

By UUSC Staff on July 7, 2025

The Supreme Court may be entering its yearly recess, but the justice work of grassroots organizations never stops. At the end of the court term, the justices issued many key rulings, and their judicial decisions directly impact UUSC partners. What’s the latest from the United States’ highest court? Check out this summary of some key cases and UUSC partner responses:  

Trans Kids and Puberty Blockers 

In U.S. v. Skrmetti, the court upheld Tennessee’s ban on gender affirming care for trans youth. In the majority opinion, 6 justices asserted that the ban did not violate the 14^th Amendment’s equal protection clause, setting a concerning precedent for further anti-trans legislation. This ruling directly threatens the health and safety of trans youth. Alongside another recent opinion enabling parents to object to secular educational materials on religious grounds, the Skrmetti decision is part of a string of Supreme Court cases reversing progress on LGBTQI+ rights. Justices Sotomayor, Jackson, and Kagan dissented.  

The Pink Haven Coalition (PHC), a UUSC partner, has thoughtfully anticipated judicial and legislative attacks on the trans, 2spirit, and gender-expansive community. Amidst increasing restrictions, they continue to provide relocation services, medical care, and survival toolkits to trans people and their families. UUSC is proud to support PHC’s essential work and has issued an emergency response grant to help sustain its programs.  

Deportations to “Third Countries” 

The Supreme Court enabled the presidential administration’s practice of kidnapping by allowing the state to deport people to countries they are not from. A lower court had previously issued a judicial order requiring that migrants sent to so-called “third countries” get a “meaningful opportunity” to advocate for themselves and detail threats to their safety, in accordance with federal law and the UN Convention Against Torture. The Trump administration made an emergency request that the Supreme Court rule on the matter. In a 6-3 decision, the court reversed the “third country” judicial order, effectively supporting the administration’s practice of abducting and disappearing innocent people. Justices Sotomayor, Jackson, and Kagan dissented. 

UUSC’s grassroots partners continue to fight for people in migration. The National TPS Alliance advocates for paths to permanent residency. Borderlinks is part of a rapid response hotline that connects people in migration and their families with emergency services. Asylum Pride House supports LGBTQ+ migrants with long-term housing and case management services. At UUSC, we believe all people have the right to move and the right to stay.  

Fuel Producers Suing the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) 

Fuel producers challenged California’s vehicle emission rules, and in a 7-2 ruling, the Supreme Court decided that these companies could sue the state. Generally, the federal government sets emission standards, but due to California’s problems with air quality, the EPA has previously allowed the state to set their own tighter restrictions. Dissenting justices Sotomayor and Jackson expressed concern that the precedent will make it easier for other groups to challenge the Clean Air Act.  

With the highest rate of greenhouse gas emissions per capita, the United States’ environmental protections (or lack thereof) make a global impact. Pacific Island Students Fighting Climate Change (PISFCC), a UUSC partner, recently brought the climate crisis to the International Court of Justice, fighting for a landmark ruling on state and corporate accountability. Across the globe, our partners create innovative solutions to the impacts of climate change, advocate for government intervention, support people facing climate-forced migration, and more.  

Limiting Universal Injunctions and Threatening Birthright Citizenship 

Early in his term, Trump issued an executive order ending birthright citizenship. Three federal judges blocked that order by issuing universal injunctions. The Supreme Court repudiated universal injunctions, ruling that federal courts could not block the federal government from enforcing a policy nationwide. This vote again split along ideological lines with Jackson, Kagan, and Sotomayor dissenting.  

While the court did not rule on birthright citizenship itself, this decision clears the way for broad enforcement of the citizenship executive order and others. The Georgia Latino Alliance for Human Rights (GLAHR) received a UUSC emergency response grant to support their community safety work and ICE Free Zone programming. The UndocuBlack Network is part of a group suing the Department of Homeland Security to protect due process for immigrants. The Queer Detainee Empowerment Project assists LGBTQ+ migrants recently released from or at risk of detention with educational, legal, and psychological resources. Our partners defend and support migrants under any circumstances.  

We are witnessing the recent judicial rulings actions of the Supreme Court continue to erode human rights. It is easy to become bogged down and overwhelmed by each new disheartening headline. UUSC and our partners remain clear and committed to our mission to advance human rights no matter the challenges placed before us. We continue to distribute Emergency Community Protection Grants to sustain the work of frontline organizations. 

Support the work of UUSC’s partners by making a contribution today  Your solidarity is essential in the ongoing fight for true justice. No judicial ruling can deter our work toward collective liberation.