Project 2025 is a detailed plan created by the Heritage Foundation for Donald Trump that hopes to radically reshape civil liberties, particularly affecting LGBTQ rights, education, healthcare, and military policies.
Overview of Project 2025
Project 2025 is a 900-page blueprint developed by the Heritage Foundation and other conservative allies for Donald Trump if he wins the presidency in this upcoming election.
The Conservative Think Tanks
The Heritage Foundation is a conservative think tank known for its influence on Republican policies and government restructuring efforts, especially during the Reagan administration, where it provided a blueprint for economic and military strategies.
Who Is Paul Dans
The primary author behind Project 2025 is Paul Dans, the former Chief of Staff at the U.S. Office of Personnel Management who served in various capacities within the Trump administration.
Reshaping Government
The Heritage Foundation’s Project 2025 aims to reshape the federal government and reverse policies related to LGBTQ rights, immigration, and public education.
180-Day Playbook
The project includes a detailed 180-day playbook, a database of potential appointees, and a comprehensive handbook outlining policy priorities for Donald Trump’s presidency.
Saving the Republic
Its creators at the Heritage Foundation, like Paul Dans, have described it as a plan to “save our republic,” though critics see it as an assault on American civil liberties.
Impact on LGBTQ Rights
Project 2025 plans to dismantle non-discrimination policies by removing terms like “sexual orientation” and “gender identity” from federal documents in order to end regulations that prohibit discrimination based on LGBTQ status.
Ending Protections
If the Project 2025 plan is followed through and these terms are removed from federal documents, it would effectively roll back protections established by the Bostock v. Clayton County decision.
Healthcare Implications
The project also proposes eliminating healthcare coverage for transgender individuals under Medicare and Medicaid while also removing anti-discrimination protections in the Affordable Care Act.
Military Policies
The plan also creates a strategy for reversing policies that would allow trans individuals to serve openly in the military, expelling trans troops and individuals living with HIV, regardless of their performance capabilities.
Educational Changes
In Project 2025, they also hope to remove LGBTQ-inclusive policies and curricula from schools, restricting students from using names or pronouns that differ from their birth certificates.
Melanie Willingham-Jaggers
Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network (GLSEN) Executive Director Melanie Willingham-Jaggers has spoken out against Project 2025 and the effect it would have on American education.
Striping Away Safety and Inclusion
Willingham-Jaggers said, “Project 2025’s education proposals would strip away the safety and inclusion that LGBTQ students have fought hard to secure. This is a dangerous path that threatens the mental health and well-being of countless young people.”
International Influence
The project would also end the State Department’s LGBTQ equality initiatives across the globe, which could potentially strengthen anti-LGBTQ sentiments and policies in other countries where rights are already under threat.
Narrative on Trans Identities
In Project 2025, trans identities are defined as an “ideology” linked to child exploitation and portrays LGBTQ-inclusive education as harmful to children.
Broader Legal and Social Context
Unfortunately, this case seems to be part of a broader trend of conservative legal challenges to school policies that protect LGBTQ+ students from harassment and respect their identities.
Free Speech Cases
In the majority of these lawsuits targeting protections for LGBTQ+ students, they focus on free speech and claims of religious freedom.
Increasing Legislative Efforts
Nationwide, there has also been an increase in legislative efforts to limit the rights of LGBTQ+ people, including access to gender-affirming care and participation in sports.
Human Rights Campaign President
Human Rights Campaign President Kelley Robinson has also spoken out against Project 2025, highlighting the effect it would have on Americans and the fight needed to avoid it.
A Full-Scale Attack
“This plan is a full-scale attack on LGBTQ Americans, and its implementation would have devastating effects on our community. We must remain vigilant and prepared to fight against this assault on our rights.”
Preventing Project 2025
From the reaction of LGBTQ+ allies, it’s clear that preventing Project 2025’s implementation is a critical priority for LGBTQ+ advocates and allies in the coming election cycle.
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Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / Maxim Elramsisy.
