Meanwhile, the mental health crisis among students is often exacerbated by inadequate support services and the stigma surrounding mental illness. The prevalence of school shootings and mental health crises underscores the urgent need for comprehensive reforms in the public education system. While debates over the TikTok ban may focus on concerns about online safety and content moderation, they often overlook the systemic issues that contribute to violence and mental health problems in schools. Without addressing issues such as access to mental health services, school funding, and gun control, efforts to regulate social media platforms like TikTok may only scratch the surface of the broader challenges facing public education and safety. School shootings have become a tragically common occurrence in the United States, with devastating consequences for students, families, and communities. According to data from the Gun Violence Archive, there were 615 incidents of gunfire on school grounds in 2021 alone, resulting in 180 deaths and 376 …show more content…
Victims of rape and sexual assault face significant barriers to justice and support, both within the criminal justice system and in society at large. Despite increased awareness and advocacy efforts, many survivors continue to face disbelief, victim-blaming, and inadequate support services. According to the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN), only 1 out of every four sexual assaults is reported to law enforcement, and only 5 out of every 1,000 perpetrators will end up in prison. The lack of justice for survivors perpetuates a culture of impunity and allows perpetrators to continue their abusive behavior unchecked. The removal of gender-affirming care for transgender individuals represents a significant setback for LGBTQ+ rights and healthcare equality. Gender-affirming care, including hormone therapy and gender-affirming surgeries, is essential for the health and well-being of transgender people. Yet, access to these treatments remains limited and highly