One of the privileges of being an American is to possess rights that are fundamentally granted to you. This can include but is not limited to, freedom of speech, the right to vote, and the right to run for office. However, what about when one’s rights are restricted, or they were never given to them in the first place? For such minorities, we must exercise our given rights for their aid. 

The Supreme Court case Roe v. Wade was overturned on June 24, 2022–meaning the constitutional right to abortion was eliminated, leaving it to the state’s decision. As of 2023, over 12 states have enforced a near-total ban on abortion; not only is this ban illogical, but it is detrimental to the bodies of women across the United States, who have to opt for unsafe and lethal abortion methods. This overturning resulted in public outrage and a multitude of protests combating the corrupt legislation, which can happen due to the First Amendment, which grants a US citizen the right to free speech and protest.

While protests are sufficient, what more can one do to combat this violation of human rights? When you turn 18, you have the privilege of being able to vote. This allows you to elect senators and governors and, of course, a president. During elections, you can vote for legislation that you support, and you have the power to help pass such legislation. 31 years before Roe v. Wade was overturned, the State of Washington passed Initiative 120, also known as the Reproductive Privacy Act. It ensured that every woman–in-state residents or someone traveling to the state–had the right to their body, specifically, abortions. This law was passed by the People of Washington State, or Washington residents, who voted for the law during the election on November 5, 1991.

You, as an individual, are capable of creating change in this country. With most SHS seniors turning 18 before November, we can vote in the next election. This enables us to not only elect a political figure we advocate for but also help pass legislation that can benefit us or a minority deprived of their rights.

Nevertheless, people can use their privileges as Americans inadequately–or, to be blunt, incompetently. Ron DeSantis is a prime example of such. He was elected Governor of Florida in  2019 and reelected in 2022. Little did we know the detriment he would cause to the people of Florida. He is known for passing the controversial “Parental Rights in Education Act” or the “Don’t Say Gay” law. This act prohibits “classroom discussion” and “classroom instruction” surrounding sexual orientation and gender identity–in kindergarten to third grade–and restricts conversation about such up to twelfth grade.

Sexual orientation and gender identity are inevitable in everyone’s lives–gay or straight, cisgender or transgender. Why ban conversation about such when it is imperative? This bill only represses the LGBTQ community and silences reality. Likewise, DeSantis has restricted the implementation of AP African American Studies in Florida schools, stating it “lacks educational value.” With this perspective, wouldn’t taking classes such as AP Human Geography or AP World History be unnecessary? The only reason he wants to ban AP African American studies is because of racist intentions.

We, the citizens of America, need to be more attentive and sure of who we elect into office and use our privilege of voting with good intentions–to bring positive change to America, not needlessly drag the minority down. 

An example of a person who defies America’s boundaries is Jose Antonio Vargas, an undocumented immigrant from the Philippines. Through his nonprofit organization, Define American, he advocates for the freedom and equality of undocumented immigrants. Even though he is not legally a US citizen, he still utilizes his limited rights and opportunities, making a progressive change toward equality—more than most average American citizens do.

To note: Could an average US citizen pass the mandated citizenship test for immigrants? Probably not. With most US citizens automatically granted rights at birth, we can do more to create change and fairer opportunities in our country. With the privileges we bear–at every living moment–we can make change with small actions, including utilizing our freedom of speech and the right to vote. These privileges, if used with good intentions, can simultaneously make the US a more diverse and equal place to live.

Young voters are the biggest demographic not to vote, with over 50% certain not to vote. We must utilize our privilege by voting in the 2024 presidential election. 

We must vote for those who can not. We must vote for change. And we must vote for a more just America.