Washington, D.C. — Today, President Donald Trump signed an executive order that demonizes individuals who are homeless and encourages involuntary commitment of individuals with mental health disabilities. In response, Mia Ives-Rublee, senior director of the Disability Justice Initiative at the Center for American Progress, issued the following statement:
This executive order fundamentally goes against the U.S. Supreme Court’s Olmstead decision and the basic tenets of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. The order strips the basic rights of people who are homeless, people with mental health disabilities, and people who have substance use disorders and further stigmatizes mental health disabilities and homelessness. In essence, the executive order makes communities less safe by steering funding away from the effective housing, mental health, and substance use services.
This is yet another move by this administration to put the needs and dignity of real people and those most marginalized by our society last. This order must be challenged in court and should be struck down.
For more information or to speak with an expert, please contact Kelly McCoy at [email protected].