Shiwali Patel
@shiwalipatel.bsky.social
She/her. Title IX civil rights attorney at National Women's Law Center; adjunct professor; survivor advocate; trans rights are women’s rights; tired mom.
Reposted by Shiwali Patel
This is the sort of statement that was expected from every university president and law firm partner over the last year. That those statements weren’t made played a huge part in where we are now and people will remember.
Jerome Powell: "This is about whether the Fed will be able to continue to set interest rates based on evidence and economic conditions—or whether instead monetary policy will be directed by political pressure or intimidation."
January 12, 2026 at 1:45 AM
This is the sort of statement that was expected from every university president and law firm partner over the last year. That those statements weren’t made played a huge part in where we are now and people will remember.
Reposted by Shiwali Patel
For folks still struggling with the math:
There are ~345 million US citizens.
There are ~245 million white US citizens.
This is what they mean by "Peaceful ethnic cleansing." Their plan ends with deporting all non-white people.
Not "undocumented criminals."
Not even "all undocumented people."
There are ~345 million US citizens.
There are ~245 million white US citizens.
This is what they mean by "Peaceful ethnic cleansing." Their plan ends with deporting all non-white people.
Not "undocumented criminals."
Not even "all undocumented people."
This should not be shrugged aside. They have stopped with the fake 22 million illegal immigrants things and are flat out saying we want to deport 10's of millions of citizens and legal residents from "third world countries" Basically they are advocating removing 1/3 of the population on a gov site.
December 31, 2025 at 11:41 PM
For folks still struggling with the math:
There are ~345 million US citizens.
There are ~245 million white US citizens.
This is what they mean by "Peaceful ethnic cleansing." Their plan ends with deporting all non-white people.
Not "undocumented criminals."
Not even "all undocumented people."
There are ~345 million US citizens.
There are ~245 million white US citizens.
This is what they mean by "Peaceful ethnic cleansing." Their plan ends with deporting all non-white people.
Not "undocumented criminals."
Not even "all undocumented people."
Reposted by Shiwali Patel
The people who do this, who conceived of it, who demand it, are real life monsters.
“I had to take the baby from my crying wife’s arms.“ It hasn’t even been a year, and this is not a scandal anymore? What is wrong with us?
Green Card Interviews End in Handcuffs for Spouses of U.S. Citizens
www.nytimes.com
November 26, 2025 at 7:02 PM
The people who do this, who conceived of it, who demand it, are real life monsters.
Reposted by Shiwali Patel
On January 13, the Supreme Court is going to hear arguments over state laws targeting transgender girls in sports. This from @pablo.show and @motherjones.com is a great explainer on why the right-wing legal movement needs this issue to push trans people out of public life altogether
November 20, 2025 at 2:57 PM
On January 13, the Supreme Court is going to hear arguments over state laws targeting transgender girls in sports. This from @pablo.show and @motherjones.com is a great explainer on why the right-wing legal movement needs this issue to push trans people out of public life altogether
Reposted by Shiwali Patel
I’ve spent a lot of the last three years investigating the rise of anti-trans politics. Often, it came back to the controversy over trans women athletes.
So I teamed up with @pablo.show to look into the leading figure on the issue: Riley Gaines.
www.motherjones.com/politics/202... 1/
So I teamed up with @pablo.show to look into the leading figure on the issue: Riley Gaines.
www.motherjones.com/politics/202... 1/
How right-wing superstar Riley Gaines built an anti-trans empire
The swimmer tied a trans woman for fifth. The MAGA industrial complex took care of the rest.
www.motherjones.com
November 20, 2025 at 1:25 PM
I’ve spent a lot of the last three years investigating the rise of anti-trans politics. Often, it came back to the controversy over trans women athletes.
So I teamed up with @pablo.show to look into the leading figure on the issue: Riley Gaines.
www.motherjones.com/politics/202... 1/
So I teamed up with @pablo.show to look into the leading figure on the issue: Riley Gaines.
www.motherjones.com/politics/202... 1/
“And I just say, ‘You know, it’s hard for me to care about Riley Gaines tying for fifth when my swim coach is accused of raping my teammates.” - Trinity Ward, Gaines' former teammate.
Riley Gaines is a leading face of the anti-trans movement, appearing at Trump’s signing of an executive order to ban trans girls from girls’ school sports.
But her teammate remembers a different Gaines, who expressly did not support Trump.
What happened?
But her teammate remembers a different Gaines, who expressly did not support Trump.
What happened?
How right-wing superstar Riley Gaines built an anti-trans empire
The swimmer tied a trans woman for fifth. The MAGA industrial complex took care of the rest.
ow.ly
November 21, 2025 at 12:54 AM
“And I just say, ‘You know, it’s hard for me to care about Riley Gaines tying for fifth when my swim coach is accused of raping my teammates.” - Trinity Ward, Gaines' former teammate.
Reposted by Shiwali Patel
This practice was endorsed by a Supreme Court Justice.
#KavanaughStop
#KavanaughStop
US citizen Maria Greeley, a Latina who was adopted, was walking home from work downtown when masked agents zip tied her. They said she “doesn’t look like a Greeley.” This is how the government treats people under current deportation policies.
www.chicagotribune.com/2025/11/15/l...
www.chicagotribune.com/2025/11/15/l...
November 17, 2025 at 2:01 PM
This practice was endorsed by a Supreme Court Justice.
#KavanaughStop
#KavanaughStop
Reposted by Shiwali Patel
I'm deeply sorry to everyone who is going to suffer for this. Truly, truly sorry.
November 10, 2025 at 12:21 AM
I'm deeply sorry to everyone who is going to suffer for this. Truly, truly sorry.
Reposted by Shiwali Patel
We brought together attorneys general from across the country to tell trans students: We see you. You belong here. And we will fight for you. As this school year kicks off, know that you are not alone, and we will work to make sure all schools are safe for every student.
"We Have Your Back:" A Message to Trans Students from State Attorneys General
YouTube video by National Women's Law Center
youtu.be
September 15, 2025 at 5:49 PM
We brought together attorneys general from across the country to tell trans students: We see you. You belong here. And we will fight for you. As this school year kicks off, know that you are not alone, and we will work to make sure all schools are safe for every student.
Reposted by Shiwali Patel
Transgender people are owed a retraction and apology from @wsj.com. The lie has already become canon to millions and it seems the least they could do.
September 12, 2025 at 2:23 PM
Transgender people are owed a retraction and apology from @wsj.com. The lie has already become canon to millions and it seems the least they could do.
Reposted by Shiwali Patel
This from Riley Gaines is why trans people freak out when Democrats try to carve out some compromise over sports. The politicians and activists attacking trans people are not interested in compromise! They're interested in our eradication from public life and are exploiting sports to that end
August 27, 2025 at 5:39 PM
This from Riley Gaines is why trans people freak out when Democrats try to carve out some compromise over sports. The politicians and activists attacking trans people are not interested in compromise! They're interested in our eradication from public life and are exploiting sports to that end
Reposted by Shiwali Patel
The majority may think: "We're not ruling on the legality of Trump's actions; it's just a stay." Bullshit. With the injunction stayed, Trump and McMahon will be able to effectuate their evisceration of the Department of Education and it will be impossible to put Humpty Dumpty back together.
The Supreme Court's disdain for Congress, the statutory design of agencies, and the public services they provide to millions truly astounds.
Destroying a 50-year-old Cabinet-level department may be the biggest violation of the Take Care Clause in U.S. history—and six justices simply ... don't care.
Destroying a 50-year-old Cabinet-level department may be the biggest violation of the Take Care Clause in U.S. history—and six justices simply ... don't care.
BREAKING: The Supreme Court allows the Trump administration to move forward with the abolition of the Department of Education. It gives no explanation for its order. All three liberals dissent. www.documentcloud.org/documents/25...
From Sotomayor's dissent:
From Sotomayor's dissent:
July 14, 2025 at 8:31 PM
The majority may think: "We're not ruling on the legality of Trump's actions; it's just a stay." Bullshit. With the injunction stayed, Trump and McMahon will be able to effectuate their evisceration of the Department of Education and it will be impossible to put Humpty Dumpty back together.
Reposted by Shiwali Patel
I don’t think anyone is prepared for what they just did w/ ICE.
This is not a simple budget increase. It is an explosion - making ICE bigger than the FBI, US Bureau of Prisons, DEA,& others combined.
It is setting up to make what’s happening now look like child’s play. And people are disappearing.
This is not a simple budget increase. It is an explosion - making ICE bigger than the FBI, US Bureau of Prisons, DEA,& others combined.
It is setting up to make what’s happening now look like child’s play. And people are disappearing.
July 3, 2025 at 6:58 PM
I don’t think anyone is prepared for what they just did w/ ICE.
This is not a simple budget increase. It is an explosion - making ICE bigger than the FBI, US Bureau of Prisons, DEA,& others combined.
It is setting up to make what’s happening now look like child’s play. And people are disappearing.
This is not a simple budget increase. It is an explosion - making ICE bigger than the FBI, US Bureau of Prisons, DEA,& others combined.
It is setting up to make what’s happening now look like child’s play. And people are disappearing.
Reposted by Shiwali Patel
BREAKING: The Supreme Court just ruled parents in Maryland can pull their kids out of classrooms when teachers read books w/ queer characters by claiming religious objections, in a dangerous win for right-wing extremists—enabling them to sow fear & division by stigmatizing queer & trans students.
BREAKING: Supreme Court allows Maryland parents to opt their kids out of LGBTQ+ lessons in schools
Parents in Mahmoud v. Taylor won the right to opt-out of classes where LGBTQ-themed books were taught.
www.advocate.com
June 27, 2025 at 3:41 PM
BREAKING: The Supreme Court just ruled parents in Maryland can pull their kids out of classrooms when teachers read books w/ queer characters by claiming religious objections, in a dangerous win for right-wing extremists—enabling them to sow fear & division by stigmatizing queer & trans students.
Reposted by Shiwali Patel
Trump declared June "Title IX Month" but both of his Admins have weakened Title IX's protections.
Members of the Equality Caucus & @demwomencaucus.bsky.social know: Trump doesn't care about Title IX—he only cares about attacking women & the LGBTQI+ community.
Members of the Equality Caucus & @demwomencaucus.bsky.social know: Trump doesn't care about Title IX—he only cares about attacking women & the LGBTQI+ community.
June 23, 2025 at 7:43 PM
Trump declared June "Title IX Month" but both of his Admins have weakened Title IX's protections.
Members of the Equality Caucus & @demwomencaucus.bsky.social know: Trump doesn't care about Title IX—he only cares about attacking women & the LGBTQI+ community.
Members of the Equality Caucus & @demwomencaucus.bsky.social know: Trump doesn't care about Title IX—he only cares about attacking women & the LGBTQI+ community.
Reposted by Shiwali Patel
The Trump administration is launching a sneaky new attack on civil rights protections for women, girls, people of color, and disabled people—through the Department of @energy.
June 10, 2025 at 11:02 PM
The Trump administration is launching a sneaky new attack on civil rights protections for women, girls, people of color, and disabled people—through the Department of @energy.
Reposted by Shiwali Patel
Today, our CEO Fatima Goss Graves testified in defense of trans athletes at the DOGE subcommittee’s USA Fencing hearing.
Led by Marjorie Taylor Greene, this hearing was held for the sole purpose of attacking trans people. We countered them w/facts, compassion & unwavering support of trans athletes.
Led by Marjorie Taylor Greene, this hearing was held for the sole purpose of attacking trans people. We countered them w/facts, compassion & unwavering support of trans athletes.
Fatima Goss Graves Testifying Before the DOGE Subcommittee in Defense of Trans Athletes
YouTube video by National Women's Law Center
www.youtube.com
May 7, 2025 at 8:52 PM
Today, our CEO Fatima Goss Graves testified in defense of trans athletes at the DOGE subcommittee’s USA Fencing hearing.
Led by Marjorie Taylor Greene, this hearing was held for the sole purpose of attacking trans people. We countered them w/facts, compassion & unwavering support of trans athletes.
Led by Marjorie Taylor Greene, this hearing was held for the sole purpose of attacking trans people. We countered them w/facts, compassion & unwavering support of trans athletes.
Reposted by Shiwali Patel
There’s no Alien Enemies Act exception to the Fourth Amendment.
The Justice Dept. has authorized law enforcement officers to GO INTO PEOPLE'S HOMES WITHOUT SEARCH WARRANTS if they suspect that someone is an "alien enemy"
I talked to @usatoday.com about Attorney General Bondi's "Guidance for Implementing the Alien Enemies Act," links below
I talked to @usatoday.com about Attorney General Bondi's "Guidance for Implementing the Alien Enemies Act," links below
April 25, 2025 at 2:11 PM
There’s no Alien Enemies Act exception to the Fourth Amendment.
Reposted by Shiwali Patel
Tomorrow, the Supreme Court will hear arguments in Mahmoud v. Taylor — a case that goes beyond legal arguments and into the heart of what it means to build inclusive public schools, particularly for LGBTQIA+ students.
Read more: nwlc.org/why-the-supr...
Read more: nwlc.org/why-the-supr...
nwlc.org
April 21, 2025 at 5:45 PM
Tomorrow, the Supreme Court will hear arguments in Mahmoud v. Taylor — a case that goes beyond legal arguments and into the heart of what it means to build inclusive public schools, particularly for LGBTQIA+ students.
Read more: nwlc.org/why-the-supr...
Read more: nwlc.org/why-the-supr...
Reposted by Shiwali Patel
"Survivors deserve better. They deserve a government that invests in their safety, not one that strips it through manipulation and lies."
Abuse of Power: How the Trump Administration Is Undermining Survivors of Sexual Violence
We see these tactics for what they are: an attempt to assert control, silence resistance, and roll back decades of hard-won progress.
nwlc.org
April 20, 2025 at 5:31 PM
"Survivors deserve better. They deserve a government that invests in their safety, not one that strips it through manipulation and lies."
Reposted by Shiwali Patel
This month, Assigned Media got the opportunity to interview Shiwali Patel @shiwalipatel.bsky.social, a civil rights attorney and professor! Together, we discuss trans rights, women's rights, and the intersectionality of race.
Interview by Riki Wilchins @rikiwilchins.bsky.social
Interview by Riki Wilchins @rikiwilchins.bsky.social
Shiwali Patel — A Legal Defender of Trans and Women’s Rights — Assigned
Assigned Media interviews Shiwali Patel, Title IX expert, Professor of Law, and Senior Director of Safe and Inclusive Schools at the National Women’s Law Center.
www.assignedmedia.org
April 17, 2025 at 3:19 PM
This month, Assigned Media got the opportunity to interview Shiwali Patel @shiwalipatel.bsky.social, a civil rights attorney and professor! Together, we discuss trans rights, women's rights, and the intersectionality of race.
Interview by Riki Wilchins @rikiwilchins.bsky.social
Interview by Riki Wilchins @rikiwilchins.bsky.social
Reposted by Shiwali Patel
A lot of "post-left" personalities like Brand claim they were pushed away from the left but were in fact drawn to the right as a means of escaping accountability for their own actions
Russell Brand has spent the past few years aligning himself with the American right as allegations of sexual violence were made public against him. He knew he would find defenders and protection among their ranks. That should tell you everything you need to know about what the party represents
April 4, 2025 at 3:56 PM
A lot of "post-left" personalities like Brand claim they were pushed away from the left but were in fact drawn to the right as a means of escaping accountability for their own actions
Proud to announce on the first day of #SexualAssaultAwarenessMonth that we are again representing Victim Rights Law Center and Jane Doe to seek intervention in another lawsuit and to restore Title IX protections for student survivors. #TitleIX
NEW: We're filing another intervention to block enforcement of Trump’s harmful Title IX rule, which allows schools to further sweep sexual violence against students under the rug.
NWLC Makes Second Move to Protect Student Survivors and Title IX Rule Safeguards - National Women's Law Center
FORT WORTH, Texas (April 1) — On Monday, the National Women’s Law Center (NWLC) filed a motion to intervene in a federal lawsuit to block enforcement of the Trump administration’s harmful 2020 Title IX rule regarding sexual harassment on school campuses. The motion, which also seeks to reinstate protections under the Biden administration’s 2024 Title […]
nwlc.org
April 1, 2025 at 3:46 PM
Proud to announce on the first day of #SexualAssaultAwarenessMonth that we are again representing Victim Rights Law Center and Jane Doe to seek intervention in another lawsuit and to restore Title IX protections for student survivors. #TitleIX
Reposted by Shiwali Patel
Brief: FILED ✅
Jessica’s ex-boyfriend sued her for defamation after she posted online about being raped by him. But New York’s anti-SLAPP law protects survivors against this type of retaliation from abusers.
We led an amicus brief explaining exactly why: nwlc.org/dont-slapp-m...
Jessica’s ex-boyfriend sued her for defamation after she posted online about being raped by him. But New York’s anti-SLAPP law protects survivors against this type of retaliation from abusers.
We led an amicus brief explaining exactly why: nwlc.org/dont-slapp-m...
Don’t SLAPP Me: NWLC Leads Amicus Brief in Support of New York Student Survivor Against Retaliatory Defamation Suit
If the appellate court allows this decision to stand, it will be easier for sexual assailants to weaponize the New York courts against their victims, and survivors in New York will continue to be sile...
nwlc.org
April 1, 2025 at 3:07 PM
Brief: FILED ✅
Jessica’s ex-boyfriend sued her for defamation after she posted online about being raped by him. But New York’s anti-SLAPP law protects survivors against this type of retaliation from abusers.
We led an amicus brief explaining exactly why: nwlc.org/dont-slapp-m...
Jessica’s ex-boyfriend sued her for defamation after she posted online about being raped by him. But New York’s anti-SLAPP law protects survivors against this type of retaliation from abusers.
We led an amicus brief explaining exactly why: nwlc.org/dont-slapp-m...
Reposted by Shiwali Patel
"If this many different judges in this many different courts appointed by this many different presidents are blocking this many policies promulgated by the same president, we ought to be able to agree that the problem is the policies—not the judges."
www.stevevladeck.com/p/136-settin...
www.stevevladeck.com/p/136-settin...
136. Setting the Record Straight on the Anti-Trump Injunctions
President Trump and his supporters are mounting increasingly noisy attacks on lower-court judges. But their claims combine shameless hypocrisy with shameful distortions of the facts.
www.stevevladeck.com
March 31, 2025 at 11:26 AM
"If this many different judges in this many different courts appointed by this many different presidents are blocking this many policies promulgated by the same president, we ought to be able to agree that the problem is the policies—not the judges."
www.stevevladeck.com/p/136-settin...
www.stevevladeck.com/p/136-settin...