1. United States
2. Ill.
3. Letter

It is extremely concerning that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth shared a video promoting views that challenge women's constitutional right to vote, and then declined to clearly affirm his support for that fundamental democratic principle when asked directly. Women's suffrage is a cornerstone of our democracy and any suggestion of removing or limiting that right is an affront to American values. As a public official overseeing millions of employees, including many women, Secretary Hegseth has a responsibility to unequivocally denounce anti-democratic ideologies that seek to strip away constitutionally protected rights based on gender. His silence on this matter breeds mistrust in our institutions and civil society. I urge Secretary Hegseth to issue a clear statement reaffirming his commitment to upholding the 19th Amendment and women's equal rights as citizens. Failing to do so would undermine his credibility and the integrity of his office. It is imperative that all citizens, regardless of gender, have an equal voice and right to participate in the democratic process. Attempts to diminish that principle are a threat to the democratic foundations our nation is built upon. Public officials must be held to the highest standards when it comes to protecting constitutional rights and should face consequences for promoting ideologies antithetical to our values of equality and inclusion.