1. United States
2. Minn.
3. Letter

I’m writing today with a heavy heart and a deep sense of urgency. Recent reports have confirmed that trans service members discharged under the military ban were given damaging discharge codes—“black marks” that stigmatize them for life. These codes are the modern equivalent of what was once used to punish gay people and suspected communists during the McCarthy era. They are a form of institutional cruelty that follow veterans into civilian life, impacting their ability to access healthcare, employment, housing, and educational benefits—all for the “offense” of serving their country while being true to who they are. This is shameful. It is unjust. And it is entirely within our power to make it right. Congress must act to ensure: These harmful discharge codes are reviewed and retroactively upgraded. Trans veterans are granted full access to the benefits they earned. No future administration can weaponize discharge codes against people for their identity. We owe our veterans gratitude and dignity—not a permanent scarlet letter. I urge you to speak out, co-sponsor any efforts to correct this wrong, and work to ensure all who serve are treated with fairness and respect. History is watching.