The fight for gender equality in America needs to include shared sacrifice.
Current law requires every male citizen and male immigrant in the United States — regardless of legal status — between the ages of 18 and 26 to register with the Selective Service. Failure to register is considered a felony and can also make a man in America permanently ineligible for government employment and certain benefits like federal student aid.
IAVA veterans overwhelmingly support including women in the Selective Service. In our 2024 IAVA member survey, 75% of our veterans said that women should be required to register, while only 16% were opposed. By gender, 76% of male respondents said they believed that women should also be required to register in the Selective Service, while 71% of female respondents agreed.
It remains to be seen as to whether a draft will be needed again to protect and defend the United States. But one thing is clear — the time has come for our nation to ask equally of its daughters as it does its sons.
IAVA’s CEO, Allison Jaslow, testified before a Joint Hearing of the Senate and House Veterans Affairs Committees, advocating for stronger leadership and better services for our generation of veterans. This compelling testimony and the impactful stories shared by IAVA members highlighted the ongoing need for support and equality for all veterans.
Veterans aren’t a charity. They’re an investment. Donate to help empower IAVA veterans and ensure their voices are heard.
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