JunkMonk
50999
1907
71
Link for those who wish to comment
https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/02/04/2025-02191/agency-information-collection-activities-comment-request-2026-2027-free-application-for-federal
FormerSkiBum
Comments, performative protesting, and lawsuits aren't going to stop this fascist regime. Y'all want to help? Get involved organizing a general strike.
Deathcameawienering
Done!!
Come on let um have it
pr0t34n
Well if I know anything about the way the government has managed their infosec lately, allowing user input couldn't possibly be problematic
HonestCommentFarmer
Public commentary on proposed changes has been a thing for... at least 50 years. An online forum style of commentary is also pretty old. There's a whole bureau dedicated to it (because of course there is).
But also, yes, with the rusty shiv that's been taken to the government recently, we should be wary of tetanus.
ThatGuyWhoIsSkepticalOfEverything
Non US citizens, please don’t comment; otherwise, they’ll use that to disenfranchise all legitimate comments.
US citizens, please highlight the fact that the “biological reality” that these morons are talking about is a blatant lie. The biological reality is that gender is a spectrum, and that sex and gender are two different things. Highlight the fact that biological decisions have to be based on biology, not religious ideology. Ask which doctors were involved in drafting of these orders.
LoitninStroik
I'm afraid any mention of gender will be ignored because the form asks for SEX identity. So my comment focused on the science - natural biological variability of expression of sex traits, intersex morphology, estimated occurrence in the population, etc. They can still ignore it if they want, but at least they can't say it was just a political opinion.
FlowerIsland
I'd want to comment, but I would harm the cause. It hurts being in this position, as I am the very person they try to ban :(
Stay strong, fellow accomplices.
heathenhumanist
I commented that the gender of a person shouldn't affect their education
cgt9803
The kind of cruelty that gives MAGA a boner
Pandarta
I followed the link and have been trying to read through everything but I'm having trouble finding the specific changes they're proposing with ED-2025-SCC-0011
wiserita
Agree, but the press release lays it out clearly: https://www.ed.gov/about/news/press-release/us-department-of-education-announces-improvements-fafsar-form
darkmatterdestroyer
It's 794 now. It's moving baby!!
Goldmarble
Upvoting, and doing my part from Canada.
SarahTheCuteVixen
there's something weird how the counter is stuck at exactly 375,
MrsHowVeryDareYou
It’s at ~800 now. I think maybe they don’t count until verified or approved or whatever.
happiesthedgehog
Yuuuuup. It was at 375 two hours ago and is still there??
SarahTheCuteVixen
Something seems fishy here
BeardOnTheInside
I just commented and it's at 461. I think it just has a super slow update cycle.
Almost like the government is sick with a disease right now :(
SarahTheCuteVixen
794 now,
BeardOnTheInside
I see that one too, but if you click into "document comments" it says 461. Not sure where the other comments are.
TomahawkJackson
The highlighted section reads:
The Department also announced that current and future FAFSA forms will rightfully reflect the biological reality that there are only two sexes: male and female. Department officials will remove “nonbinary” as a gender identification option from the current year’s FAFSA form. (cont'd below)
TomahawkJackson
“The Trump Administration will correct the failures of the last Administration and ensure students and families can easily access the FAFSA form in a timely manner,” said Acting Under Secretary James Bergeron. “Resolving ongoing problems with the 2024-25 form, reflecting biological reality by referencing sex identifiers, and beginning the process for the 2026-27 form on-time will allow the Department to earn back the trust of the American people. (cont'd to end below)
TomahawkJackson
Families and students depend on the FAFSA form to plan their futures, and any release delays or unnecessary politicization of the form is wholly unacceptable.”
thrashingcows
Fuck they/them!
kozzillakilla
“People depend on this, and we need to know about their genitals in order to make sure they are ready for college.”
TheFastpaws
I'll sign but Republicans are fascist dogs who will ignore it.
DrJackSnow
> Question 11 has been updated to “What is the student’s sex?” and the “Nonbinary” and “Prefer not to answer” response options have been removed, consistent with the recent Executive Order, ....
I suggest beginning with this, before objecting to the EO, since this is consistent with the EO:
The "Prefer not to answer” response option must be kept. Applicants should retain the choice to keep personal information private at the cost of declining to declare eligibility for sex/gender-based aid.
DrJackSnow
_How to find the text to comment on:_ In the left sidebar, hover over Regulations.gov Data, then in the pop-up click Forms and Instructions and download the Summary of Enhancements docx.
_Comment on dropdown selection:_ Financial Aid Administration or Student seem the most relevant.
GreenMnM
There you are
Xvideo2
https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/02/04/2025-02191/agency-information-collection-activities-comment-request-2026-2027-free-application-for-federal
xtav
The document itself is the "FAFSA_26-27_Reg_en_2025-01-28" PDF here, if you want to see it: https://www.regulations.gov/document/ED-2025-SCC-0011-0003
Curious that they removed the "Prefer not to answer" option for gender, but kept it for race; both fields are marked "will not affect eligibility"/"research purposes only". Elsewhere they note that all fields are voluntary, but not providing enough info may delay or deny aid, and that false info is perjury.
mastikator
As a European I urge all americans: do not comply with fascism, do not placate, do not give consent, do not appease. They can not control you all with force of arms alone. You KNOW where it ends if you go along with them, with YOU in a camp!
ChuckTenor
This document has a comment period that ends in 47 days. (04/07/2025)
MissSiesta
Do it Americans!!! Comment to fuck things up for Trump and to stand up for others!
crowoverlord
Thank you for sharing. I was feeling hopeless about things, but this helped me to feel like I was doing something useful.
Sarah6race
SweetDangerKitty
Commented and signed in to track it. Let's see if the counter goes up or if we're going to be actively ignored.
Margrave9000
It's like the darkest period of Nazi Germany. This is a genocide in the making, right before our eyes. Never again ask what the average German did in the 1930s - they did just what you are doing.
Rubyrose99
I've reread this document 3 times and I want my comment to reference the specific instance of the forced misgendering but I can't translate the legalese to point to it. Can anyone help point it out to me?
DrJackSnow
In the left sidebar, hover over Regulations.gov Data, then in the pop-up click Forms and Instructions and download the Summary of Enhancements docx.
Rubyrose99
Tysm, now I can specify that the intent is to change questions 11 as well as question 12 which seemingly attacks diversity for Hispanic people too if I'm reading it right
sleepchamber5772
Done!
bripi
As a US citizen, I am curious as to *why* FAFSA would require gender orientation information since this is an application for aid based *solely* on financial need. Why should the gov't need information about how the person in need is identifying?
bripi
to those wondering, yes, I did indeed ask these questions in the comment form
DrJackSnow
To check eligibility for certain programs, is what the document says.
But that does not explain why, the `"Prefer not to answer" response option has been removed.' Applicants should be able to decline consideration for eligibility by keeping their information private.
GrandmaSlappy
Anyone want to clue me in on what I should select on the what is this comment about question?
LiterallyAWizard
Was wondering the same.
DrJackSnow
Financial Aid Administration would be the most relevant.
KaisSoul
For those asking here is the link to the imaged Department of Education press release that covers the changes.
https://www.ed.gov/about/news/press-release/us-department-of-education-announces-improvements-fafsar-form
TheJayGur
My comment: It is an embarrassment to our nation and our education system that the DE needs to alter federal forms to adhere to an ignorant and religious assertion that it is "biological reality" that there are two sexes. I studied biology in high school and can tell you that is factually incorrect. There are multiple "biological realities" contrary to this belief.
Useyourhead165
They wont listen civil discourse is the only option get destructive or stay quiet
darkmatterdestroyer
Are you a Russian troll? Every action matters. They will be looking to criminalize and disenfranchise democrats for violence. Civil discourse has its place but to pretend it's the only tool we have is ignorant.
justadudeemp
Fuck "stay quiet"
mrthewhitee
Never stay quiet regardless of if you get destructive or not.
poppypooley
Be noisy AND disruptive
Useyourhead165
Exactly because by time they come for you it's too late if my cancer diagnosis comes back bad yall get another Luigi
MrsHowVeryDareYou
Here’s what I wrote if anyone wants to copy or use as a jumping off point. Or don’t, I’m not your mother.
Just let people choose the gender they identify with! If Republicans are so concerned with “merit” instead of DEI, why does gender matter at all? It is unjustly punitive, stupid, and wasteful to spend so much time and energy suppressing transgender people. They exist - get over it. Fix the economy.
szepasszony
The economy isn't broken, it is just designed to enrich a few people at the expense of everyone else.
CyberHero93
Never heard of "if you give him one, then you gotta give everyone one?" You said "Just let.." that's the problem, then we all can be whatever imaginary thing we feel like being? I can identify as a million things which even basic common sense can tell you it's a lie. How does that resolve anything?
Froggie243
And if the government forced you to identify as your grandma on the form in order to receive an education, wouldnt you feel like burning the place down? That's why it matters- systematic disenfranchisement
MrsHowVeryDareYou
THISSSSS. Imagine if there were only 2 choices for race!
TankDoz4Luv
Thank you! I copied this and adjusted a bit, this was a great starting point though!
MrsHowVeryDareYou
Yay! Mine is far from perfect and tapped out on mobile, but I’m glad it was useful!
mAliceGray
I copied this, and added some things after. Thank you for commenting, and thank you for helping me find the words for me to comment for myself.
MrsHowVeryDareYou
I’m so glad - I didn’t want writer’s block to be the reason someone didn’t comment!
MyRespectableAlterEgo
Heres a snippet of mine - i went for an evidence & law based approach. Its also LONG:
"The basic human right to self-determination is not a political football, and this change would require people to violate their own right to their own identity. Our vice-president has changed his name multiple times, and Elon Musk has enjoyed the benefits of supplemental testosterone - which is a form of gender-affirming care. the lack of outrage surrounding these two individuals illustrates that this..." (1)
MyRespectableAlterEgo
department do not truly care about gender identity or the right to change how one is addressed.
Furthermore this proposal will actively work to endanger the physical, mental and emotional health of young people who are already vulnerable. This is no different from the old practice of forcing left-handed children to use their right hands: it punishes young people for natural variations that are beyond their control... all for the sake of superstition and antiquated moral judgments which..." (2)
MyRespectableAlterEgo
are well ourtside your remit.
"There is also no material benefit to forcing these behaviours on our students: studies have conclusively shown that gender recognition improves young people's mental health, and thus improves their academic performance, their attendance and their behaviour. By choosing to align yourself with pedagogical practices proven to cause physical, social, emotional and mental wellbeing you are proposing nothing more than institutional child abuse..." (3)
MyRespectableAlterEgo
"Bullying, drop-outs, self harm and suicides, and drug and alcohol abuse amongst victims of this abuse will increase as you continue to harrass them out of society. That will be your legacy, and I demand you show reputable evidence (if you can find any) that shows this will cause ANY substantive benefit to this group - which is among the most vulnerable and widely victimised 0.1% of society. If Mr Musk can name his child a series of unpronounceable glyphs & receive gender affirming care..." (4)
MyRespectableAlterEgo
"then I demand to know why name choice and gender identity is only an issue when it's challenged by a vulnerable minority. Kindly respond to the requests for scientific evidence showing ANY substantive benefits this may cause for the impacted individual, and explain how this does not contradict the civil rights act or the UN's longstanding position that gender identity is a HUMAN right."
Help yourself, anybody. Or don't. I made it long to waste their time.
InkyBlinkyPinkyAndClyde
Because they need to keep women below men, and they can't maintain a strict hierarchy if people can just "switch". Vegina puts you lower than penis, period. They think it's the "natural order" and can't be changed.
kozzillakilla
Obviously this and that the far right is only interested in sending their own children to college, because when regular people get the opportunity it makes them realize how willfully ignorant the Republican Party is, at best.
First trans people can’t apply, then any queer person, then they will repeal the GI bill, then you’ll have to be a white Christian and married while owning land…
DrJackSnow
> Question 11 has been updated to “What is the student’s sex?” and the “Nonbinary” and “Prefer not to answer” response options have been removed, consistent with the recent Executive Order, ....
I suggest beginning with this, before objecting to the EO, since this is consistent with the EO:
The "Prefer not to answer” response option must be kept. Applicants should retain the choice to keep personal information private at the cost of declining to declare eligibility for sex/gender-based aid.
MrsHowVeryDareYou
This is genius - I love the privacy angle!
Rpgjgb
An excerpt of mine focused on that at the begining:
-The option "Prefer Not to Answer" should be retained as to protect private and personal information, in a similar manner as Medical records which cannot be shared without consent. Removing this option infringes on the rights and privacy of applicants in a way that forces them to disclose information that may be of a private and sensitive nature for a form that does not need it.
Rpgjgb
2)
If DEI is no longer an issue or consideration for Federal support or aid, then the applicant's right to "Prefer not to answer" MUST be retained in order to make sure the playing field is level. It removes ANY considerations that might sway the results of their application
georgejimmydoodle
.
MrsHowVeryDareYou
Don’t dot, just do it real quick! Sincerely, someone with 5000 tabs open that I’m going to get to any day now…
georgejimmydoodle
I did. I just don't like typing on my phone and wanted to not lose track of the post before I got to work and had a proper keyboard to use.
MrsHowVeryDareYou
Fair
cptcr
Only 375 comments. this should be 37,500 if imgur's community would get it's ass in gear. You shit and complain every damn day on here about this administration, so now's your chance to actually say something that matters.
SaintSleepyWeasel
736 as of right now.
cuddleskunk
I submitted my comment and it still says 375. There is even an option after submission to report to you that your comment has been reviewed and published. Check back tomorrow and you'll either see that number go way up, or we'll know that something's wrong/manipulated with the system.
nclu
Done.
Zuegma197777
794 comments.. Almost half a day ago.
icouldnotthinkofagoodusername
461 as of 0656 cst 20Feb25
Zainadin
"This count refers to the total comment/submissions received on this document, as of 11:59 PM yesterday"
Also I submitted a comment.
BanditKablooie
Almost 800 now, but that still feels like almost nothing.
valkrez
Up to 700's now
MindOverMana
GreaterDog
Comments are subject to review before they are posted publicly. Our efforts might be getting squeezed through a fascist filter.
DanOrtega
Lots of us are foreigners and know that can be an excuse for them to yell "invaderz" and shut the whole thing behind a curtain.
IndigoThursday
I was wondering that, what proportion of Imgurians are in the US? Do we have stats?
MyRespectableAlterEgo
"I demand to know why name choice and gender identity is only an issue when it's challenged by a vulnerable minority. Kindly respond to the requests for scientific evidence showing ANY substantive benefits this may cause for the impacted individual, and explain how this does not contradict the civil rights act or the UN's longstanding position that gender identity is a HUMAN right."
Help yourself, anybody. Or don't. I made it long to waste their time.
sfrinlan
I'm seeing 461 on https://www.regulations.gov/document/ED-2025-SCC-0011-0001/comment, which I think is the same thing. About to add mine to it.
sfrinlan
And this counter says 794, so I think the syncing is just not a quick process between the actual system that holds the comments and the site where you view the document.
Richter12x2
A lot of people worried about outing themselves, is my guess. You can comment without saying you're affected. Fight for someone else, or pretend to.
highisophotography
Submitted, looks like it’s up to about 1300 now, let’s get it higher!
RaMaLove
Over 750 now! Am i doing this right?
Qualtagh
I'm lowkey on board with this information no longer being collected by the federal government. They obviously can't be trusted with it. (and kids shouldn't have to be savvy enough to choose to hide it...)
LateNightBunnyParty
Did my part.
Renza0
its already up to about 800
Tarmaccian
If you view the submitted comments, there are 461.
SVcross
I mean, I'm not from the USA.
Luorric
Yeeah same, gonna need to check this tomorrow to see if it updates but it looks like possible shenanigans?
AGiantSlor
I submitted one but the number didn't change, still 375. Maybe they take 24hrs to count the new entries?
HeyHeyDoubleA
It’s over 900 now. I added one as well.
SarahTheCuteVixen
yeah, same, something aint right here,
MagnorCriol
Or they get run through a check for vulgarity, etc before being pushed public?
mrjoy
My comment included no vulgarity or other inappropriate content, and the counter is still at 375. I would not be surprised if there's a human review process involved.
INeedMoreGifMeMoreJustOneMore
Which would also mean the potential for human censorship.
TheSecondPiewackit
Info icon says it was last updated at 1256 am today. So yeah, hasnt updated yey.
Userlivewire
794 now
FlipTheBirdBeforeTheBirdFlipsYou
794 five hours later
megansuzanne
Same. I asked for an email confirmation when my comment is "reviewed and posted". We'll see how long it takes
BikeTrailsAndWaggingTails
There are 3 comment counters and they are all not synced with each other. One of the main page, second on the "Document Comments" tab, and the third on the "Document Details" tab. The comment counter on the "Document Details" tab gets updated the fastest but there is still a delay. I posted a comment 2 hrs ago, tried keyword searching for it and still no results.
Rogahar
As of 8.44EST this morning, it's just under 800 now. So yeah, theres a delay.
Jmac28211
As an educator, I made sure I commented. I can only hope the rest of us do as well
vurcease
Just submitted. It’s over 700 now. Thanks, @op
OneOfTheEnemiesWithin
I’m also number 375, so we’ll need to check back on this, and check our emails for confirmation.
Apollymkatistrafia
I just woke up, and this is my first time hearing about it. That's my only excuse.
veesee
I'm not allowed to comment as a Canadian but someone people tell them to stop being perverts and let children be
Mattnader
First time hearing this
DrBlackJack
Well, this is still in usersub atm, but hopefully, yes, people will take the 30 seconds it takes to effect what impact this could have rather than just sit on a social media site and complain. However, I don't have high hopes that many will act, as the majority of people here seem more interested in pointing fingers than doing anything to help, no matter how quick and easy.
Then again, maybe they'll prove me wrong...
UsuallySpecial
And did you?
SeeShark
Most Imgurians' hearts are in the right place, but largely in a theoretical and tribalistic way. It feels good to belong to the Good Side™, but most people won't actually take the time to act on the values they argue for in internet flame wars.
UsuallySpecial
And did you?
Tjitso
794 comments as of this moment. So it's slowly updating, but those are still rookie numbers
TomBrokaw
looks like it updates daily. just submitted mine.
Ilikeflufflyanimalpics
Just submitted mine. Can't wait to see what it looks like tomorrow. \
Corrodias
Which document specifically mentions these changes? Here's a direct link to the page. But I don't have MS Word, so combing through the docx files might be cumbersome. https://www.regulations.gov/search?filter=ED-2025-SCC-0011
DrJackSnow
_How to find the text to comment on:_ In the left sidebar, hover over Regulations.gov Data, then in the pop-up click Forms and Instructions and download the Summary of Enhancements docx.
_Comment on dropdown selection:_ Financial Aid Administration or Student seem the most relevant.
TomBrokaw
Thanks, I couldn't find it. The text in question says: "The most notable changes to the FAFSA form are to question #11, Student Demographic Information and question #12, Student Race and/or Ethnicity.
• Question 11 has been updated to “What is the student’s sex?” and the “Nonbinary” and “Prefer not to answer” response options have been removed, consistent with the recent Executive Order, Defending Women From Gender Ideology Extremism And Restoring Biological Truth To The Federal Government"
Corrodias
Thank you, but, I'm not seeing these elements you're referring to. "Regulations.gov Data"? I only see "Refine Documents Results" options with various filters.
kozzillakilla
“This is yet another attempt from the far right to dismantle education, while focusing on a subject that has absolutely no importance to anyone except the .1% of the population that identifies as trans, and the Republican Party. When will we accept that the far right, heretofore referred to as the fascists, don’t want average citizens to access the same education as their own children? The fascists will come for such a small and vulnerable population, villainize them in an act of projection >
kozzillakilla
> win over what can only be described as an actively rabid fan base. And this won’t only apply to trans people. I’m certain that in the near future, if the fascists have their way and this is only the first step, that you will have to be a white Christian land owning male in order to qualify for higher education in this country. And if that’s what you want, then you’re going to be partly responsible for the fall of American democracy.
>
kozzillakilla
Queer people exist, and are not a threat. Fascism is taking hold of our lives right before us, and will harm and kill anyone that it wants. Let’s be on the right side of history, for this one step.”
HedonistBeard
That's a great blog post but for a comment on something like this it would be better to focus on the human rights and science angles.
kozzillakilla
I thought I hit on the human rights, that is the comment I submitted but I don’t see why I can’t submit another if you have something to add for me
HedonistBeard
You want them to have to argue why they don't want trans people to have human rights. Any other messaging gives them leeway in how to argue.
StankhaleesiGrandmotherOfFerrets
You did just fine, honey. I have a trans son; these assholes need pushback from EVERY direction.
StankhaleesiGrandmotherOfFerrets
Your argument that there should be a different focus in the response would be great for a legal brief, where only one opinion is being considered. As a part of an aggregate response, it’s incredibly valid as a solid viewpoint. @kokillazilla did just fine; hopefully you added a comment that encompasses your own rules for what’s best. ;)
HedonistBeard
Problem is any mention of fascism is going to have to be filtered out before they use the comments to justify their decision to the fascists
StankhaleesiGrandmotherOfFerrets
Whoops, misspelled @kozzillakilla. Adding to correct.