Insular Cases

For over a century, the undemocratic colonial framework has denied democracy and self determination to the 3.6 million people residing in the U.S. territories, the majority of whom are people of color. This system, described by Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch as American colonialism, poses a significant threat not only to the residents of these territories but to the fundamental values of the United States as a whole. Teri is actively mobilizing in Congress, rallying support for a Senate version of the H.Res.314 Resolution, which unequivocally rejects the unjust and ongoing colonial relationship established by the racist U.S. Supreme Court Insular Cases. Her efforts include collaborating with the ACLU and driving impactful actions such as the strongly worded Amicus Curiae Brief to the U.S. Supreme Court in the case of U.S. v Vaello-Madero, which garnered widespread support and played a pivotal role in drawing condemnation of the Insular Cases from Supreme Court Justices Sotomayor and Gorsuch. Teri’s unwavering dedication reflects her commitment to upholding democratic and constitutional principles, advocating for the rights of those living in U.S. territories.