NCFM NOTE: This amazing petition is the heartfelt work of Nadine Lewis, Esq., her staff, and a few attorney friends, especially Al Rava, all of whom believe strongly in equal treatment and civil rights.

The Supreme Court declined our 2021 petition in National Coalition for Men v. Selective Service because Congress was already reconsidering the male‑only draft and the Court traditionally defers to the political branches on military affairs.

That legislative effort collapsed in 2021 when Senators Josh Hawley, Tom Cotton, and Marco Rubio threatened to block the entire National Defense Authorization Act if it included women in Selective Service, which it did. Their opposition forced negotiators to strip the reform, leaving the discriminatory system intact and giving the Court a reason to avoid intervening while Congress remained “active” on the issue.

Such resistance is disrespectful, insulting, and shameful to warriors like Sgt. 1st Class Nicole M. Amor, a 39‑year‑old Army Reserve logistics specialist from White Bear Lake, Minnesota, who was killed when an Iranian drone struck her dispersed worksite in Kuwait; her sacrifice is mirrored by the unnamed female fighter pilot killed in a friendly‑fire incident during the opening hours of the conflict, and by the dozens of American servicewomen who have given their lives in earlier wars, proving beyond dispute that women have long shared the burdens, dangers, and ultimate costs of national defense.

We are hopeful the court will reconsider their position since Congress has failed to act since our 2021 request.

Harry Crouch, President/Board Chairman

📜 NCFM’s Efforts to End Male‑Only Selective Service Registration (Chronological Timeline)

1970s–1990s: Foundational Advocacy

• 1977: NCFM is founded as a civil‑rights organization focused on equal treatment under the law for men and boys.
• Late 1970s–1980s: NCFM begins publicly opposing the male‑only draft and advocating for gender‑neutral obligations.
• 1990s: NCFM continues policy advocacy and public education on the constitutional issues surrounding male‑only registration.

2000s: Early Legal and Policy Engagement

• 2000s: NCFM publishes articles, position papers, and public statements arguing that the male‑only draft violates equal‑protection principles, especially as women expand into more military roles.

2013–2015: Women Enter Combat Roles

• 2013: The Department of Defense begins lifting restrictions on women in combat.
• 2015: All combat roles are officially opened to women.
  • This becomes a pivotal factual change that undermines the basis of Rostker v. Goldberg (1981), the Supreme Court decision upholding male‑only registration.

NCFM begins preparing for a major legal challenge.

2016: NCFM Files Landmark Federal Lawsuit

• 2016: NCFM files NCFM v. Selective Service System in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas.
  • Lead attorney: Marc Angelucci, whose work brings national attention to the issue.
  • This becomes the first major constitutional challenge to the male‑only draft since women entered combat roles.

2019: NCFM Wins in Federal Court

• February 2019: The federal district court rules in NCFM’s favor, holding that the male‑only registration requirement is unconstitutional.
  • This is the first time a federal court has struck down the male‑only draft since Rostker.

2020: National Commission Report

• March 2020: The National Commission on Military, National, and Public Service concludes that male‑only registration is inconsistent with modern military structure.
  • This supports NCFM’s position, though Congress does not act.
  • The Fifth Circuit reversed the district court, not because it disagreed on the merits, but because it said only the Supreme Court could overturn Rostker v. Goldberg.

2021: Supreme Court Declines Review

• 2021: NCFM petitions the U.S. Supreme Court.
  • The Court declines review but acknowledges that the factual basis for Rostker has eroded and notes that Congress has the authority to act.
  • Congress does not act.

2022–2024: Continued Advocacy

• NCFM continues public education, media outreach, and legal analysis as Congress repeatedly fails to update the statute.

2025: Congressional Reform Efforts Stall

• Reform proposals stall in Congress despite bipartisan recommendations.
• The male‑only registration requirement remains unchanged.

2026: NCFM Returns to the Supreme Court

• March 2026: NCFM files a new Petition for Writ of Certiorari with the U.S. Supreme Court.
  • The petition reflects the work of Nadine Lewis and her legal team.
  • NCFM honors the legacy of Marc Angelucci, whose earlier litigation laid the foundation for the current challenge.

NCFM Files SUPREME COURT PETITION FOR WRIT OF CERTIORARI in NCFM v. Selective Service System

Tags: conscription, Natiional Coalition For Men, NCFM v. Selective Service System, Sgt. 1st Class Nicole M. Amor, the draft