WASHINGTON, D.C., April 23, 2015 – The national Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law (Lawyers’ Committee) applauds today’s historic Senate vote confirming U.S. Attorney Loretta E. Lynch as the nation’s 83rd attorney general. A two-time U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Ms. Lynch is the first African-American woman; the second African-American, after Holder; and the second woman, after Janet Reno; to hold this critical office amidst nationwide challenges such as criminal justice reform, police brutality and misconduct.
Throughout her career, spanning 30 years, Ms. Lynch has made it abundantly clear that she will stand for justice and the protection of human rights and dignity for all. Her work with the Department of Justice (DOJ) demonstrates her commitment to ensuring equal opportunity and the fight against violence committed on account of a victim’s race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability.
“We are delighted that Loretta Lynch will be bringing this commitment to justice for all to the Office of the Attorney General, especially at a time where these issues are becoming a growing concern,” said Lawyers’ Committee Public Policy Director Tanya Clay House. “The confirmation of Ms. Lynch by the Senate is very promising, and suggests that our government is ready to rise to these challenges that Ms. Lynch so passionately confronts.”
“Ms. Lynch’s career has been one of integrity based on an uncompromising belief in the equal application of justice and this country needs leadership that reflects the diversity of all the people that it serves,” said Lawyers’ Committee President and Executive Director Barbara Arnwine. “Ms. Lynch has regularly reflected on the work ethic her father instilled: to match her principles with action, to think for herself, and the great reward one receives through service to others. We are confident that she will remain committed to these principals as one of the president’s top advisors and chief law enforcement officer of the United States. Attorney General Eric H. Holder Jr. has been a bold champion for racial justice and equality at DOJ for over 26 years and Ms. Lynch is more than capable of carrying both of their outstanding legacies forward.”
Together with our affiliates, the national Lawyers’ Committee, submitted a letter of support for President Obama’s nomination of Ms. Lynch to replace Eric H. Holder Jr. as attorney general of the United States. Ms. Lynch’s prestigious legal career includes twice heading one of the most important U.S. Attorney’s Offices in the country and decades of experience as a lawyer and leader.
As an organization founded by President John F. Kennedy to correct the history of laws, practices, and employment decisions that have traditionally excluded communities of color from equal participation in the political, economic, and social activities and benefits of this society, the Lawyers’ Committee is particularly heartened to finally witness the nomination and confirmation of the first African-American woman to serve as the United States attorney general.
