The Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law’s Statement in Response to President Trump’s Executive Orders on Crime-Related Matters
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law President and Executive Director Kristen Clarke Issued the Following Statement in Response to President Trump’s Executive Orders on Crime-Related Matters:
“The executive orders issued by the President today perpetuate the false notion that there is a war on cops in our country and that violent crime is systemic and wide-spread. There is no data that supports either notion. The executive orders, in calling for the creation of “new crimes” and “increased penalties” run contrary to bi-partisan efforts to promote smart criminal justice reform across our country. Moreover, the executive orders are devoid of reference to civil rights, thereby increasing the risk that we will see policies that promote racial profiling, promote militarized police responses, widespread surveillance and other unlawful practices. Our country should be focused on advancing existing efforts around criminal justice reform, including sentencing reform, policing reform and strengthening community-police relations.”
About the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law
The Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law (Lawyers’ Committee), a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization, was formed in 1963 at the request of President John F. Kennedy to involve the private bar in providing legal services to address racial discrimination. Formed over 50 years ago, we continue our quest of “Moving America Toward Justice.” The principal mission of the Lawyers’ Committee is to secure, through the rule of law, equal justice under law, particularly in the areas of fair housing and community development; economic justice; voting; education; and criminal justice. For more information about the Lawyers’ Committee, visit www.lawyerscommittee.org.
