New Resource: Affirmative Action – Expert Answers to the Most Pressing Questions on Supreme Court Decisions in SFFA v Harvard/UNC
The Fight Continues: We sent a letter to 150+ colleges, universities and higher education institutions guiding how they can ensure equal opportunity and access for all.
The Fight for Affirmative Action
The recent decision undermines affirmative action as we know it, but the fight for opportunity for all in higher education does not stop. We all have a role to play in improving access to higher education moving forward, from elected officials and corporate leaders to academic institutions and government institutions. The Court has changed the law. Now, we must change the system. Join us as we fight harder than ever so that every student who wants to go to college has a fair shot to do so.
Celebrating 60 Years
January 6th Insurrection
On January 6, 2021, U.S. Capitol Police officers risked their lives to protect our democracy. They faced a violent, mass attack on the Capitol driven by intentional misinformation aimed at overturning the legitimate results of an election in which record numbers of Black voters made their voices heard. The violent attack was designed to threaten and intimidate those involved in conducting and protecting the election certification process. It was not just an attack on people or property, but an attack on democracy itself.
The national, nonpartisan Election Protection coalition works year-round to ensure that all voters have an equal opportunity to vote and have that vote count. Made up of more than 100 local, state and national partners, Election Protection uses a wide range of tools and activities to protect, advance and defend the right to vote. Election Protection provides Americans from coast to coast with comprehensive information and assistance at all stages of voting – from registration, to absentee and early voting, to casting a vote at the polls, to overcoming obstacles to their participation. Election Protection helps voters make sure their vote is counted through a number of resources, including: A suite of voter helplines, Voter Protection field programs across the country, and digital outreach tools. Throughout the election cycle we’re working tirelessly to protect the vote.
Blog, Press Releases & Newsclips
Lawyers’ Committee Praises President Biden’s Commutations of 37 Federal Death Sentences
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Damon Hewitt, president and executive director of the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, issued this statement in response to the announcement that President Biden commuted the death sentences of 37 individuals on the federal death row....
Lawyers’ Committee Recognizes Paul, Weiss LLC with its Annual Pro Bono Award for Work Against Hate and Announces New Board Members
WASHINGTON—The Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law honored the outstanding pro bono service and stellar commitment to advancing equity and also welcomed new members to its storied Board of Directors during its annual board meeting and awards reception,...
Lawyers’ Committee Recognizes House Taskforce AI Report Recommendations and Urges Congress to Pass Policies Which Protect Civil Rights From AI Abuses
WASHINGTON, DC – On Wednesday, House AI task force co-chairs Reps. Jay Obernolte (R-Calif.) and Ted Lieu (D-Calif.) released the Bipartisan House Task Force report on Artificial Intelligence. The report makes clear that Congress has a role and responsibility to...
Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Defends Diversity Grant Program that Levels the Playing Field for Small Business Owners
WASHINGTON— On Wednesday, the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law and a coalition of five prominent civil rights groups filed an amicus brief in Alexandre et. al v. Amazon, defending a private grant program designed to...
Legacy Civil Rights Leaders Applaud President Biden’s Historic Action on Clemency, Urge Further Action to Solidify His Racial Justice Legacy
WASHINGTON, DC (December 12, 2024) - The heads of eight legacy civil rights organizations commend President Joe Biden for his unwavering commitment to racial equity and congratulate him on today’s historic decision to commute the sentences of nearly 1,500 individuals...
Civil Rights Champion Sparkle Sooknanan Confirmed as Federal Judge
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Damon Hewitt, president and executive director of the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law issued the following statement in reaction to the United States Senate’s vote to confirm Sparkle Sooknanan as a federal judge for the...
