The Lawyers' Committee Joins Lawsuit on Behalf of Historically Black Colleges & Universities Alleging Discrimination by the State of Maryland
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 08, 2009
CONTACT:
Stacie B. Royster Miller
202-662-8317, office
202-445-6101, mobile
smiller@lawyerscommittee.org
The Lawyers' Committee Joins Lawsuit on Behalf of Historically Black
Colleges & Universities Alleging Discrimination by the State of Maryland
WASHINGTON, D.C., JUNE 8, 2009 - In The Coalition for Equity and Excellence in Maryland Higher Education, et al. v. Maryland Higher Education Commission, et al., Civil No. MJG-06-2773, (D. Md.) (refiled December 31, 2007), the Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law and co-counsel Kirkland & Ellis LLP recently joined the team to represent the coalition and individual students and faculty from historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs). At issue in this case is the allegation that the state failed to ensure that HBCUs have achieved parity with Maryland's traditionally white institutions (TWIs) which violates the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment and Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 42 U.S.C. § 2000d.
Plaintiffs claim that Maryland has failed to (1) prohibit TWIs from unnecessarily duplicating programs at Bowie State University, University of Maryland Eastern Shore, Coppin State University and Morgan State University and (2) to adequately improve HBCU facilities. "We stand with the Coalition in our strong belief that Maryland should be held accountable to provide a level playing field to its HBCUs so they can compete meaningfully with traditionally white institutions," said Tricia Jefferson, senior counsel with the Lawyers' Committee.
Maryland previously operated a de jure, or unlawful, system of higher education, but after the Supreme Courts' ruling in United States v. Fordice, the state was required to affirmatively dismantle all effects of the segregated system. Despite evidence that Maryland has not eliminated the vestiges of the prior dual system of education, the State submitted a report to the Department of Education, Office of Civil Rights (OCR), alleging full compliance with Title VI, an action which prompted this lawsuit. Plaintiffs' are seeking equitable relief to ensure that Maryland's HBCUs are comparable and competitive with the TWIs.
The parties are currently in discovery which must be completed by January 15, 2010. A trial date has yet to be scheduled by the court. The Plaintiffs are also represented by the Civil Rights Clinic at Howard University School of Law.
About the Lawyers' Committee
The Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law (LCCRUL), 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. 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 fair lending, community development, employment discrimination, voting, education and environmental justice. For more information about the LCCRUL, visit www.lawyerscommittee.org.
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