New Resource: Investing in Racial Equity Through Charitable Grants And Services | Key legal insights & strategies for grantmakers & nonprofits in an evolving landscape.
The Fight Continues: We sent a letter to 150+ colleges, universities, and school superintendents urging them to reject flawed federal guidance and continue lawful efforts to foster diversity, equity and inclusion on campus.
The Fight for Affirmative Action
On June 29, 2023, the Supreme Court issued rulings in SFFA v. Harvard and SFFA v. UNC that significantly limit the use of race-conscious admissions. While affirmative action was not explicitly banned, the decisions weaken longstanding precedent and create new barriers for colleges and universities seeking to consider race as one of many factors in their admissions processes. Learn more
Model Online Civil Rights Act
AI tools used in facial recognition, hiring, tenant screening, and credit scoring often reinforce racial bias and discrimination. The Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law advocates for equity-centered technology and has released the model “Online Civil Rights Act” to ensure AI is developed and used responsibly, protecting the civil rights of Black communities and other communities of color. Learn more
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 counted. Made up of more than 300 local, state, and national partners, 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 ballot at the polls, to ensuring that election results are certified. Our core work includes direct voter assistance and education, advocacy, communication with election officials, and litigation. Throughout the election cycle, we’re here to help.
Blog, Press Releases & Newsclips
Lawyers’ Committee Welcomes Five Additional Board Members and Elects New Board Co-Chair, Vice-Chair
WASHINGTON – The Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law has elected a new board co-chair and vice-chair and also welcomed five accomplished attorneys to its board of directors. Dean of Drake University Law School Roscoe Jones, Jr., was elected...
Court Reaffirms Earlier Decision Granting Nationwide Injunction in Case Challenging Anti-DEI Executive Orders
The U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois issued an opinion in a case brought by Chicago Women in Trades (CWIT) challenging anti-Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion executive orders. In response, Sabrina Talukder, senior counsel with the Economic...
The Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law Honored Laurence Fishburne, Kristen Clarke, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, Chicago Women in Trades, and Yolanda Renee King at its 25th Annual Higginbotham Leadership Awards Gala
NEW YORK — The Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law hosted its 25th annual Higginbotham Leadership Awards Gala on Oct.16 at Cipriani Wall Street in New York. Marking the organization’s 62nd year of fighting for the protection and expansion of civil rights,...
Lawyers’ Committee Sues Trump Administration Over Anti-DEI Executive Orders on Behalf of Anti-Human Trafficking Organization
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Freedom Network USA (FNUSA) filed a lawsuit against the Trump Administration, challenging executive orders that severely restrict and chill Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives and jeopardize the future of its work to protect...
Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law and National Digital Inclusion Alliance Sue Over the Repeal of the Digital Equity Act Competitive Grant Program
The lawsuit alleges that the Trump administration’s termination of an entire congressionally mandated grant program under the Digital Equity Act is an unconstitutional overreach and strikes a blow to communities, leaving them cut off from basic online...
Legacy Civil Rights Organizations Condemn House Resolution Glorifying Charlie Kirk’s Record and Call for Meaningful Action to Address Hate
A coalition of leading civil rights organizations issued the following statement in response to recent developments, including the passage of House Resolution 719. While roundly condemning the murder of Charlie Kirk, the organizations remind Congress and all Americans...
