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
AI Civil Rights Act
The AI Civil Rights Act, championed by the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, ensures that innovation strengthens, not undermines, civil rights. It creates real transparency, strong safeguards, and accountability, so technology serves justice, not bias. 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
Statement from Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law on Decision Ruling Trump Can be Held Accountable for January 6 Insurrection
WASHINGTON — Today, President and Executive Director of the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law Damon Hewitt issued the following statement in response to the Smith v. Trump ruling. The court found that President Donald Trump is not immune from civil...
Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law Denounces Trump Executive Order Threatening Voting Rights
The Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law decried President Trump’s executive order restricting mail-in voting. Damon Hewitt, president and executive director, issued this statement: “Tonight, President Trump issued yet another unlawful executive order, this...
Lawyers’ Committee Congratulates Kristen Clarke on her Appointment as General Counsel of the NAACP
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Kristen Clarke was appointed as general counsel for the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). Clarke, a trailblazing civil rights lawyer and champion for justice, previously served as president and...
Federal Court Delivers Major Victory for Trafficking Survivors, Halting Anti-DEI Executive Orders and Harmful DOJ Funding Conditions
WASHINGTON — On Tuesday, Freedom Network USA secured a preliminary injunction against the Department of Justice (DOJ) that blocks them from forcing any grantee or contractor nationwide to certify that they do not operate DEI programs to receive funding. FNUSA is...
Statement from Lawyers’ Committee on the SAVE America Act
WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, the Senate is anticipated to bring the SAVE America Act to the floor for debate. If passed, the SAVE America Act will create additional barriers for eligible voters to register to vote and cast a ballot, and disrupt how elections...
Civil Rights Groups Urge the Supreme Court to Strike Down Trump’s Birthright Citizenship Executive Order
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Supreme Court should strike down President Trump’s executive order on birthright citizenship, according to an amicus brief filed by the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law and Howard University School of...
