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 racist, white supremacist rhetoric and intentional misinformation aimed at overturning the legitimate results of an election. And not coincidentally, it was an election in which record numbers of Black voters made their voices heard.
Blog, Press Releases & Newsclips
Lawyers’ Committee and American Civil Liberties Union Defend Free Speech in Schools in Case Challenging HB1775
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma – On Monday, attorneys from the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, the American Civil Liberties Union, and the American Civil Liberties Union of Oklahoma appeared in court to request an injunction to stop the further...
Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Statement on the Passing of Justice Sandra Day O’Connor
In response to news of the passing of Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, Jon Greenbaum, chief counsel of the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, issued the following statement: “As we mourn the passing of Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, we...
Lawyers’ Committee Statement on Ruling by 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals that Weakens Voting Rights Act
WASHINGTON – Today, the 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals substantially weakened the core affirmative enforcement provision of the Voting Rights Act, disempowering everyday citizens and non-governmental organizations like the Arkansas State Conference...
Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights President and Executive Director Addresses AI Threats to Civil Rights at Senate Forum on Elections and Democracy
Washington, D.C.– Today, Damon Hewitt, President and Executive Director of the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, provided testimony for the AI Insight Forum on Elections & Democracy convened by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Senators Mike...
Governor Youngkin Accedes to Virginia NAACP Records Requests, Documents Show Voting Rights Withheld from Thousands Without Explanation or Justification
After rebuffing repeated requests, governor reverses course and provides documents ahead of court hearing RICHMOND, VIRGINIA – Public records pertaining to Governor Glenn Youngkin’s secretive voting rights restoration process were finally provided by his...
Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law Commends Biden Executive Order on Artificial Intelligence as Meaningful Step Forward
The organization welcomes this order, which readies the federal government to prevent and address bias and discrimination in new technologies; but more action is needed to fully address harmful AI uses by law enforcement. Washington, DC–President Joseph R. Biden...
Election Protection
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.