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
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.
Defending Democracy
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 Condemns The Arrest and Forced Removal of Sen. Padilla From Today’s DHS Press Conference
WASHINGTON D.C. – Damon T. Hewitt, President and Executive Director of the Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, released the following statement after Senator Alex Padilla (D-CA) was forcibly removed and arrested during today’s Department of Homeland...
Civil Rights Organizations Issue Joint Statement on the Los Angeles Immigration Protest
WASHINGTON, D.C. (June 9, 2025) - - Leaders of eight legacy civil rights organizations today issued the following joint statement in response to the current administration’s immigration raids and the responsive protests in the Los Angeles area: “We stand in full and...
Georgia Supreme Court Upholds Block on Hand Counting Rule in Major Win for Voters
ATLANTA — In a critical victory for Georgia voters, the Georgia Supreme Court today upheld a lower court’s decision permanently blocking a rule that would have required hand counting of ballots at polling places before tabulation — a process widely...
Three New Advocates Join Lawyers’ Committee to Advance Work on Criminal Justice, Technology, Education
Organization Expands Ongoing Work to Defend Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Washington, D.C. – The Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law announced the hiring of three senior staff members who will help advance the organization’s work across key issue areas,...
Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law Names Shaylyn Cochran as Deputy Executive Director
Cochran Previously Served as Deputy Chief of Staff and Senior Counselor to Attorney General Merrick Garland at the U.S. Department of Justice WASHINGTON, DC – Today, the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law announced veteran civil rights attorney and policy...
Lawyers’ Committee Civil Rights Legal Experts Denounce Trump Administration’s Latest Executive Orders
Washington, D.C. — This week, the White House issued a series of executive orders that distort civil rights protections, seeking to weaponize the law against the very communities it was designed to protect. The executive orders attack long-standing civil rights...
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