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 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.
Blog, Press Releases & Newsclips
Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law Applauds Office of Management and Budget Guidance on Artificial Intelligence
WASHINGTON—The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) released its final guidance on Artificial Intelligence (AI) on Thursday, titled Advancing Governance, Innovation, and Risk Management for Agency Use of Artificial Intelligence. The guidance requires federal agencies...
Civil, Legal and Latino Advocates Applaud Smithsonian Museum for Standing Firm to Protect Program that Increases Opportunity
WASHINGTON-– A United States District Court for the District of Columbia is likely to approve a proposed settlement in the case American Alliance for Equal Rights v. Jorge Zamanillo, a lawsuit filed by Edward Blum challenging an internship program offered by the...
Voting Rights Win in New Mexico: Navajo Community Gains Equal Opportunity to Elect Preferred Candidates in Second San Juan County Commission District
Suppressing the Power of Navajo Voters Has Resulted in Policies that Hurt the Community ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (March 25, 2024) – Today, the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, the UCLA Voting Rights Project (UCLA VRP), the ACLU of New Mexico, the...
Voting Rights Orgs Release Memo Citing Concerns with Using Mail Deliverability in Voter List Maintenance; Provide Recommendations for Keeping Eligible Voters Registered
DURHAM, NC (March 20, 2024) — Voting rights advocates released a memorandum this week addressing the challenges and implications surrounding the use of mail returned as undeliverable in voter list maintenance. The memo is intended to guide advocates...
National Civil Rights and Latino Organizations Join Fight to Protect Program to Increase Diversity at Smithsonian Museum
WASHINGTON— A group of national civil rights and Latino organizations filed an amicus brief on Friday in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia defending an internship program for undergraduate students offered by the Smithsonian Museum of the...
Lawyers’ Committee President Testifies Before Senate Judiciary Committee on Voter Suppression and Need for Reform
WASHINGTON— Damon T. Hewitt, president and executive director of the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, will testify on March 12 before the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee as part of their hearing entitled: “The Right Side of History: Protecting Voting...
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.