Within days of taking office, President Trump issued executive orders that roll back critical civil rights protections, dismantle diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) initiatives, weaken criminal justice reforms, and restrict voting rights. These actions threaten the fundamental principles of equality and justice, disproportionately harming communities of color, workers, and vulnerable populations.
The Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law is committed to fighting back. Through legal action, advocacy, and public education, we will challenge these harmful policies, defend civil rights protections, and ensure that progress toward equity and justice is not undone. Now more than ever, we must remain vigilant and take action to safeguard the rights of all Americans.
Townhall: Executive Dis-Order: How the Trump Administration is Weaponizing Executive Orders to Dismantle Civil Rights
Defending Democracy in the Press
President Donald Trump’s executive orders signal a direct assault on civil rights, rolling back decades of progress in diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA), voting rights, and criminal justice reform. The Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law is at the forefront, challenging these actions through legal advocacy, public engagement, and policy work. Read more
Damon Hewitt Joins Rev. Al Sharpton On PoliticsNation
Economic Justice Project Director Katy Youker Discusses DEI on CNN
Damon Hewitt Joins Laura Coates Live on CNN (Watch full video)
Official Statements & Press Releases
- Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law Condemns the Pardon of January 6 Insurrection Defendants | January 21, 2025| Read more
- Lawyers’ Committee Urges Senators to Oppose the Nomination of Pamela Bondi for Attorney General | January 28, 2025 | Read more
- Lawyers’ Committee Condemns Removal of EEOC Commissioners and General Counsel | January 29, 2025 | Read more
- Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law Issues Statement on Confirmation of Pamela Bondi | February 4, 2025 | Read more
- Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law Urges Senators to Oppose Nomination of Linda McMahon for Secretary of Education | February 20, 2025 | Read more
- Civil Rights Groups Sue Trump Administration to Challenge Anti-DEI Executive Orders on Behalf of Nonprofit Serving Diverse Group of Women in the Skilled Trades | February 26, 2025| Read more
- Slashing Department of Education Staff is a Loss for America’s Students and Civil Rights | March 12, 2025 | Read more
Stay Informed: Follow Our Latest Updates
Justice Department Freezes Civil Rights Cases
The Trump administration has suspended all new civil rights cases at the Department of Justice, effectively sidelining federal civil rights enforcement.
- Damon Hewitt calls the move “unprecedented” and warns that it represents a failure to protect Americans from discrimination. | Read more: Washington Post (Jan. 22, 2025)
Federal DEI Staff Ordered on Leave
All federal DEI staff have been placed on leave as the administration cracks down on diversity initiatives.
- Dariely Rodriguez explains why these policies are essential to eliminating barriers, not creating preferential treatment. | Read more: The New York Times (Jan. 22, 2025)
Holding Trump Accountable for January 6
As Trump returns to office, questions of accountability for the January 6th Capitol attack remain. The Lawyers’ Committee’s Smith v. Trump lawsuit is among the last major legal efforts to hold him responsible.
- Edward Caspar, co-lead litigator, explains why this case matters. | Read more: Salon (Jan. 24, 2025)
Advocates Condemn Trump’s Remarks on DEI and Plane Crash
President Trump falsely linked DEI policies to a recent plane crash, drawing backlash from civil rights advocates.
- “He is the great divider of our times,” said Damon Hewitt, calling out the fear tactics used to stoke division. | Read more: USA Today (Jan.30, 2025)
Trump Administration Escalates DEI Crackdown in Education
The Trump administration threatens schools with funding cuts over race-conscious policies, expanding the Supreme Court’s affirmative action ruling.
- “The letter is simply wrong,” said Sumayya Saleh. “Schools still have lawful ways to advance diversity and equity.” | Read more: Education Week (Feb. 18, 2025)
Trump’s Black History Month Event Sparks Backlash
President Trump’s Black History Month event was widely criticized as self-serving and hypocritical amid his administration’s attacks on diversity initiatives.
- “He seems to be celebrating support for himself, not Black history,” said Damon Hewitt. | Read more: New York Times (Feb. 20, 2025)
Justice Department Deletes Police Misconduct Database
The DOJ removes a federal database tracking police misconduct, weakening civil rights enforcement.
- “This is unprecedented,” said Damon Hewitt, warning it could leave communities without recourse. | Read more: Washington Post (Feb. 21, 2025)
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