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Democracy In Focus (Lawyers’ Committee Newsletter November 2025)

November was a moment for reflection and focus. We engaged the pressing legal and policy issues shaping our democracy—from the courts to the systems that determine access to justice and equal participation. Throughout the month, our work remained grounded in the law and guided by a deep commitment to civil rights. Together, these efforts point toward a future strengthened by thoughtful advocacy, collective resolve, and the belief that progress is always possible.

Election Day

Election Day was a powerful reminder that our vote is our voice—and it must be protected. Across the country, voters showed up determined to be heard, and we stood with them, sharing critical guidance to ensure no one was silenced. From reminding voters to stay in line when polls closed, to encouraging those facing registration challenges to assert their rights, we amplified a simple truth: every vote counts. With support from the Election Protection Hotline (866-OUR-VOTE) and resources at 866ourvote.org, voters had the tools they needed to make sure their voices were heard and our democracy remained strong.

Welcoming our 5 new board members.

We are excited to share that the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law has strengthened its leadership with the election of a new Board Co-Chair and Vice-Chair and the addition of five distinguished attorneys to its Board of Directors. These leaders bring deep experience across civil rights, public policy, and major litigation, reinforcing the Committee’s mission to advance racial justice and protect the promises of democracy. Their collective expertise—from voting rights and complex litigation to antitrust and criminal defense—will further empower the Lawyers’ Committee as it mobilizes the private bar to fight for equity and fairness across the nation. Read more: https://tinyurl.com/ysyrbmk8

Veterans Day

On Veterans Day, we honored the courage and sacrifice of all who have served in our nation’s armed forces. We reflected on the enduring leadership of veterans who have long stood on the front lines—not only in defense of our country, but also in the ongoing fight for civil rights, equality, and justice at home. As we marked the day, we expressed our deep gratitude and reaffirmed our commitment to ensuring every veteran has access to the rights, opportunities, and dignity they deserve.

Photo Highlights

Latino Justice Awards Gala

On November 13, 2025, The Latino Justice PRLDEF held their Annual Awards gala where they honored the work of Leaders and changemakers in the community.

Damon Hewitt, president and executive director of the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, receiving the Vanguard award at the Latino Justice Awards Gala.

Official Press Releases & Statements

  • Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law Reacts to Texas’s Request for the Supreme Court to Stay a Federal Court Ruling Blocking Texas’s Racially Gerrymandered Congressional Map | November 21, 2025
    A statement responding to the State of Texas’s request for the U.S. Supreme Court to stay a federal court ruling that blocked the state’s racially gerrymandered congressional maps. Read more
  • Federal Court Stops Texas’s 2025 Redistricting Map | November 18, 2025
    Statement announcing that a federal court issued a preliminary injunction blocking Texas’s 2025 redistricted maps and ordered the 2026 congressional elections to use the 2021 maps instead. Read more
  • Lawyers’ Committee Welcomes Five Additional Board Members and Elects New Board Co-Chair, Vice-Chair | November 6, 2025
    Announcement of new leadership elections and the addition of five accomplished attorneys to the Lawyers’ Committee board of directors. Read more

In the News: Defending Civil Rights in a Shifting Legal Landscape

  • Civil rights are under renewed threat across multiple fronts. Here are some of the month’s most impactful stories:

    Democracy, Accountability & National Impact

    MSNBC (Nov. 13, 2025) – The Quiet Victories Keeping American Democracy Alive
     The Lawyers’ Committee was cited among leading civil rights organizations whose sustained legal advocacy, data-driven strategies, and community partnerships are preserving democratic institutions amid mounting attacks on voting rights and fair representation. Read more.

    MSNBC – The Weeknight (Nov. 11, 2025)
     The Lawyers’ Committee was referenced during national broadcast coverage underscoring ongoing efforts to defend civil rights and democratic accountability. Read more.

    Civil Rights Enforcement & DOJ Retreat

    Capital B (Nov. 13, 2025) – From Fighting the Klan to Fighting DEI: The Justice Department’s Shift on Civil Rights
     Deputy Executive Director Shaylyn Cochrane joined other civil rights leaders in a long-form examination of the DOJ’s pullback from civil rights enforcement. The piece highlights how the Lawyers’ Committee continues advancing voting rights, criminal justice, and education litigation regardless of federal enforcement priorities. Read more.

    Digital Justice & Economic Equity

    Smart Cities Dive (Nov. 13, 2025) – Trump Called the Digital Equity Act ‘Racist and Illegal.’ This Nonprofit Is Pushing Back
     The outlet covered litigation led by the Lawyers’ Committee on behalf of the National Digital Inclusion Alliance challenging efforts to dismantle the Digital Equity Act. Senior Counsel Gillian Cassell-Stiga emphasized the law’s role in ensuring access to employment, healthcare, and education through broadband equity. Read more.

    DEI & Workplace Protections

    The Center Square (Nov. 3, 2025) – Judge: SCOTUS Ruling Doesn’t Necessarily End Block on Trump DEI Orders
     The article reported on ongoing litigation involving Chicago Women in Trades, represented by the Lawyers’ Committee’s Economic Justice Project, following a Supreme Court ruling impacting nationwide DEI injunctions. Read more.

Career Opportunities

Come join our team!

Events (December)

  • Christmas Day (Dec. 25, 2025)
  • Kwanzaa (Dec. 26, 2025 – Jan. 1, 2026)
  • New Year’s Day (Jan. 1, 2026)

Donate & Support

Give today to support voting rights, educational opportunities, digital justice, and to combat hate. Introducing our new Civil Rights and Solidarity Fund, where you can partner with us to meet the moment and help us take strategic action against the dismantling of civil rights. 

Every gift is an act of solidarity — and a building block for justice.

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The Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization, formed in 1963 at the request of President John F. Kennedy to mobilize the nation’s leading lawyers as agents for change in the Civil Rights Movement. Today, the Lawyers’ Committee uses legal advocacy to achieve racial justice, fighting inside and outside the courts to ensure that Black people and other people of color have the voice, opportunity, and power to make the promises of our democracy real. The Lawyers’ Committee implements its mission and objectives by marshaling the pro bono resources of the bar for litigation, public policy, advocacy and other forms of service by lawyers to the cause of civil rights.

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