Washington, D.C. – The Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law is continuing its statewide campaign to combat food insecurity and its impact on low-income students in public schools across Florida. The organization launched its campaign following an incident at University High School in Orange City, Florida where a cafeteria worker denied a sophomore her lunch on her first day back at school because she owed 15 cents from a previous balance. After the incident, the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law advocated for reform of policies that harm the interests and undermine the safety of young people in school. In addition to their advocacy, the Lawyers’ Committee also made a significant financial contribution to University High School and four elementary schools in Palm Beach and Okaloosa County school districts with significant numbers of vulnerable students.
“All school children, regardless of their ability to pay, should have access to a sound education. Access to nutrition is critical to educational success. Yet, many households in lower-income communities of color experience high levels of food insecurity. Children should not feel ashamed and stigmatized by their inability to afford meals. The Lawyers’ Committee is proud to support schools working to increase food security among students,” said Dariely Rodriguez, Economic Justice Project Director at the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law.
About the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law
The Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization, was formed in 1963 at the request of President John F. Kennedy to involve the private bar in providing legal services to address racial discrimination. Now in its 56th year, the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law is continuing its quest to “Move America Toward Justice.” The principal mission of the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law is to secure, through the rule of law, equal justice for all, particularly in the areas of criminal justice, fair housing and community development, economic justice, educational opportunities, and voting rights.
Contact
Derrick Robinson, Lawyers’ Committee, DRobinson@LawyersCommittee.org, 202-662-8317
Reynolds Graves, Lawyers’ Committee, RGraves@LawyersCommittee.org, 202-662-8375
