Problems with voting? Call the Election Protection hotline at 866-OUR-VOTE.

Newsroom

Welcome to the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law’s Newsroom. This page contains our press releases, news clips and blog posts.

We have subject matter experts on civil rights issues ready to handle inquiries from journalists on such issues as voting rights, criminal justice, economic justice, fair housing, educational opportunity, racial justice matters and more.

Looking to arrange an interview or book a speaker? Contact press@lawyerscommittee.org

Search our Newsroom:

Starbucks’s ‘full-scale racial equity overhaul’ will take more than an afternoon, outside review says

Jul 2, 2018 |

In consultation with their attorneys, Donte Robinson and Rashon Nelson worked with the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law to craft their own recommendations for Starbucks, which included sponsoring an SAT and college prep program for public school students in Philadelphia and developing a internal complaint process to investigate customer complaints of discrimination. “What happened to us shouldn’t happen to anyone,” Robinson said.

Kennedy’s departure from high court could benefit business interests

Jul 2, 2018 |

Under the [disparate impact] principle, lawsuits can be won when an action has an outsized negative effect on a specific ethnic, racial, gender or other group, even if there is no evidence of discriminatory intent. “The banking and insurance industries have set their sights on attacking the disparate impact standard,” said Kristen Clarke, president of the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law. She urged senators to grill Trump’s nominee on the issue during the Senate confirmation process expected later this summer.

When the Supreme Court Locks Arms With Republicans

Jun 28, 2018 |

“For the public to have confidence in the Supreme Court, we want to feel the justices are fairly and independently wrestling with the cases before them,” said Kristen Clarke, the president and executive director of the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, in an interview. “And, sadly, these last few weeks have felt both predictable and polarizing.”

‘Very Fine People on Both Sides’? Heather Heyer’s Alleged Killer Faces Hate Crime Charges.

Jun 28, 2018 |

Kristen Clarke, president and executive director of the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, said in a statement that the group was “pleased with the federal indictment” against Fields. She said the Trump administration must do more to “fully confront the growing hate crime crisis we are seeing across the country. Silence on the part of Attorney General Jeff Sessions was simply not an option as the Charlottesville Unite the Right rally stands as one of the most violent hate rallies to be carried out in this country in recent time.”

Elated v. Scared: Americans Are Divided on Justice Kennedy’s Retirement

Jun 28, 2018 |

“That swing vote has been critical in so many civil rights cases,” said Ms. Clarke, the director of the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law. “These have been some devastating moments for people who care about the most vulnerable in the country. These last few weeks of the court are just a reminder of how high the stakes are.”

The Supreme Court dealt a devastating blow to voting rights this term

Jun 28, 2018 |

Kristen Clarke, the president and executive director of the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, told ThinkProgress that states previously covered by the VRA and elections officials across the country have been emboldened by the Shelby County decision, and the Supreme Court has done nothing to stop them. “We are seeing a court that is narrowing access to the ballot box by endorsing state efforts that make it harder for people to vote.”

Fields could face the death penalty in Aug. 12 hate crimes case

Jun 28, 2018 |

In a statement, Kristen Clarke, president and executive director of the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, said she was pleased with the federal indictment. The organization leads the Stop Hate Project, which helps community leaders, local government and law enforcement to combat hate.

“Hate crimes continue to proliferate in virtually every corner of our country,” she said. “We will continue to hold this Justice Department accountable when it comes to protecting victims of hate in this country, including those targeted at rallies, inside our schools, at the workplace and beyond.”

The Supreme Court Isn’t Going to Restrain Trump

Jun 28, 2018 |

“For the public to have confidence in the Supreme Court, we want to feel the justices are fairly and independently wrestling with the cases before them,” said Kristen Clarke, the president and executive director of the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law. “And, sadly, these last few weeks have felt both predictable and polarizing.”

They came seeking asylum. Now they want their children back.

Jun 28, 2018 |

One father from Guatemala told the attorneys that as he made his case to an asylum officer recently, he grew upset when asked whether he had spoken to his child. “He just broke down,” said Natasha Quiroga, a senior counsel with the nonprofit Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law. “The asylum officer stopped the interview and let [him] call the child.”