Sign-On Letters & Statements
As part of our mission to advance civil rights and protect democracy, the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law regularly joins coalitions of advocacy organizations to speak out on urgent legal and policy issues. This section features joint letters and public statements we have signed in solidarity with national partners—defending equal opportunity, opposing governmental overreach, and demanding justice and accountability. These documents reflect our unwavering commitment to equity, inclusion, and the rule of law.
Explore our latest sign-ons and see how we’re taking collective action to protect civil rights across the country.
January 2025
Sign-On Letter: Opposition to the Nomination of Pamela Jo Bondi for Attorney General
January 28, 2025 – The Lawyers’ Committee joined The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights and 92 partner organizations in strongly opposing the nomination of Pamela Jo Bondi to serve as Attorney General of the United States. The letter outlines Ms. Bondi’s troubling record and lack of independence, citing her role in efforts to overturn the 2020 election, her positions undermining voting rights, LGBTQ+ rights, reproductive freedom, and immigrant protections. The signatories warn that her confirmation would threaten the integrity of the Department of Justice and erode trust in its mission to enforce civil rights and uphold democratic principles.
February 2025
Opposition to the Nomination of Linda McMahon for Secretary of Education
February 27, 2025 – The Lawyers’ Committee submitted a letter to the U.S. Senate opposing the nomination of Linda McMahon for Secretary of Education, citing her lack of qualifications, experience, and demonstrated commitment to advancing educational equity. The letter highlights McMahon’s unfamiliarity with foundational federal education laws, her inability to articulate how she would enforce civil rights protections, and the broader context of efforts by the current administration to dismantle public education and civil rights enforcement. The Lawyers’ Committee urges the Senate to reject this nomination and affirm its responsibility to protect access to quality, inclusive education for all students.
March 2025
Opposition to the Nomination of Harmeet Dhillon for Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights
March 5, 2025 – The Lawyers’ Committee submitted a letter to the U.S. Senate opposing the nomination of Harmeet Dhillon to lead the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division. The letter cites her troubling record of promoting election disinformation, undermining voting rights, and refusing to commit to enforcing core civil rights protections. It warns that Ms. Dhillon’s nomination threatens the integrity of the Civil Rights Division and risks politicizing its mission. The Lawyers’ Committee urges the Senate to reject the nomination and ensure the Division is led by someone committed to upholding justice, the rule of law, and the civil rights of all Americans.
Sign-On Letter: Restore Arlington National Cemetery’s Inclusive Historical Content
March 18, 2025 – The Lawyers’ Committee joined veterans, civil rights, and advocacy organizations in calling on President Trump and the Secretary of Defense to immediately restore historical content removed from Arlington National Cemetery’s website that honored the service of Black, Latino, AAPI, LGBTQ+, Indigenous, women, and disabled veterans. The letter condemns the erasure as part of a broader attack on diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts, warning that it dishonors the contributions of historically marginalized service members and undermines national unity and military readiness. The signatories demand the reinstatement of these educational materials and the reversal of related policies that threaten equitable access to veterans’ benefits and representation in military history.
Nearly Two Dozen Leading Civil Rights Groups Condemn Trump Administration Memo Threatening Lawyers and Law Firms That Bring Suits Against the Federal Government
March 22, 2025 – Yesterday, the White House sent a memo to U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi and U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem directing the Department of Justice to pursue sanctions against lawyers and law firms that pursue what the Trump administration deems “unreasonable” or “frivolous” litigation against the federal government.
Today, a group of 22 civil rights organizations, including the Legal Defense Fund, the Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights under Law, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), the Southern Poverty Law Center, the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Latino Justice, the Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund, the National Women’s Law Center, Asian Americans Advancing Justice – AAJC, Lambda Legal, the National Immigration Law Center, Demos, NAACP, the National Urban League, the National Action Network, the National Coalition for Black Civic Participation, National Council of Negro Women, the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), Common Cause, the National Partnership for Women and Families, End Citizens United, and UnidosUS vehemently condemn President Trump’s memorandum and call for urgent action to defend the rule of law.
The Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law is proud to be one of 134 civil rights organizations that signed an open letter to the American people: “Our Rights Are at Stake. We Will Not Be Silenced.”
March 26, 2025 “Our rights are under attack — but we will not be silenced. The American people must stand together to defend democracy, justice, and freedom.” — Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law
Take the pledge. Stand up. Speak out.
Read the open letter and join the movement!
Sign-On Letter: Opposition to the SAVE Act (H.R. 22)
March 28, 2025The Lawyers’ Committee joined The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights and national civil rights partners in opposing the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act, H.R. 22. The letter warns that the bill would impose burdensome proof-of-citizenship requirements to register to vote, disproportionately impacting Latino, Black, and other voters of color. The signatories reject the bill’s reliance on disinformation about noncitizen voting and highlight the risk of mass voter purges and widespread disenfranchisement. They urge Congress to oppose the SAVE Act and instead advance legislation that protects and expands access to the ballot.
Take the pledge. Stand up. Speak out.
April 2025
Letter to the Civil Rights Division at DOJ Expressing Concerns
April 1, 2025 – The Lawyers’ Committee joined more than 70 civil rights organizations in signing a letter led by The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights expressing deep concern about recent actions and policy shifts within the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division. The letter urges the Division to reaffirm its commitment to enforcing civil rights protections, upholding transparency, and advancing equity in line with its stated mission.
FCRA Rulemaking Sign-On Letter
April 2, 2025 – The Lawyers’ Committee joined advocacy partners in submitting a comment letter to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) in support of the CFPB’s proposed rule that would revise Regulation V to clarify that data brokers are subject to the Fair Credit Reporting Act. The letter addresses how data brokers collect and exploit personal information in harmful ways, including allowing demographic information, like race and sex, to be used for consequential decisions.
Statement of Support: Strengthening Democracy Through Federal Election Funding
April 11, 2025 – The Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law has proudly joined a coalition of over 50 organizations in signing a national letter urging Congress to allocate $825 million in federal funding to support state and local election administration in Fiscal Year 2026.
Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law Joins 44 Civil Rights and Education Advocacy Organizations in Calling on State Education Leaders to Defend Equal Educational Opportunity Amid Federal Compliance Push
April 14, 2025 — The Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law has joined with 44 other civil rights and education advocacy organizations in urging State and Local Education Agencies to uphold and expand their commitments to equity, inclusion, and access in K–12 education—despite recent chilling guidance issued by the U.S. Department of Education.
Civil Rights Coalition Unity Pact
April 21, 2025 – The Lawyers’ Committee proudly joined “The Pact,” a unity statement led by The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights and supported by a broad coalition of civil rights organizations. The Pact affirms a shared commitment to collective action in response to escalating threats to democracy, diversity and inclusion initiatives, and fundamental civil liberties. It outlines core principles and coordinated strategies to protect vulnerable communities, counter disinformation, and confront rising authoritarianism.
Sign-On Letter: Opposition to Antisemitism Awareness Act
April 29, 2025 – The Lawyers’ Committee joined civil liberties, civil rights, and Jewish advocacy organizations in opposing the Antisemitism Awareness Act (S. 558), citing serious concerns about its impact on free speech. The letter argues that the bill’s broad and vague definition of antisemitism risks conflating legitimate criticism of Israeli government policies with antisemitic speech, potentially chilling academic freedom and student activism on college campuses. The signatories urge lawmakers to uphold First Amendment protections while combating antisemitism through more effective and constitutionally sound means.
May 2025
Sign-On Letters: Support for the Community Safety Legislative and Appropriations Agendas
May 1, 2025 – The Lawyers’ Committee joined nearly 100 civil rights, public health, and justice organizations in urging Congress to advance the 2025 Community Safety Legislative Agenda and FY 2026 Community Safety Appropriations Agenda. These agendas call for new programming and robust investments in violence prevention, public health-based safety, mental health crisis response, youth employment, affordable housing, and full-service community schools. They emphasize a shift away from punitive models and toward evidence-based, community-rooted solutions that promote long-term safety, equity, and opportunity for all. The signatories advocate for a federal commitment to policies that address the root causes of harm and support thriving communities.
Sign-On Letter: Protect Hate Crime Grants and the Community Relations Service
May 5, 2025 – The Lawyers’ Committee joined civil rights partners in urging Congress to restore and safeguard funding for the Department of Justice’s hate crime prevention grants and the Community Relations Service. The letter emphasizes the critical role these programs play in supporting communities experiencing increased threats, targeted violence, and hate incidents—particularly in light of recent federal funding rollbacks. The signatories call on lawmakers to uphold these vital resources that promote safety, equity, and community trust.
Sign-On Letter: Opposing Harmful “Tough on Crime” Legislation During Police Week
May 12, 2025 – The Lawyers’ Committee joined The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, LDF, and national partners in urging congressional leaders to reject punitive “tough on crime” legislation traditionally introduced during Police Week. The letter warns that these measures fuel mass incarceration, disproportionately target Black and Brown communities, and divert resources from the proven community-based strategies that actually enhance safety. The signatories call on Congress to invest instead in violence prevention, behavioral health services, education, and economic opportunity—affirming that true public safety comes from addressing root causes of harm, not expanding law enforcement without accountability.
Sign-On Letter: Opposition to DOJ Investigation into Hennepin County Attorney’s Office
May 20, 2025 – The Lawyers’ Committee joined civil rights and justice organizations in opposing the U.S. Department of Justice’s investigation into the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office (HCAO), which had recently issued guidance aimed at reducing bias in prosecutorial decision-making. The letter defends HCAO’s policy as a lawful, evidence-based approach to addressing racial disparities in Minnesota’s criminal legal system and condemns the DOJ’s inquiry as politically motivated. The signatories warn that such investigations undermine prosecutorial independence, erode community trust, and misuse civil rights enforcement tools for partisan ends.
Sign-On Letter: Urging Congress to Fund Title III and Restore OELA
May 20, 2025 – The Lawyers’ Committee joined UnidosUS and over 80 organizations in calling on Congress to allocate $1 billion for the English Language Acquisition (Title III) program in the FY 2026 appropriations bill—without offsetting cuts to other education programs. The letter highlights the urgent need to support over 5 million English learners nationwide and criticizes recent efforts to eliminate Title III funding and dismantle the Office of English Language Acquisition (OELA). The signatories urge lawmakers to not only increase Title III investments but also include bill language restoring OELA as a standalone, fully staffed office to ensure effective administration and oversight of services essential to English learner success.
Sign-On Letter: Opposition to Olivia Trusty’s Nomination for FCC Commissioner
May 22, 2025 – The Lawyers’ Committee joined The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights and partner organizations in opposing the nomination of Olivia Trusty to serve as Commissioner of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). The letter raises concerns about threats to the agency’s independence, particularly following recent politically motivated dismissals at the FTC. It urges the Senate to withhold confirmation until the administration provides written assurance that the FCC will remain fully staffed with five commissioners, including maintaining bipartisan representation. The signatories stress that regulatory independence is vital to the FCC’s mission of promoting universal connectivity, protecting consumers, and ensuring a diverse media ecosystem.
June 2025
Sign-On Letter: 45+ Organizations Oppose Kimberly Richey for Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
June 25, 2025 – The Lawyers’ Committee joined The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights and 44 civil rights and education organizations in opposing the nomination of Kimberly Richey to serve as Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights at the U.S. Department of Education. The letter cites Richey’s record of undermining core civil rights protections, including her opposition to Title IX protections for LGBTQ+ students, her mischaracterization of critical race theory, and her role in promoting policies that restrict equity-focused education. The signatories assert that Richey lacks the demonstrated commitment to uphold federal civil rights laws and protect all students from discrimination, and they urge the Senate to reject her nomination.
Opposition to Senate Reconciliation Bill (H.R. 1)
June 26, 2025 – The Lawyers’ Committee joined seven leading national civil rights organizations in strongly opposing the Senate amendment to H.R. 1, the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” citing its devastating impact on Black communities and vulnerable populations across the country. The letter outlines how the bill would impose unprecedented cuts to Medicaid, SNAP, student financial aid, reproductive care, and the Child Tax Credit, while advancing harmful policies such as a 10-year moratorium on AI regulation and increased funding for mass deportations. It also condemns provisions that threaten judicial independence, dismantle the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, and undermine the rule of law. The signatories urge Congress to reject the bill in its entirety and protect the civil and economic rights of all Americans.
July 2025
Opposition to the Nomination of Kimberly Richey for Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights at the U.S. Department of Education
July 8, 2025 – The Lawyers’ Committee submitted a letter to the U.S. Senate opposing the nomination of Kimberly Richey to serve as Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights at the U.S. Department of Education. The letter cited Ms. Richey’s record of rolling back protections for students of color, LGBTQ+ students, and students with disabilities during her prior tenure, as well as her public opposition to key civil rights tools such as disparate impact analysis. The Lawyers’ Committee argued that her views and actions undermined civil rights enforcement, particularly regarding school discipline and protections for marginalized students. The letter urged the Senate to reject her nomination and called for leadership at the Office for Civil Rights that would demonstrate a clear and consistent commitment to advancing equity and protecting students’ civil rights.
Opposition to the Nomination of Emil Bove to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit
July 16, 2025 – The Lawyers’ Committee submitted a letter to the U.S. Senate opposing the nomination of Emil Bove to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit. The letter cited Mr. Bove’s role in undermining the impartiality and integrity of the Department of Justice by using his authority to advance President Trump’s personal and political interests—including interfering in the prosecution of the January 6 insurrection, retaliating against career officials, and dismissing charges against political allies. The Lawyers’ Committee argued that Mr. Bove’s actions demonstrated a pattern of misconduct, political loyalty over constitutional duty, and a disregard for prosecutorial independence—making him unfit for a lifetime appointment to the federal bench. The letter urged the Senate to reject his nomination to preserve judicial independence and public trust.
September 2025
Sign-On Letter: Support for the Marijuana Opportunity, Reinvestment, and Expungement (MORE) Act of 2025
September 10, 2025 – The Lawyers’ Committee joined civil rights, criminal justice, and drug policy organizations in urging members of the U.S. House of Representatives to cosponsor the Marijuana Opportunity, Reinvestment, and Expungement (MORE) Act of 2025 (H.R. 5068). The letter emphasized the need to fully deschedule marijuana from the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) to end federal prohibition, expunge prior convictions, and ensure that the emerging cannabis industry is equitable and inclusive. The signatories warned that proposals to merely reschedule marijuana would fail to eliminate criminal penalties or repair the harm caused by decades of discriminatory enforcement, particularly in communities of color. They called on Congress to support the MORE Act’s comprehensive approach to marijuana justice and invest in communities most impacted by criminalization.
Sign-On Letter: Commitment to Defend D.C.’s Autonomy
September 24, 2025 – The Lawyers’ Committee joined more than 150 national, state, and local organizations in urging congressional leaders to respect the District of Columbia’s right to self-governance and democratic representation. The letter called on members of Congress to oppose any federal legislation that would override or revoke laws enacted by D.C. voters or representatives. Citing a pattern of federal overreach—including police militarization, forced budget cuts, and attempts to repeal the Home Rule Act—the signatories framed these attacks on D.C.’s autonomy as threats to democracy nationwide. The letter urged lawmakers to commit to voting against any effort that undermines D.C.’s democratic institutions or interferes with local policy decisions.