Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law

Today, October 1, marks the start of a critical 10-day federal court hearing on Texas’s illegal redistricting plan, a hearing that will determine whether the court grants a preliminary injunction to block the map. Robert Weiner, director of the Voting Rights Project at the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, made clear what’s at stake: “The governor said that’s what he was going to do, to remove these majority-minority districts, and the legislators echoed that in their statements during the debates. They were told to do it. They said they would do it. And they did it.” Weiner pointed to statistical evidence showing that the plan was deliberately designed to undermine the ability of communities of color to elect their candidates of choice— violating the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and the Fifteenth Amendment. “The racial composition of these new districts cannot be explained by partisanship, and they [the Texas governor and state legislators] really focused on race, just as they were told to do, and all of that is illegal.” The Lawyers’ Committee, alongside the Texas NAACP, first challenged Texas’s 2021 redistricting for intentional discrimination. When the 2025 plan made that discrimination worse—by eliminating majority-minority congressional districts—we filed to stop the map from taking effect. This is intentional discrimination, and it is unlawful. We are proud to stand at the forefront of this fight to defend fair representation in Texas and protect voting rights nationwide. #VotingRights #TexasRedistricting #CivilRights NAACP

This October, we mark the 80th anniversary of National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), a milestone honoring the contributions of workers with disabilities to America’s workplaces and economy. For decades, the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law has worked alongside partners to challenge systemic barriers and defend the rights of people with disabilities, from litigation to secure equal access to education for students with special needs, to advocacy ensuring equitable opportunities in the legal profession. NDEAM underscores that disability rights are civil rights. This year’s theme, “Celebrating Value and Talent,” is a reminder of the vital role workers with disabilities play in strengthening our communities, our workforce, and our shared future. #NDEAM #DisabilityInclusion #CivilRights

In July, we honored milestones in the fight for justice, from the 61st anniversary of the Civil Rights Act to Disability Pride Month, while advancing critical cases like ERC v. Meta and speaking out on threats to democracy, healthcare, and voting rights. Catch the highlights in our July newsletter! #CivilRights #DisabilityPride #VotingRights

At the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, we’ve fought for over 60 years to ensure that Black people and other people of color have the voice, opportunity, and power to make the promises of our democracy real. Now, we’re seeking a Senior Counsel or Counsel to join our Voting Rights Project in Washington, DC. This is a chance to: -⚖️ Litigate complex and high-impact cases to protect the right to vote and challenge discriminatory redistricting. -🗳️ Support Election Protection, the nation’s largest nonpartisan voter protection program. -📢 Lead advocacy efforts, partner with civil rights allies, and amplify the voices of underrepresented communities. Why Join Us? - Competitive salary range: $104,000 – $160,500 - Comprehensive benefits (healthcare, parental leave, 403(b) match, phone stipend) - Union-represented position with a transparent compensation structure - Opportunities to develop litigation expertise, mentor junior attorneys, and grow as a leader in the civil rights space If you’re ready to bring your skills and passion for racial justice to a national stage, we’d love to hear from you. 👉 Apply now and help us protect democracy: https://lnkd.in/ecq2VdWd  #CivilRights #VotingRights 

Happy #NationalVoterRegistrationDay! 🎉 Today we’re joining the nationwide, nonpartisan movement to make sure every voice is heard at the ballot box. ✅ Take a moment to check your registration ✅ Make a plan to be #VoteReady for Election Day If you have questions or run into issues voting, call or text the Election Protection hotline at 866-OUR-VOTE or visit 866ourvote.org. Let’s protect our democracy—together. #Vote #Election2025 #ElectionProtection #VotingRights

From September 15 to October 15, we honor the rich histories, achievements, traditions, and cultural diversity of Hispanic and Latino communities across the United States. At the Lawyers’ Committee, we recognize the profound impact Hispanic and Latino Americans have made—and continue to make—on our nation’s history, culture, and pursuit of justice. This month, and every month, we celebrate their advocacy, art, traditions, and leadership in shaping a more equitable and inclusive future. #HispanicHeritageMonth #CivilRights 

During National Hispanic-Serving Institutions Week, the Administration announced it will cut $350 million from programs that support colleges like Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs), Predominantly Black Institutions, and Native American-Serving Nontribal Institutions—schools that have opened doors to higher education for under-resourced students. Michael Pillera, director of the Educational Opportunities Project at the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, responded: “This week should be about celebrating Hispanic-Serving Institutions and the opportunities they create for students. Instead, the Administration is cutting $350 million from Minority-Serving Institution (MSI) programs—hurting colleges that expand opportunity for under-resourced students and weakening equity in higher education.” Congress must act now to protect schools and students that urgently need these funds. We urge everyone to call their Members of Congress at 202-224-3121 and demand this critically-needed funding be restored. The Lawyers’ Committee will continue to stand with students and institutions fighting for equity in higher education. #HigherEd #CivilRights #HSIsWeek

The U.S. Department of Justice recently issued guidance that misrepresents the law and threatens to chill colleges and universities from valuing students’ lived experiences in admissions. In SFFA v. Harvard and SFFA v. UNC, the Supreme Court was clear: students may write about, and colleges may consider, how race has shaped their journey, personal qualities, and unique ability to contribute to campus life.     Our new fact sheet—developed with coalition partners—sets the record straight: college essays can and should help schools see the whole student. Ignoring these perspectives ignores relevant indicators of merit, achievement, and the full measure of student potential. 📄 Download the fact sheet: https://lnkd.in/egeWegGJ  📚 Learn more about our Educational Opportunities Project: https://lnkd.in/ewWfPP9p  🔎 See our earlier joint fact sheet on DOJ’s memo: https://lnkd.in/evKpVyZV  #EducationalEquity #CivilRights #CollegeAccess #DiversityInEducation NAACP Legal Defense and Education Fund, Inc. Asian Americans Advancing Justice | AAJC National Women's Law Center LatinoJustice PRLDEF

We are thrilled to share that our President & Executive Director, Damon Hewitt, will be speaking at the 54th Annual Legislative Conference, taking place September 24–28, 2025, at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, DC. Damon will join the CBCF's Center for Policy Analysis and Research for its Black Policy Playbook session, “Forward Together: The Black Policy Playbook for an Equitable America,” on Wednesday, September 24, from 2:00–3:00 pm ET. Earlier this year, the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation and the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies released a co-developed policy agenda, “Forward Together: The Black Policy Playbook for an Equitable America.” This framework outlines seven key policy areas essential to Black advancement and offers solutions to some of the most pressing challenges facing Black communities. During this session, panelists will discuss the Playbook’s significance, explore how it can be applied in this pivotal moment, and highlight ways to advance equity and unity across the nation. Joining Damon on stage will be: - Andre M. Perry, PhD, Senior Fellow, Brookings Institution - Demetria McCain, Director of Policy, Legal Defense Fund (LDF) - Jessica Fulton, Senior Fellow, The Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies - Jonathan M. Cox, PhD, Vice President, Center for Policy Analysis & Research, Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Learn more and register here: https://lnkd.in/ebHZv-Vc #ALC54 #CivilRights Congressional Black Caucus Foundation

We’re delighted to share that Chavis Jones, counsel in the Educational Opportunities Project (EOP) at the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, will join a timely conversation hosted by the Roosevelt Institute: “The Cost of Freedom: Student Debt, Equity, and the Future of College” 📆 Thursday, September 4, 2025 🕡 6:30 – 8:00 PM ET 📍 Zoom Register here: https://lnkd.in/eYxFF8sU With more than 43 million Americans carrying $1.7 trillion in student loan debt, the affordability of higher education has become a defining equity and civil rights issue. The burden falls hardest on Black, brown, low-income, and first-generation students—impacting opportunities for wealth-building, homeownership, and long-term financial security. This 90-minute discussion will bring together advocates, experts, and policy leaders to: ✔️ Assess progress on student debt cancellation ✔️ Identify the gaps that remain ✔️ Explore bold visions for tuition-free college and debt justice Join us to hear Chavis and fellow panelists reflect on what’s at stake, and how we can reimagine higher education for all. #StudentDebt #HigherEdEquity #CivilRights