Civil and Human Rights Groups Urge Senate to Reject Dreiband as Head of Justice Department's Civil Rights Division

WASHINGTON - August 31, 2017- Today, The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, along with 77 civil and human rights groups, sent a letter to senators urging them to oppose the confirmation of Eric Dreiband to be the Assistant Attorney General of the Civil Rights Division at the U.S. Department of Justice. The Senate Judiciary Committee has announced that Dreiband will have his confirmation hearing on September 6.

The letter states: "Mr. Dreiband – like many other individuals who have been nominated by President Trump to lead federal offices whose missions they have challenged and opposed during their careers – is the wrong choice for this position, and we urge you to vote against him. This year marks the 60th anniversary of the Civil Rights Division. The American people deserve a leader of that office who will embrace its historic mission and statutory obligations, and fight for the civil rights of all in this great nation."

The letter also outlines concerns the groups have about Dreiband's record on women's rights; fair chance hiring; race, national origin, and age discrimination; transgender discrimination; and discrimination against American Muslims, among other concerns.

In June, The Leadership Conference announced its opposition to the nomination of Dreiband. That release is available here. In February, 129 civil rights groups sent a letter to Attorney General Jeff Sessions outlining the importance of the Civil Rights Division and the necessary qualities of the individual who should lead that office. That letter is available here.

The text of the letter sent today is available here.

The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights is a coalition charged by its diverse membership of more than 200 national organizations to promote and protect the rights of all persons in the United States. The Leadership Conference works toward an America as good as its ideals. For more information on The Leadership Conference and its 200-plus member organizations, visit www.civilrights.org.