The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights (67 Articles with 181,985 total views)
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 civil and human rights of all persons in the United States. Through advocacy and outreach to targeted constituencies, The Leadership Conference works toward the goal of a more open and just society – an America as good as its ideals.
August, 2021
President Biden Must Do More To Protect Voting Rights
WASHINGTON - July 13, 2021 - Wade Henderson, interim president and CEO of The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, released the following statement after President Biden delivered remarks today in Philadelphia on voting rights: "We welcome President Biden's commitments today and applaud the steps he has taken thus far. He must do even more and use the full weight of his office to protect the freedom to vote and stop the onslaught of un-American, anti-voter scams being pushed across the country. Pennsylvania is just one of many states where politicians have spread lies about an election that trusted officials conducted and verified.
May, 2018
Civil and Human Rights Groups Urge Senate to Reject Pompeo
WASHINGTON – The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights joined 54 other civil and human rights groups in urging U.S. Senate opposition to the confirmation of Secretary of State nominee Michael Pompeo. The groups noted Pompeo's troubling history of statements and policy positions, which imperils his ability to represent all in America and to promote human rights abroad.
Leaders and Advocates: Duncan and Vitter Are Unfit to Serve as Judges in Louisiana
WASHINGTON - April 16, 2018 – Today, civil rights leaders and Louisiana advocates held a telephone press briefing in opposition to President Trump's nomination of Stuart Kyle Duncan to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit and Wendy Vitter to the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana.
April, 2018
Nationwide Campaign Marks 50th Anniversary of Landmark Supreme Court Decision in Piggie Park Racial Discrimination Case
(Washington, D.C.) March 15, 2018-Fifty years ago, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a ruling in the landmark Newman v. Piggie Park Enterprises case. Piggie Park, a small barbeque chain still open today, wanted the right to refuse service to African American customers. The owner, a segregationist, claimed that the Civil Rights Act of 1964 violated his religious freedom. The Supreme Court delivered a resounding and swift rebuke of the barbeque chain on March 18, 1968, definitively ruling that the restaurant could no longer discriminate.
March, 2018
Civil and Human Rights Coalition Condemns Committee Approval of Nielson
WASHINGTON – February 8, 2018 Vanita Gupta, president and CEO of The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, issued the following statement after the Senate Judiciary Committee today voted, on a party-line basis, to advance the nomination of Howard Nielson to be a U.S. District Judge for the District of Utah: "Yet again, the Senate Judiciary Committee Republicans are rubber stamping Trump's extreme judicial nominees. The courts are being remade in his image by the Senate's advancement of nominees who have very troubling records.
Civil and Human Rights Coalition Urges Labor Department to Allow Workers to Keep their Tips
WASHINGTON - February 5, 2018 – Today, The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights submitted comments to the Department of Labor (DOL) in response to the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) to rescind portions of tip regulations DOL issued in 2011 pursuant to the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). The Leadership Conference noted the proposed rule deviates from DOL's longstanding position, threatens the economic security of millions of working people and their families, and will have a disproportionate impact on women – particularly women of color.
Civil and Human Rights Coalition: Sessions Not Attorney General 'For All People'
WASHINGTON - February 9, 2018 – Vanita Gupta, president and CEO of The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, issued the following statement on the one-year anniversary of Attorney General Jeff Sessions' time in office: "Jeff Sessions is not an Attorney General for all people. His first year in office has ushered in unprecedented rollbacks of civil and human rights at the expense of people across this country – particularly the most vulnerable. By attacking voting rights, undercutting criminal justice reforms, rolling back protections for LGBTQ individuals, and undermining or eliminating a slew of anti-discrimination policies, Sessions has advanced an anti-civil rights agenda from day one.
The Leadership Conference Opposes the Confirmation of Ryan Bounds to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit
February 22, 2018 - Today, The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights sent a letter to the Senate urging opposition to the confirmation of Ryan Bounds to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit.
February, 2018
The Leadership Conference Opposes the Confirmation of Howard Nielson to the U.S. District Court for the District of Utah
January 9, 2017 - Today, The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights sent a letter to the Senate urging opposition to the confirmation of Howard Nielson to be a U.S. District Judge for the District of Utah The letter is pasted below, and is also available here: https://civilrights.org/oppose-confirmation-howard-nielson-u-s-district-court-district-utah/.
The Leadership Conference Timeline: Trump Administration's Civil and Human Rights Rollbacks
January 31, 2018 - In its first year, the Trump administration has launched an across-the-board assault on our nation's civil and human rights. Today, The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights issued a timeline of the Trump administration's rollbacks on civil and human rights. That list is pasted below and is available here: https://civilrights.org/trump-rollbacks/.
January, 2018
Civil and Human Rights Coalition Applauds Withdrawal of Mateer, Decries Confirmation of Willett
WASHINGTON – Vanita Gupta, president and CEO of The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, issued the following statement after the White House indicated the nomination of Jeffrey Mateer to the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas will not be moving forward, while at the same time, the Senate voted, on a party-line basis, to confirm Don Willett to serve on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit: "Jeffrey Mateer should not serve as a federal judge, and we welcome the decision to not move forward on his nomination. He failed to disclose to the Senate outrageous comments demonstrating clear bias. As is now widely known, Mateer described transgender children as proof of "Satan's plan." He also blasted efforts to prevent gay conversion therapy, a practice that groups like the American Pediatric Association and American Psychiatric Association have said is mentally harmful. Such a person is not worthy of a lifetime appointment to the federal judiciary.
Civil and Human Rights Coalition Blasts Latest Trump Administration Move to Censor Truth and Science
WASHINGTON - December 16, 2017 - – Shin Inouye, director of communications and media relations of The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, issued the following statement regarding the news that the Center for Disease Control has banned the use of certain words including transgender, evidence-based, and diversity: "President Trump and his administration have launched the latest salvo in their all-out war on truth and science. This latest tactic could be taken from a George Orwell novel, or taken by an oppressive authoritarian regime. Banning the use of words like transgender, science-based, and diversity will only harm the public health as the CDC carries out its important mission
Civil and Human Rights Coalition Blasts Senate Confirmation of Leonard Steven Grasz
WASHINGTON - December 12, 2017 – Vanita Gupta, president and CEO of The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, issued the following statement after the Senate today voted, on a party-line basis, to confirm Leonard Steven Grasz to serve on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit: "Yet again, the Senate Republicans have rubber stamped an extreme and highly troubling Trump judicial nominee, one who is clearly not qualified to serve as a federal judge.
Civil and Human Rights Coalition Sounds the Alarm on Trump Administration Attacks on Federal Data and Civil Rights
WASHINGTON - December 13, 2017 – The federal government's collection, reporting, and protection of accurate, comprehensive data is central to implementing, monitoring, and evaluating civil rights laws and policies. But the Trump administration is taking steps that undermine all of these pillars of data collection. In response to this growing threat, today, The Leadership Conference Education Fund issued a paper, Misinformation Nation: The Threat to America's Federal Data and Civil Rights, which highlights the importance of data and the present threats to civil rights-related data collection.
The Leadership Conference Opposes the Confirmation of Matthew Kacsmaryk to the U.S. District Court
December 12, 2017 - Today, The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights sent a letter to the Senate urging opposition to the confirmation of Matthew Kacsmaryk to be a U.S. District Judge for the Northern District of Texas.
December, 2017
Civil and Human Rights Coalition Condemns Confirmation of Amy Barrett to U.S. Court of Appeals
WASHINGTON - October 31, 2017 – Vanita Gupta, president and CEO of The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, issued the following statement on the Senate's confirmation of Professor Amy Coney Barrett to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit: "Today's vote continues the Senate Republicans' record of rubber stamping all of President Trump's judicial nominees. Our federal courts should be comprised of fair and independent judges who will safeguard the rights of all people in America, but Professor Barrett's record shows that she will not be such a judge.
Civil and Human Rights Coalition Criticizes Senate Judiciary Committee Approval of Ideological, Inexperienced Nominees
WASHINGTON - November 9, 2017 – Vanita Gupta, president and CEO of The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, issued the following statement after the Senate Judiciary Committee today voted, on a party-line basis, to advance the nominations of Gregory Katsas to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit and Brett Talley to the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Alabama: "Despite rising opposition to President Trump's agenda across the country, Senate Republicans are continuing their rush to pack the courts with his extreme judicial nominees. Recognizing that they cannot deliver legislative victories, the Republican-led Senate is seeking to advance Trump's radical agenda by altering the makeup of the federal judiciary.
Civil and Human Rights Coalition Disappointed by Confirmation of Joan Larsen to U.S. Court of Appeals
WASHINGTON - November 1, 2017 – Vanita Gupta, president and CEO of The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, issued the following statement on the Senate's confirmation of Joan Larsen, a justice on the Michigan Supreme Court, to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit: "For the second time this week, the Senate Republicans have rubber stamped another one of President Trump's extreme judicial nominees. As a justice on the Michigan Supreme Court and as an academic before that, Justice Larsen has established a record that is antagonistic to civil and human rights.
Civil and Human Rights Coalition Rebukes Confirmation of Gregory Katsas
WASHINGTON - November 28, 2017 – Vanita Gupta, president and CEO of The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, issued the following statement after the Senate voted to confirm Gregory Katsas to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit: "The Republican-led Senate has rubber stamped yet another extreme Trump judicial nominee. As one of Trump's top White House lawyers, Gregory Katsas has worked to restrict voting rights, LGBTQ rights, and access to women's health, and he has sought to expand executive power at the expense of civil liberties. His record demonstrates that he will not serve as a fair and independent judge.
Civil Rights and Health Advocates Express Strong Concerns about HHS's Draft Strategic Plan
November 14, 2017 - The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) updates its strategic plan every four years, and last month invited the public to comment on its draft plan for FY 2018–2022. The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, members of our Health Care Task Force, and other stakeholders submitted comments to the agency with concerns about the draft plan and recommendations to ensure that the opportunity to access quality health care and live a healthy life is equally available to all.
Civil Rights Organizations: Our Immigration Policies Must Reflect Our Nation's Values
WASHINGTON - November 2, 2017 -- Following President Trump's meeting with Republican senators to discuss the future of immigrant youth who have been thrust into legal limbo, civil rights leaders from across the country unite to call on President Trump and policymakers on both sides of the aisle to adopt inclusive immigration policies instead of racially divisive ones. The organizations issued the following joint statement: "Congress has an opportunity to do something positive for the country by passing a bipartisan Dream Act by the end of this year. Doing so would allow young immigrants to finally be recognized as Americans on paper, allowing them to more fully contribute to their families, communities, and the country they call home. The clock is ticking for Congress to do its job: every day, DACA recipients run the risk of losing the work authorization they need to live free from fear of deportation.
November, 2017
Civil and Human Rights Coalition Blasts Trump's Roll Back of Contraception Mandate
WASHINGTON - October 6, 2017 – Vanita Gupta, president and CEO of The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, issued the following statement on the Trump administration's new rule that will roll back the contraception mandate of the Affordable Care Act: "This is a direct attack on women's rights. The Trump administration is using the guise of religious liberty to carry out their ideological agenda to deprive women of basic reproductive health care. The obstacles caused by the roll back of the contraception mandate will harm millions of women, especially low-income women and women of color, across the country, affecting where they go to work, go to school, or receive health care.
Civil and Human Rights Coalition Denounces Senate Committee for Advancing Nominations of Dreiband & Others
WASHINGTON - October 5, 2017 – Vanita Gupta, president and CEO of The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, issued the following statement on the party line advancement by the Senate Judiciary Committee of Eric Dreiband's nomination for Assistant Attorney General to the U.S. Department of Justice's Civil Rights Division, and Amy Barrett and Joan Larsen to U.S. Courts of Appeals. "At a time when our country desperately needs every tool to protect civil rights, the Senate Judiciary Committee has advanced Eric Dreiband – a man who has worked to narrow the scope of civil rights laws enforced by the very office he was chosen to lead.
Civil and Human Rights Coalition Raises Serious Concerns About Attorney General Sessions' Job Performance
WASHINGTON - October 17, 2017 – Today, The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights sent a letter to the Senate Judiciary Committee on the eve of the oversight hearing of Attorney General Jeff Sessions, raising serious concerns about the Justice Department's record on issues that are critically important to the civil and human rights community. The hearing marks the first appearance by Attorney General Sessions before that committee.
Civil and Human Rights Coalition Rebukes Attorney General Sessions' Oversight Hearing Testimony
WASHINGTON - October 18, 2017 – Vanita Gupta, president and CEO of The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, issued the following statement following Attorney General Jeff Sessions' appearance before a Senate Judiciary Committee oversight hearing: "President Trump has emboldened and enabled hate and division in our country – and Attorney General Sessions is a powerful leader of his divisive agenda. From restricting voting rights, to putting immigrant youth at risk, to issuing a license to discriminate against LGBTQ people, Sessions is at the forefront of this administration's actions to roll back important civil and human rights protections.
Nine Civil Rights Organizations File Amicus Brief In SCOTUS Case Regarding Discrimination In Public Accommodations
WASHINGTON, D.C. - October 30, 2017 – A broad coalition of civil rights organizations led by the Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law filed an amicus curiae or "friend of the court" brief Monday for the upcoming U.S. Supreme Court case, Masterpiece Cakeshop, Ltd. v. Colorado Civil Rights Commission, in which the justices will decide whether discrimination by businesses is lawful in our country.
October, 2017
185 Civil and Human Rights Groups Urge Congress to Immediately Pass the Dream Act
WASHINGTON – Today, The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights along with 184 civil and human rights groups sent a letter to Congress to urge lawmakers to immediately pass the Dream Act without amendment.
237 Organizations Urge Senators to Oppose the Graham-Cassidy Plan
WASHINGTON - September 25, 2017 – Today, The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, the National Health Law Program, the National Partnership for Women & Families, along with 234 other organizations, sent a letter to Senators urging them to oppose the Graham-Cassidy proposal to eliminate affordable quality health care for millions of Americans by gutting the Affordable Care Act (ACA); slash federal funding and destroy Medicaid by turning its funding into per capita caps; eliminate the Medicaid expansion; and defund Planned Parenthood health centers.
Civil and Human Rights Coalition Calls on Trump to Nominate HHS Secretary Dedicated to the Health of All
WASHINGTON - September 29, 2017 – Vanita Gupta, president and CEO of The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, issued the following statement following the resignation of Health and Human Services Secretary Tom Price: "Secretary Price's gross misuse of taxpayer funds may have been the ultimate cause for his resignation, but he failed in many ways to honor the legacy of his office. He was an integral part of Republican efforts to take health care away from millions and end the Medicaid program, and he called for massive budget cuts to our health system.
Civil and Human Rights Coalition to Secretary DeVos: Protect Civil Rights and Support Survivors of Sexual Violence
WASHINGTON - September 22, 2017 -Vanita Gupta, president and CEO of The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, issued the following statement following the announcement by Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos that the department is rescinding guidance related to Title IX and schools' obligations regarding sexual violence and educational opportunity: "The Secretary of Education must follow the law and ensure that students are able to learn in safe environments – today's announcement shows yet again that Betsy DeVos is unwilling to do just that. This is yet another step in Secretary DeVos' ongoing, mean-spirited attack on students' civil rights. While Title IX and its obligations to protect the civil rights of students remain the law of the land, this announcement will only serve to silence the voices of survivors of sexual assault. Campuses must provide all students an educational environment free from sex discrimination and violence, and the department should make it easier, not more difficult, to achieve that goal. Secretary DeVos must remember that equal opportunity in education is a fundamental American value. While the department may be retreating from its obligations, we urge schools to follow the law and provide welcoming and supportive environments for their students."
Civil and Human Rights Coalition to Secretary DeVos: Protect Civil Rights and Support Survivors of Sexual Violence
WASHINGTON - September 22, 2017 -Vanita Gupta, president and CEO of The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, issued the following statement following the announcement by Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos that the department is rescinding guidance related to Title IX and schools' obligations regarding sexual violence and educational opportunity: "The Secretary of Education must follow the law and ensure that students are able to learn in safe environments – today's announcement shows yet again that Betsy DeVos is unwilling to do just that. This is yet another step in Secretary DeVos' ongoing, mean-spirited attack on students' civil rights. While Title IX and its obligations to protect the civil rights of students remain the law of the land, this announcement will only serve to silence the voices of survivors of sexual assault. Campuses must provide all students an educational environment free from sex discrimination and violence, and the department should make it easier, not more difficult, to achieve that goal. Secretary DeVos must remember that equal opportunity in education is a fundamental American value. While the department may be retreating from its obligations, we urge schools to follow the law and provide welcoming and supportive environments for their students."
Civil and Human Rights Coalition: Sessions Justice Department Shamefully Supports LGBTQ Discrimination
WASHINGTON - September 7, 2017 – Vanita Gupta, president and CEO of The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights issued the following statement after the Sessions Justice Department filed a brief today with the Supreme Court in Masterpiece Cakeshop v. Colorado Civil Rights Commission. In its brief, the government argues that businesses have a right to discriminate against LGBT customers: "It is shameful that the Sessions Justice Department is advocating for a constitutional right to discriminate against LGBTQ people. This disturbing action is counter to our Constitution, our anti-discrimination laws, and our core American values of justice, fairness, and inclusivity.
Civil Rights Leaders Meet with Senate Democratic Leadership, Discuss Efforts to Combat Hate and Protect Civil Rights
WASHINGTON - September 7, 2017 – Today, civil rights leaders met with Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) and other members of the Democratic caucus to discuss post-Charlottesville efforts to combat hate and protect civil rights. The groups participating in the meeting, convened at the request of Leader Schumer, included The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights; Anti-Defamation League; Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law; Human Rights Campaign; MALDEF; Muslim Advocates; NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Inc.; and the Southern Poverty Law Center.
Health, Human and Civil Rights Advocates Warn Trump HHS Will Weaken Health Law's Nondiscrimination Provision
Washington - September 14, 2017 – Even as another attempt surfaces in Congress to repeal the Affordable Care Act and cut Medicaid funding, the Trump administration is working to revise a provision of the law (Section 1557) that outlaws discrimination against sex and gender identity in federally funded health programs.
Post-Charlottesville Hate Crimes Summit Coalition Recommendations to the Department of Justice
September 15, 2017 Today, a broad coalition of civil and human rights, religious, and educational organizations, including The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, sent a letter to the Department of Justice to recommend concrete steps the Department can and should take in the wake of the white supremacist violence in Charlottesville and elsewhere. The letter also highlights the priorities of the broad coalition, which we hope will assist the Department in developing its plan of action following the June 29 hate crime summit.
The Leadership Conference Opposes the Confirmation of Joan Larsen to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit
September 12, 2017 - The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights today sent a letter to the Senate in opposition to the confirmation of Joan Larsen, a justice on the Michigan Supreme Court, to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit.
September, 2017
Civil and Human Rights Coalition Calls for Confederate Statues to Be Removed from U.S. Capitol
WASHINGTON - August 17, 2017 - Vanita Gupta, president and CEO of The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, released the following statement calling for the removal of Confederate statues from the U.S. Capitol: "As a nation, we must learn from our past. We need not idolize figures who sought to divide our country and advanced racism. The halls of Congress should honor those who have advanced American values of justice, equality and opportunity. If our congressional leaders are serious about rejecting white supremacy, violent extremism, and racial bigotry, they should remove the Confederate statues from the Capitol.
Civil and Human Rights Coalition Condemns Trump's Barring of Transgender Military Service
WASHINGTON - August 25, 2017 – Vanita Gupta, president and CEO of The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, released the following statement after President Donald Trump issued a memorandum to effectively ban transgender people from serving in the United States Armed Forces: "Just days after President Trump addressed our troops at Fort Myer about the strength of our force, this announcement only seeks to undermine military readiness. He has yet again attacked those brave, patriotic individuals who are serving, and seek to serve, in our military, simply because they are transgender. There is no reason for this move beyond bigotry and politics.
Civil and Human Rights Coalition Condemns Trump's Remarks
WASHINGTON - August 15, 2017 – Vanita Gupta, president and CEO of The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, released the following statement following President Trump's remarks today: "President Trump has forfeited any claim to the moral leadership a president must command. His facts are wrong, his moral compass is missing, and his continued refusal to recognize and call out evil and hate is a disgrace to our nation. Now the rest of us must uphold America's ideals of fairness, justice and inclusion, because Donald Trump has proven he will not. Those who do not clearly, firmly and unequivocally choose to side against hatred, racial bigotry and intolerance are complicit."
Civil and Human Rights Coalition Lauds Removal of Bannon; More Needs to Be Done
WASHINGTON - August 18, 2017 – Vanita Gupta, president and CEO of The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, released the following statement on reports that Stephen Bannon has been removed from the White House: "Stephen Bannon's departure is the right result, but not for the right reason. The president, who continues to sow hate and division, clearly did not fire Bannon because of his white supremacist views and ties to the so-called 'alt-right.' Someone like Bannon should have never worked in the White House to begin with.
Civil and Human Rights Coalition: Trump Remarks Insufficient, More Needs to Be Done
WASHINGTON - August 14, 2017 – Vanita Gupta, president and CEO of The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, released the following statement following President Trump's remarks today, two days after the fact, condemning the white supremacist-led violent extremism in Charlottesville on Saturday: "It is a sad state of affairs when it's a news story that the President of the United States condemns racism and white supremacy.
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 Leadership Conference Opposes the Confirmation of Amy C. Barrett to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 7th Circuit
August 29, 2017 - Today, The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights sent a letter to the Senate urging opposition to the confirmation of Amy C. Barrett to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit. Professor Barrett's statements and writings reveal a strong bias against reproductive freedom and LGBT rights. Her record demonstrates a dangerous lack of deference to long-standing precedent and judicial restraint. The full text of the letter is below, and it is also available at: http://civilrights.org/oppose-confirmation-amy-barrett/
August, 2017
Civil and Human Rights Coalition Condemns Sessions' Justice Department Course Alteration on LGBT Rights
WASHINGTON - July 26, 2017 - Vanita Gupta, president and CEO of The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, released the following statement following the filing of an amicus brief today by the Sessions Justice Department arguing that Title VII of the Civil Rights Act does not prohibit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation: "In the second Trump administration attack on LGBT rights today, the Sessions Justice Department filed a legal brief arguing that our landmark federal employment discrimination law, Title VII, does not protect against discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation. The Trump administration's court filing contravenes recent court decisions and guidance issued by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission that recognizes such protection. The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights proudly stands with LGBT Americans and their allies who seek relief from discrimination in our judicial system."
July, 2017
Civil and Human Rights Coalition Condemns Administration's New Instructions on Transgender Student Discrimination
WASHINGTON - June 16, 2017 -In response to the Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights Instructions to the Field Regarding Complaints Involving Transgender Students, Vanita Gupta, president and CEO of The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, issued the following statement: "In February, in a mean-spirited move, Secretary DeVos and Attorney General Sessions rescinded important guidance clarifying schools' obligations under Title IX to protect transgender students from discrimination. The unclear instructions issued by the Department of Education sow a new level of confusion and doubt for students, families and schools. Federal court rulings are increasingly on the side of transgender students, even if Secretary DeVos and Attorney General Sessions are not. The civil and human rights community continues to stand united, supporting the right of every student to be treated with dignity and respect, and to be protected by the law regardless of gender identity."
Civil and Human Rights Coalition Responds to Secretary DeVos' Testimony
WASHINGTON - June 6, 2017 -Vanita Gupta, president and CEO of The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, issued the following statement in response to Secretary DeVos' testimony today before the Senate Labor, Health and Human Services Appropriations Subcommittee: "We were glad to hear Secretary DeVos restate the law today – that recipients of federal funds must follow federal law and may not discriminate against any student on the basis of disability, race, ethnicity, immigration status, language, gender, gender identity, or sexual orientation. But words alone are insufficient. She must use her authority as Secretary to make that prohibition and those protections for students real. The Department must also proactively support schools to prevent discrimination and intervene when the law is broken. This can't just be about talk; students need and deserve action."
Civil and Human Rights Coalition: Senate Should Reject Damien M. Schiff
WASHINGTON - June 9, 2017 - The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights today sent a letter to the Senate Judiciary Committee urging senators to reject President Trump's nomination of Damien M. Schiff to the U.S. Court of Federal Claims.
Civil and Human Rights Coalition: Senate Should Reject John K. Bush
WASHINGTON - June 7, 2017 - The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights today sent a letter to the Senate Judiciary Committee urging senators to reject President Trump's nomination of John K. Bush to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit.
Civil Rights Leaders Call for Scrutiny of DeVos' Commitment to Civil Rights and Students
WASHINGTON – Ahead of U.S. Education Secretary Betsy DeVos' Senate testimony before a Senate Appropriations subcommittee on Tuesday, several national civil rights leaders spoke out on the implications of DeVos' alarming lack of commitment to protecting all students' civil rights.
June, 2017
73 National Groups Demand OFCCP Remain Intact
WASHINGTON - May 26, 2017 -Today, The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, the National Employment Law Project, the National Women's Law Center and 70 national organizations wrote to Secretary of Labor Alexander Acosta and Office of Management and Budget Director Mick Mulvaney to urge the Trump administration to abandon its proposal to eliminate the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP), which is currently part of the Department of Labor, and transfer its functions to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). The letter was also sent to congressional leadership.
Civil and Human Rights Coalition Applauds Federal Court Ruling Affirming Rights of Transgender Students
WASHINGTON - May 30, 2017 - Wade Henderson, president and CEO of The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, issued the following statement on the unanimous decision of a three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit affirming the right of a transgender student in a Wisconsin public school to use the restroom of his gender identity: "Today's ruling is an affirmation of the rights of transgender students to live their lives free from discrimination. It sends a strong signal to schools, districts, and states that they have an obligation to protect transgender and gender non-conforming students from discrimination, and to provide an educational environment wherein they can thrive.
May, 2017
Civil and Human Rights Coalition Opposes Mark Green as Secretary of the Army
WASHINGTON - May 4, 2017 - The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights today called on the Senate Armed Services Committee to reject President Trump's intended nominee for Secretary of the Army, Mark E. Green.
March, 2017
Civil and Human Rights Community Condemns Rescission of Title IX Guidance Clarifying Protections for Transgender Student
WASHINGTON - February 22, 2017 -; Today The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, the National Center for Transgender Equality, GLSEN, the National Women's Law Center, the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Inc., the American Civil Liberties Union, the Human Rights Campaign, and MALDEF issued the following statement in response to the Trump administration's rescission of Title IX guidance, which clarifies protections for transgender students under the law: "The U.S. Department of Education has a critical and well-established role in clarifying and enforcing civil rights protections for all students. The department has an obligation to ensure that all students have equal educational opportunities, a mandate that applies regardless of a student's gender identity. Transgender students who face discrimination in schools have worse educational outcomes, and poorer psychological well-being than their cisgender peers.
September, 2016
Civil and Human Rights Coalition Condemns Lawsuits Challenging Civil Rights of Transgender Individuals
WASHINGTON – Nancy Zirkin, executive vice president of The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, issued the following statement in response to the ruling in Texas v. United States, in which a U.S. district judge issued an extraordinary preliminary injunction against federal guidance regarding the civil rights of transgender students in schools nationwide. The same judge will also be considering a challenge to the regulations implementing the anti-discrimination provision of the Affordable Care Act, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability in certain health programs or activities.
August, 2016
Civil and Human Rights Coalition Applauds NBA Move of All Star Game in Wake of Anti-LGBT North Carolina Law
WASHINGTON – Wade Henderson, president and CEO of The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, issued the following statement after the NBA announced it would move the 2017 All Star Game out of North Carolina in protest of the anti-LGBT and anti-worker law HB2: "We applaud the NBA for doing the right thing by its fans, its players and employees, and the people of North Carolina. When a powerful institution like the NBA takes a stand in support of civil and human rights, that action reverberates far beyond its immediate impact and helps to shape our nation's values and culture of inclusion.
July, 2016
Civil and Human Rights Coalition Applauds Congressional Sit-In to Address Gun Violence
WASHINGTON - June 22, 2016 – Wade Henderson, president and CEO of The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, issued the following statement on today's sit-in on the House Floor led by Congressman John Lewis and Democratic leadership to demand action to prevent gun violence: "Today's extraordinary sit-in on the House Floor demonstrates to the country that the movement to protect people from gun violence has strong advocates in Congress who understand the gravity of this issue. The communities represented by the Leadership Conference coalition, including people of color, the LGBT community, people of faith, and women, know intimately what's stake.
Civil and Human Rights Coalition Applauds the Lifting of the Ban on Transgender Military Service
June 30, 2016 - Wade Henderson, President and CEO of The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, issued the following statement after the Pentagon announced that it will lift its ban on transgender military service: "Today's victory is a tremendous one for a nation that once denied women, African Americans, and gay and lesbian individuals the opportunity to serve. An integrated military, now inclusive of all LGBT service members, is not only a sound military approach but a moral imperative for our nation. This was true in 1948, when this country first allowed women and African-Americans to serve in the military; in 2011, when the ban was lifted on gay and lesbian service members; and remains true today.
Civil and Human Rights Coalition Condemns Orlando Mass Shooting, Stands in Solidarity with LGBT Community
WASHINGTON - June 13, 2016 – Wade Henderson, president and CEO of The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, issued the following statement in response to Sunday's mass shooting at Pulse nightclub in Orlando: "Our prayers today are with the victims of this horrific mass shooting in Orlando and with their families and friends. We also extend our love and support to the entire LGBT community, which is grappling with the coldblooded violence inflicted upon those who were targeted in this attack. The 50 young people who were killed came from diverse backgrounds and had entire lives ahead of them. And, even worse, this not an isolated incident in a nation where the LGBT community is targeted in more than 21 percent of all hate crimes
June, 2016
23 Civil Rights Groups Voice Support for Transgender Title IX Guidance from DoJ & DoE
On behalf of The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights and the 22 undersigned organizations, we write in strong support of the joint guidance issued by the Departments of Education and Justice on May 13, 2016, regarding the responsibility of schools, districts and states to protect transgender and gender non-conforming students from discrimination. 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 civil and human rights of all persons in the United States. This guidance follows in the greatest of our American traditions of protection from discrimination and the advancement of justice. As a coalition representing African American, Latino, Asian American, LGBTQ and Native American people, women, immigrants, people with disabilities, people of faith, working families, and low-income people, we know both that there are transgender people within and across all of our communities who contribute significantly to our society and that an attack on the civil and human rights of some is an attack on the civil and human rights of all.
Civil and Human Rights Coalition Applauds White House's Latest Historic Move to Advance Fairness and Equality
WASHINGTON - May 13, 2016 – Nancy Zirkin, executive vice president and director of policy at The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, released the following statement in response to the Obama administration's move to protect transgender students' rights to use the restroom that matches their gender identity:
May, 2016
Civil and Human Rights Coalition Applauds Justice Department Leadership on Anti-LGBT North Carolina Law
WASHINGTON - May 4, 2016 – Wade Henderson, president and CEO of The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, issued the following statement after the Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice informed North Carolina Governor Pat McCrory that the anti-LGBT law HB2 violates Title VII of the Civil Rights Act and that enforcement of HB2 could lead to a federal lawsuit and the loss of millions in state education funding:
NC Exec. Order is Not Enough, Anti-LGBT and Anti-Worker Law Should be Repealed
April 12, 2016 -- Today, North Carolina Governor Pat McCrory responded to an overwhelming backlash against House Bill 2 from his constituents, the civil rights community, the faith community, and the business sector and signed an executive order that attempts to backpedal on this abhorrent law.
April, 2016
Civil and Human Rights Coalition Applauds Governor Deal's Veto of Discrimination Bill
WASHINGTON - March 29, 2016 – Wade Henderson, president and CEO of The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, issued the following statement applauding Governor Deal's vetoing of HB 757, legislation that would allow organizations to discriminate under the pretense of religious beliefs. Earlier this year The Leadership Conference Education Fund held an event highlighting this bill in Atlanta and releasing a report called "Striking A Balance: Advancing Civil and Human Rights While Preserving Religious Liberty" which documented the historical context of how religious arguments have been used to fight equality and civil rights for women, people of color, and many more communities:
Civil and Human Rights Coalition Condemns Mississippi Discrimination Law
WASHINGTON - April 5, 2016 – Wade Henderson, president and CEO of The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, issued the following statement after Mississippi Governor Phil Bryant signed a bill that to allow discrimination against LGBT people on religious grounds. The Leadership Conference Education Fund recently issued a report called "Striking A Balance: Advancing Civil and Human Rights While Preserving Religious Liberty" that documents how religious arguments are used to deny civil and human rights to people of color, women, people with disabilities, immigrants, and LGBT people:
Civil and Human Rights Coalition Urges Veto of Mississippi Religious Discrimination Bill
WASHINGTON – Wade Henderson, president and CEO of The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, issued the following statement in advance of Mississippi's anticipated passage of HB 1523, a bill that would allow discrimination against LGBT people on religious grounds. This week, Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal and Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe vetoed similar religious refusal bills. The Leadership Conference Education Fund recently issued a report called "Striking A Balance: Advancing Civil and Human Rights While Preserving Religious Liberty" that documents how religious arguments are used to deny civil and human rights to people of color, women, people with disabilities, immigrants, and LGBT people:
Experts and Advocates Condemn Discrimination Disguised as Religious Freedom
WASHINGTON - March 21, 2016 – Earlier today, experts, civil rights leaders and a member of Congress hosted a press call to condemn the "religious freedom" arguments used to justify discrimination in state-based legislation and in the upcoming Supreme Court arguments in Zubik v. Burwell.
The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights
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 civil and human rights of all persons in the United States. Through advocacy and outreach to targeted constituencies, The Leadership Conference works toward the goal of a more open and just society – an America as good as its ideals.
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