Civil Rights Community Applauds Confirmation of Tom Perez to Head Dept. of Justice Civil Rights Division

“Today’s Senate confirmation of Tom Perez to head the Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice gives the nation a leader who is arguably the most well-qualified individual ever nominated for the position and one who is completely dedicated to enforcing the law and protecting all Americans from discrimination.

The Civil Rights Division is the nation’s premier civil rights enforcement agency. The Division has a history of functioning above partisan politics and enforcing the nation’s most important civil rights laws, including the Voting Rights Act, the Fair Housing Act, and the Americans with Disabilities Act. However, it’s no secret that the Division has suffered turmoil and politicization in recent years.

As the new assistant attorney general for civil rights, Perez will resume the storied tradition of the Division, while rebuilding morale and restoring its integrity.

We in the civil rights community have the utmost confidence in his ability and commitment to this mission, and we look forward to a revitalization of the Civil Rights Division that works to ensure that all Americans are protected under the law.”