Senate Confirms Kristen Clarke as First Woman — and First Black Woman — to Lead the Civil Rights Division

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Stephen Peters, [email protected]

WASHINGTON — Wade Henderson, interim president and CEO of The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, released the following statement after the Senate’s bipartisan vote confirming Kristen Clarke as assistant attorney general for the Civil Rights Division at the U.S. Department of Justice: 

“This is an historic, important moment for our nation as Kristen Clarke becomes the first woman, and notably, the first Black woman, confirmed to lead the Civil Rights Division. In this crucial role, Clarke will no doubt continue her lifelong commitment fighting tirelessly for equal justice under the law for every individual in this country, including people of color facing racial and sex discrimination, LGBTQ people, and religious minorities targeted because of their faith. The Justice Department is in superb hands as it continues to restore its role as chief enforcer of our civil rights.” 

In February, The Leadership Conference released a letter signed by more than 100 civil and human rights organizations in support of Clarke’s nomination. A wide range of leaders and organizations have also submitted letters of support. Those letters are available here. 

The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights is a coalition charged by its diverse membership of more than 220 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 member organizations, visit www.civilrights.org.

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