Justice Nelson and Judge Calabretta Will Bring Needed Perspectives to the Federal Bench

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Rachel Hooper, [email protected]

WASHINGTON – Lena Zwarensteyn, senior director of the fair courts program at The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, released the following statement after the Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on the nominations of six judicial nominees, including Justice Adrienne Nelson to the U.S. District Court for the District of Oregon and Judge Daniel Calabretta to the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California.

“Justice Adrienne Nelson and Judge Daniel Calabretta today displayed why their impressive civil rights experience is greatly needed on our federal courts. As a fair-minded jurist and former public defender, Justice Nelson has demonstrated her commitment to equal justice for all. Notably, she will also be the first Black woman ever to serve on this court. Judge Calabretta will bring to the federal bench his judicial expertise, as well as his crucial legal experience prosecuting cases impacting LGBTQ rights. When confirmed, he will be the first openly LGBTQ judge to serve on this district court.

“We celebrate the historic nature of these nominations and urge the Senate to swiftly confirm Justice Nelson and Judge Calabretta.”

The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights is a coalition charged by its diverse membership of more than 230 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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