Civil Rights Coalition Mourns Loss of Senator Paul Simon

The Leadership Conference on Civil Rights (LCCR), the nation’s oldest, largest, and most diverse civil and human rights coalition, joins the nation in mourning the death of Senator Paul Simon.

Senator Simon, well known for his honesty and integrity, understood the important role of government in addressing the needs of the country. His contributions to civil rights were significant, lending his support to the issues LCCR advocated for, including civil rights enforcement and education reform. The senator’s support for these issues always earned him a good rating in LCCR’s voting record.

At a 1997 commencement speech at Wesleyan University, Simon underscored the principles that LCCR stands for in urging the audience to “Lead in reaching out to others within our nation. We need to reach out across the barriers of race, and religion, and ethnic background, and sexual orientation, and every other barrier that separates Americans – to reach out and make sure opportunity is here for everyone.”

Wade Henderson, executive director of LCCR, said: “On behalf of the 180 organizations in the civil rights coalition, I want to express our deepest sympathy to Senator Simon’s family. Our thoughts are with you. We will miss a great friend and fellow advocate for social justice. His ability and willingness to work in a civil, bipartisan manner was indeed commendable. The country has lost a truly great American.”