Statement

Proposed move of the offices protecting civil rights and special education out of the federal education department will harm students.

The role of the Attorney General is not to protect the interests of the President, but to protect the interests of the nation’s people. Blanche is not an independent law enforcement official. His record, as Deputy and as Acting Attorney General, disqualifies him from Senate confirmation and the Leadership Conference condemns this nomination.

The Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) has called on corporate America to affirm its commitment to equal opportunity that supports civil rights laws, voting rights, and equal representation. The Leadership Conference stands with the CBC and joins our voice to this clarion call.

I’d like to get right to the point: we are experiencing a coordinated attack on civil rights non-profits that work to ensure voters can vote, children can learn history, and unions can protect workers. First the Trump administration attacked law firms that provided pro bono services to civil rights and civil liberties groups, foundations that support civil rights work, and colleges and universities working to advance civil rights principles.

Congressional Republicans are aiding and abetting the Department of Justice’s campaign of retribution against civil rights organizations and anyone who dares disagree with them. It began with law firms, universities, and even elected officials, and now extends to civil rights organizations, whose mission is to protect the public, uphold the Constitution, and make sure all Americans are able to enjoy the freedoms that make our country great.

Today’s decision in Louisiana v. Callais is a defining moment for our democracy and a direct test of whether every American has an equal and effective voice in the political process. The Court has taken a dangerous step backward, weakening one of our nation’s most critical civil rights protections. By undermining Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act, this decision makes it harder to challenge discriminatory maps and opens the door to further dilution of Black political power and the voices of communities of color.