Lawyers Committee

Home Calendar Action Alert Press Release Donate Contact Us Gift Shop Lawyers Committee
Contents
About Us
Projects
Job Opportunities
Probono Opportunities
Public Policy
Pubblications
Local Committees
Links
Sitemap
Search
Legal Notices
Lawyers Committee
Features

Archives

Austin Weekly News
Commission tackles housing discrimination
July 16, 2008 click here

Chicago Tribune
New fair-housing group debuts with hearing in Chicago
July 15, 2008 click here

The Daily Reflector
Two groups file to represent plaintiffs in county schools case July 15, 2008 click here

The Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law Wins Landmark Case Upholding Constitutionality of the Voting Rights Act, May 30, 2008
Forbes click here
Houston Chronicle click here
KVOA NBC-4 click here
WTOC CBS-11 click here

NPR
High Court Holds Steady on Bias Cases
May 27, 2008 click here

Wall Street Journal
An Unfair Civil Rights Attack
May 24, 2008 click here

New York Times
Voter ID Battle Shifts to Proof of Citizenship,
May 12, 2008 click here
LETTER; Ending Housing Disparities,
May 6, 2008 click here

Election Protection Ready to Provide Voter Assistance During Upcoming Presidential Primaries.

Protecting Vulnerable Coastal Communities: Meaningful Political Action and Strategies for Environmental Justice After Hurricanes Katrina and Rita,

The United Nations Committee on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (CERD) Releases Concluding Observations
For CERD Concluding Observations, Click here
For the Lawyers? Committee Shadow Report, Click here

Judge Grants Approval For $6.2 Million Partial Settlement Of Historic Union Discrimination Case

Lawyers' Committee Advocates for Protection
against Retaliation


The Lawyers' Committee Opposes Proposed Revision to the ABA Standards for the Approval of Law Schools - Interpretation 301-6 for Bar Pass Rate

Statement of Joseph D. Rich
On behalf of the Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law and the Campaign Legal Center, I thank the United States Senate, through Senator Harry Reid's leadership, for his actions regarding the nomination of Hans von Spakovsky to the Federal Election Commission. The Lawyers' Committee's opposition to this nomination has been based on egregious actions by Mr. von Spakovsky politicizing the Department of Justice and undermining the voting rights of hundreds of thousands of Americans. The harm that he has caused to the fundamental right to vote and to the credibility of the country's most important law enforcement agency has been significant and should disqualify him as a FEC commissioner. We urge the Bush Administration to find an acceptable replacement for Mr. von Spakovsky as soon as possible to avoid an extended interruption of the FEC's important work.


Class Action Lawsuit Filed Against the Town of Smithtown, New York to Halt a Discriminatory Residency Preference in its Section 8 Housing Voucher Program

Lawyers' Committee Submits Report to United Nations and Co-Sponsors Civil Rights, Human Rights and Race: An Applied Legal Scholarship Symposium at Howard University

Lawyers' Committee Coordinates NGO Education Working Group Submission to Shadow Report on International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination

Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Honors Outstanding Lawyers, Law Firms, and Client

Mississippi's distribution of federal housing assistance continues to neglect the needs of low and moderate-income families.  Thousands of these families must soon leave their FEMA trailers but still have no place to go.  Click here to watch and listen to a few individuals who are facing this dire housing shortage.

Judge Grants Preliminary Approval for Partial Settlement of Historic Union Discrimination Case

Lawyers’ Committee Deeply Disappointed with Federal Court Ruling in Favor of Discriminatory Georgia Voter ID Law

Coastal Mississippians Face A Perfect Storm Two Years Later

Mississippi Residents Sue Army Corps of Engineers for Decision to Destroy Necessary Wetlands

The Lawyers' Committee 2007 Justice at Stake Summer Workshop - Download Audio

Lawyers' Committee Statement on Supreme Court Decision in K-12 School Diversity Cases

Lawyers' Committee Announces Support for Bill Aimed at Solving Civil Rights Era Murder Cases

Lawyers' Committee Works to Stop Unjust Evictions of FEMA Trailer Residents Along the Gulf Coast

Lawyers’ Committee Trains Parents on Their Rights under the No Child Left Behind Act
For Parent Empowerment Guidebook, click here
For media announcement, click here


Joe Rich, Project Director Fair Housing and Community Development quoted in New York Times

Lawyers' Committee Urges Supreme Court to Vindicate Employee Rights:
Employment Project Files Brief Supporting Employee Who Suffered Race Discrimination
For Press Release, click here
For Brief, click here


Lawyers' Committee Supports Employees in Landmark Discrimination:
Case Employment Project Files Brief Supporting Class of 1.6 Million Wal-Mart Employees
For Press Release, click here
For Brief, click here


Lawyers' Committee Supports Clinton and Tubbs Jones’s Reintroduction of Count Every Vote Act:
Legislation Addresses Deficiencies in Electoral System


Commission on No Child Left Behind Notes Lawyers’ Committee’s Connecticut Lawsuit

The Maryland Election Protection Coalition released a report on the problems experienced by Maryland voters during the November 2006 statewide election cycle.

Lawyers' Committee Applauds Obama and Schumer Bill to Prevent Voter Intimidation and Deceptive Practices
For Press Release, click here.
For NY Times article, click here


Lawyers' Committee Co-Host Open House to Unveil Environment Friendly Housing in Hurricane Devastated Area

Report on 2006 Elections

Lawyers' Committee Files an Amicus Brief in Support of School Integration
NAACP Amicus Brief in Support of Respondents
Florida Governor Jeb Bush Amicus Brief in Support of Petitioners
For more information on the Seattle/Jefferson School Integration cases:


St. Bernard Parish Agrees to Halt Discriminatory Zoning Rule:
Fair Housing Groups Call “Blood Relative Ordinance” Illegal


Thousands Call Election Protection Voter Hotline:
Civil Rights Groups Appeal Maryland Absentee Ballot Deadline


Tyson Foods Resolves Alabama Employment Case Agreement Involves Additional Training and Oversight

Election Protection Coalition Schedules Media Briefings for Election Day

Lawyers’ Committee Urges Maryland Board of Elections to Protect the Right to Vote: Election Protection Coalition Concerned with State’s Response to Absentee Ballot Requests
For the letter to the State Board of Elections, click here.
For the letter to the Joint Committee on Administrative, Executive and Legislative Review, click here.
For a copy of the NAACP Press Release, click here


Election Protection Launches National Voter Assistance Hotline

NAACP and Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Seek to Defend Voting Rights Act:
NAACP Files Motion to Intervene in Federal Court
For press release, click here
For a copy of the motion to intervene, click here


National Commission on Environmental Justice on the Gulf Coast Holds Hearings in Gulfport, Mississippi and New Orleans, Louisiana

Federal Court Halts Arizona's Harmful Voter ID Law:
Proposition 200 Will Not Apply to November Elections


St. Bernard Zoning Ordinances Discriminate, Suit Says:
Case Challenges Efforts to Prevent Minorities from Moving to Lily-White New Orleans Suburb
For press release, click here
To read the complaint, click here


Providence NAACP Files EEOC Charge Alleging Cranston, R.I. Fire and Police Departments Discriminate Against Minorities and Women>

Lawyers' Committee Disappointed in House Vote in Support of Harmful Voter ID Bil

Click here to see the Lawyers’ Committee’s new movie, “The New Homeless”

Voting Rights Groups Challenge Voter Intimidation Provision: Suit challenges unfair burden on naturalized citizens when casting vote

Stories From Katrina Survivors - One Year Later: Free Housing Workshop Held For Those Still in Need of Housing Assistance

Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law Names Marsha Simms Co-Chair of its Board of Directors

Lawyers' Committee sues Tyson Foods, Inc. for a racially  hostile work environment.

The Lawyers’ Committee video advocates for the housing rights of Katrina survivors

Federal Court Rules that FEMA is not Above Reach of LawL McWaters v. FEMA
For the press release, click here
For Final Order and Reasons, click here
For Judge Duval’s criticism of FEMA, click here
For Class Certification Order, click here
For more court documents and inormation on McWaters v. FEMA, click here


Lawyers’ Committee Opposes Hyde Voter Suppression Bill
To read the Lawyers’ Committee’s letter to the House Committee on Administration opposing H.R. 4844, click here


Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Urges Congress to Enact Comprehensive and Humanitarian Immigration Reform
Press Rlease


The George N. Lindsay Civil Rights Legal Fellowship

FEMA Transitioning Eligible Evacuees in 403 Apartments
to 408 Rental Assistance


Lawyers Release Guide to Homeowners’ Rights After Katrina
Guide to Preserving Homes from Bulldozing, Taking in New Orleans


Rebuilding Lives: Lawyers’ Committee provides Hurricane Relief in Coastal Mississippi

New Orleans Property Owner's Rights after Hurricane Katrina

Response to Hurricane Katrina - Barbara R. Arnwine testifies on Capitol Hill

Connecticut Judge Dismissed Three of the State’s Four-Count Lawsuit Challenging the No Child Left Behind Act
NAACP Press Release


KATRINA SURVIVORS SUE FEMA TO PRODUCE TIMELY AID

NY Times, “Storm Victim Sue FEMA for More Aid”; November 10, 2005

Times-Picayune, “Groups Sue FEMA on Storm Response”;
November 11, 2005


McWaters v. FEMA (Civ.Action. No. 05-5488)

First Amended Complaint-Class Action for Declaratory and Injunctive Relief, November 18, 2005

Memorandum in Support of Plaintiffs' Motion for Temporary Restraining Order and Preliminary Injunction,
November 18, 2005


Second Amended Complaint, November 28, 2005

Memorandum in Opposition to Plaintiffs' Motion for Temporary Restraining Order and Preliminary Injunction and in Support of Defendants' Motion to Dismiss,
December 5, 2006


Order Granting TRO, December 12, 2006

Modified Order, January 12, 2006

Memorandum in Support of Plaintiff's Motion for Class Certification, January 31, 2006

Declaration of Lenora Bartley, February 7, 2006

Third Amended Complaint, February 15, 2006
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3


Defendant's Reply Memorandum in Support of Motion to Dismiss, February 16, 2006

Plaintiff Post-Hearing Brief, March 15, 2006

Defendant Post-Hearing Brief, March 15, 2006

Plaintiff Reply to Defendant Post-Hearing Brief, March 31, 2006

Defendant's Response to Plaintiff Post-Hearing Brief
,
March 31, 2006


Final Order and Reasoning, June 16, 2006

John Brittain's Summary of Order

Order Granting Class Certification, June 30, 2006
Final Judgment, August 10, 2006

FEMA Transitioning Eligible Evacuees in 403 Apartments
to 408 Rental Assistance


Hotel Stay Extended BEYOND February 7th for Hurricane Katrina Survivors Who Call and Receive an Authorization Code. Click here for more information

FEMA Ordered to Extend Evacuee Hotel Stay to Feb 7th. 
Click here to view the December 12, 2005 Court Order.


Washington Post, “Evacuees' Aid Extended”; January 3, 2006

TIPS for Receiving FEMA Aid.  Click here to learn more about how to get your emergency money from FEMA

Groups sue FEMA on storm response; Suit seeks to 'unblock certain hindrances'

Click here for Important Information

Hurricane Survivors - Find Information to Protect Your Rights by Clicking Here

Petition to President Bush, United States Congress, Department of Homeland Security, FEMA and United Nations

“Inaction that diminishes the right to vote equally
may be as actionable as direct and overt acts treating the franchise unequally.”


Celebrating Black History Month: Hill Gathering Honors Longtime
JudgeÍs Legacy to Diversity


Aetna and Colgate-Palmolive Honored for their Leadership and Commitment to Diversity

Board Member in the Spotlight - Kim M. Keenan

Fair Housing Advocates Seek to Halt Discriminatory Zoning Rule

Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Holds Annual Awards Reception to Honor Outstanding Lawyers, Law Firms, and Clients

Two Former Department of Justice Officials Join University of Texas Law Professor To Discuss Politicization of The Department of Justice

Your Rights as A Tenant with the Mississippi Regional Housing Authority for Region VIII

Maryland Judge Rules in Favor of Lawyers’ Committee Lawsuit to Keep Polls Open Later
Baltimore Plagued by Election Glitches. Click here for press release.

Click here to view pictures from the Senate vote on the VRA.

Early voting for the September 30, 2006 elections in New Orleans will be conducted from September 18-23 at the Old Algiers Courthouse and New Orleans City Hall.
Voters who are displaced may also vote by mail-in absentee ballot, by faxing in their absentee ballot, or by having their ballot delivered by courier. Written requests for mail-in ballots and waivers of secret ballot must be received by the Registrar of Voter no later than 4:30 p.m. on September 29, 2006. However, there is an exception for military personnel, whose ballots will be accepted until 4:30 p.m. on Election Day.

For more information, contact the Election Protection hotline at 866-OUR-VOTE.

Lawyers' Committee Statement on the Historic Signing of the Voting Rights Act. Click here for press release.

The Lawyers' Committee Commends Passage of the Legislation to Renew and Restore the Voting Rights of 1965. Click here for press release.

The Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law (“Lawyers’ Committee”) will honor Citigroup Inc. tomorrow night for its commitment to diversity with the prestigious A. Leon Higginbotham Corporate Leadership Award. For the press release, click here

A. Leon Higginbotham Corporate Leadership Award Dinner Honoring Citigroup, Inc. and Charles Prince, Chief Executive Officer Wednesday, June 28, 2006

The Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights Under Law mourns the passing of Coretta Scott King Click here for Press Release

U.S. Judiciary is Far From Representative. Read the press release and the final report (pdf).


URGENT!! – Call your Representative to express opposition to the proposed Budget Reconciliation Bill that would severely undermine vital assistance programs needed by our nation’s low-income citizens.


KATRINA SURVIVORS SUE FEMA TO PRODUCE TIMELY AID.
Click here to view Press Release


Lawyers' Committee and Mississippi Center for Justice Celebrate Years of Dedicated Service in Mississippi Click here to view Press Release


Lawyers’ Committee Honors Rosa Parks For a Courageous Legacy of Defiance, Dignity and Humility


Mississippi Justice Weekend, Jackson, Mississippi, October 28-29, 2005 Click here to view press release. Click here to view Invitation Click here for Advance Reservation (Individual) Click here for Advance Reservation (Law Firms/Corporations)

National Commission on the Voting Rights Act, Mississippi Hearing, Jackson, Mississippi, October 29, 2005


Lawyers' Committee
for Civil Rights Cannot Support John Roberts's Nomination for Chief Justice of the United States

Lawyers' Committee
Releases Statement on Recent Supreme Court Developments

ACT NOW! To Have Racially Derogatory Murals in EPA Workplace Removed.


Lawyers' Committee Speaks Out on Connecticut's No Child Left Behind Lawsuit

Read the Lawyers' Committee letter to the Connecticut Attorney General
.
Read the Hartford Courant's August 23rd story on the Lawyers' Committee opposition to the lawsuit.
The Wall Street Journal praises the Lawyers' Committee's efforts in an August 30th editorial.

Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Cannot Support John Roberts's Nomination for Chief Justice of the United States, View the September 23 full press release, View the August 30 full press release, Read the Lawyers' Committee Statement on the nomination of Judge John Roberts to the Supereme Court, Download the Statement with Full Appendix

Election Protection Command Center Photos

Barbara Arnwine’s Testimony on December 7

Know Your Rights Election Protection 2004

Important Preliminary Election Protection Report "Shattering The Myth: An Initial Snapshot of Voter Disenfranchisement in the 2004 Election"

Jon Greenbaum’s Testimony on December 8

Hear Jon Greenbaum’s Testimony

A Nationwide Guide for Ex Offenders on Restoring Your Voting Rights

Florida Regional Hearing Orlando, Florida August 4, 2005


Lawyers' Committee Honors Fred D. Gray, Esq. at the National Bar Association 80th Annual Convention August 4, 2005.

Testimony of Executive Director Barbara R. Arnwine before the Carter/Baker Commission on Federal Election Reform.

Legal Giant, Lawyers' Committee Founder, Lloyd Cutler Passes


John C. Brittain Joins Lawyers’ Committee as New Chief Counsel

Lawyers’ Committee Mourns Passing of Civil Rights Activists Ossie Davis


Michael Foreman has been elevated to the position of Deputy Director for Legal Programs effective November 16, 2004.

Newsletter of the Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law

The Lawyers’ Committee joined in a sign-on letter to the Senate Judiciary Committee raising concerns regarding the nomination of Alberto Gonzales for the position of Attorney General of the United States.
click here to download pdf

2004 Annual Awards Reception-Thank you from Barbara R. Arnwine, Executive Director

Marjorie Press Lindblom-New Co-Chair effective September 20, 2004

For voter information, visit ourvote.com

Radio PSAs Alert Ex-Offenders of Voting Rights in Illinois, Louisiana, and
South Carolina
| Press Release

Election Protection Video

Program Kicks Off in Georgia

Lawyers' Committee Opposes Marriage Protection Act

Urgent!! – Call Your U.S. Senator to Express Opposition to the Proposed Federal Marriage Amendment

Lawyers' Committee Writes U.S. Senate to Oppose Federal Marriage Amendment

Lawyers' Committee Applauds Supreme Court Decision Protecting the Rights of People with Disabilities

Congratulations Bell South on A. Leon Higginbotham Dinner Success

Brown vs. Board of Education 50th Anniversary Activities

More Supreme Court Education Decisions

Answering the Challenge of Brown v. Board of Education in the 21st Century - How Lawyers and Advocates Can Make a Difference

Settlement Reached In Waller County Voting Rights Case

Remarks of Barbara R. Arnwine, Executive Director of The Lawyers’ Committee on Launch of Unity 2004 Campaign

Lawyers' Committee Supports the Civil Rights Act of 2004 | Fact Sheet | The Fairness Act

On Thursday, July 15th at 8:00pm Barbara R. Arnwine, Executive Director of the Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law will be participating in a Lecture Series entitled: 50 Years After Brown v. Board of Education: The Ongoing Role of Racism in a "Colorblind" Society.

Thomas J. Henderson Steps Down From Lawyers' Committee

Election Protection Program Implemented for California Recall Election

View photos from California Recall Election

Lawyers' Committee Pleased That Appeals Court Ruling In Support of Affirmative Action In Contracting Stands
Press Release. |  Amicus Brief.   |    Dissent   |   CNN Article

Lawyers' Committee Presents Award to Randolph W. Thrower

Lawyers' Committee Joined by Other Civil Rights Groups Urge Supreme Court To Reject Further Restrictions On Congress' Power To Fight Discrimination

The Unfinished Legacy: Civil Rights Advocacy in the 21st Century

Barbara Arnwine and the Lawyers' Committee, along with 12 other civil rights leaders, were honored at Fannie Mae's Congressional Black Caucus Award's Reception on Thursday, September 25, 2003. view image

The Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law and Justice At Stake in conjuction with The National Conference of Bar Associations of Color sponsored a hearing on "State Judicial Selection Methods and Their Impact on Diversity on the Bench" May 16, 2003

The Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights mourns the loss of a Civil Rights Powerhouse

Letter to Mrs. Jacqueline Alee Smith and the family, colleagues and friends of Chesterfield Smith

Lawyers' Committee honored Marc H. Morial at the NBA Annual Convention on Wednesday August 6, 2003

A new Special Report site, "Proposition 54: Understanding Not Ignorance," will buttress the nationwide effort to stop California’s Proposition 54 from passing.

Lawyers Committee Board Adopts Resoultion Opposing Prop 54

Supreme Court Upholds Affirmative Action

The United States Student Association and the NAACP Youth & College Division National Take Affirmative Action Day, October 30, 2003

Guest Speaker at the October 20 Board Meeting: William L. Taylor , Chairman of the Citizens' Commission on Civil Rights, Vice-Chair of the Leadership Conference on Civil Rights, Co- Chair of the Leadership Conference Education Task Force and Chair of the Leadership Conference Education Fund.

Court rejects settlement between Government and Sheet Metal Workers Union once Lawyers' Committee intervened to defend the rights of Black and Hispanic union members.

Statement of Barbara Arnwine on The University of Michigan’s Admissions Lawsuit

Lawyers’ Committee to File Amicus Brief Urging Supreme Court to Support University of Michigan’s Admissions Systems

West End Revitalization Association-CDC awards Environmental Justice Project the 2002 Plumbline Award.

National Office Sponsors Home Ownership Counseling in West Virginia

Election Protection - If you had trouble voting call: 1-866-OUR-VOTE or 1-866-687-8683

The Lawyers' Committee files Housing Discrimination Lawsuit Against the Owners and Managers of an Apartment Complex in Greenville, North Carolina.
For a copy of the complaint, click here | For a copy of the press release, click here

Lawyers' Committee Joins Advocacy Groups Warning Election Officials Against Unlawfully Removing Voters from Registration Polls

Thank you from Barbara R. Arnwine, Executive Director for the most successful A. Leon Higginbotham Dinner

Settlement Reached in Florida Election Lawsuit

Lawyers' Committee Releases Judicial Independence at the Crossroads Policy Paper at Reception Honoring Judge Thelton Henderson

Lawyers' Committee files Fair Housing Act retaliation lawsuit on behalf of REDEEM, Inc., against Charleston, West Virginia and Charleston Housing Authority. For a copy of complaint, click here. | For a copy of press release, click here.

The 6th Circuit has upheld the affirmative action program of the Law School at the University of Michigan.

Lawyers' Committee Urges Members of Congress to Reject Flawed Election Reform Bill

"The Lawyers' Committee Mourns the Loss and Devastation to our Nation"

Strategic Plan Review May 2002

Civil Rights Litigation Resource Center Launched March 15, 2002

Civil Rights Organizations Urge Lawmakers to Pass Real Election Reform at Supreme Court Event

Statement of Barbara R. Arnwine Regarding the Help America Vote Act of 2001(H.R. 3295)

Coverage on The Election Reform Bill

National Hate Crimes Prevention Call in Day - June 5, 2002

Thomas Henderson, Chief Counsel and Senior Deputy Director for Litigation, guest speaker for the June 17, 2002 Board Meeting

The United States House of Representatives Committee on Financial Services, Subcommittee of Housing and Community Opportunities - June 25, 2002

Fairwood Homes Residents File 11th Hour Suit