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Civil Rights and Social Justice

Join Us. Whatever your area of specialization, CRSJ has a place for you. Over the past five decades, the Section and its members have worked on hundreds of issues addressing a broad range of civil rights, civil liberties, and international human rights. Today, the Section continues to promote policies affecting racial equality, environmental and economic justice, LGBT rights, gender equity, and other significant civil rights issues.

Human Rights Magazine - New Issue Available!

Cover image for the newest issue of Human Rights Magazine. Published by the Section of Civil Rights and Social Justice.

Volume 50, No. 1/2: Environmental, Energy, and Climate Justice

Vol. 50, No. 1/2 of Human Rights Magazine focuses on Environmental, Energy, and Climate Justice, and recognizes the disproportionate harm suffered by communities of color, low-income populations, and Indigenous communities from environmental hazards.

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SPECIAL ISSUE: Combating Antisemitism

This special issue of Human Rights Magazine focuses on combating antisemitism, the incidence of which has grown nine-fold in the past decade. In this issue, you will hear from scholars, activists, and legal experts who shed light on the many faces of antisemitism and the efforts to dismantle it.

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SPECIAL ISSUE: Combating Islamophobia

This special issue of Human Rights Magazine focuses on combating islamophobia. In this issue, you will hear from scholars, activists, and legal experts who shed light on the many faces of Islamophobia and the efforts to dismantle it.

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2025 Thurgood Marshall Award

Maya D. Wiley

Honoring Maya D. Wiley

Maya D. Wiley, president and CEO of The Leadership Conference on Civil & Human Rights and The Leadership Conference Education Fund, has been selected as the recipient of the 2025 Thurgood Marshall Award. A nationally respected civil rights attorney and advocate, Maya has dedicated her career to advancing equity and justice across philanthropy, non-profits, government, and higher education. She will receive the award on Saturday, August 9, 2025, during a dinner celebration in Toronto, Canada, as part of the 2025 ABA Annual Meeting.

About - the Recipient

2025 Father Drinan Award, Honoring Richard A. Soden

The Section will honor longtime Section leader Richard A. Soden with its Father Robert F. Drinan Award for Distinguished Service on Thursday, January 23, 2025, from 5:30 - 7pm ET. The award will be presented at a virtual reception during the Section's Midyear Council Meeting. We invite friends and colleagues to join us as we honor his legacy with the Section.

About - the Event

PART 4 | Criminalizing Birthing Outcomes in a Post-Dobbs World

From the Roe v. Wade decision in 1973 until Dobbs decision in 2022, there were more than 1,800 cases across the country in which law enforcement, prosecutors, healthcare workers, family regulation workers, and judges have deprived pregnant people of their constitutional right under the guise of protecting “unborn life.” Even before Dobbs, people have been increasingly criminalized for their pregnancies, regardless of birth outcome. Join our experts as they discuss the who and why birthing people are being criminalized, the impact of birth people and their communities, and access to maternal healthcare.

WATCH THE SERIES ON-DEMAND

Available - On-Demand

Featured Member Articles

Recent Decisions of Interest Concerning LGBTQ+ Rights in Russia, Poland and Latvia

This article examines three recent decisions by the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) that impact LGBTQ+ rights in Russia, Poland, and Latvia. Each decision marks a significant ruling in favor of LGBTQ+ individuals while also revealing ongoing challenges related to family law, prisoners' rights, and the criminal prosecution of hate crimes. The article highlights the cases of Savinovskikh and Others v. Russia, W.W. v. Poland, and Hanovs v. Latvia, discussing the implications of each ruling under the European Convention on Human Rights.

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Together, We Move Forward | November Chair Column

ABA Civil Rights and Social Justice Section Chair Lacy L. Durham recently released her next column of the Bar year, discussing the results of the November election.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

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Two Years After Dobbs: Pregnant Peoples’ Lives are Still on the Line and the Texas Supreme Court Looks Away

Two years ago today, in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, the United Supreme Court overruled Roe v. Wade and held that the right to abortion is not a fundamental liberty under the federal constitution.

Read - On

Thank you to our 2024 Sponsors

The Section deeply thanks each generous sponsor of the 2024 Thurgood Marshall Award Celebration for its support that enables the Section to advance its programs and publications and better serve our community of advocates nationwide working to protect civil rights and social justice.

The Legal and Social Ramifications of Pandemics on Civil Rights and Civil Liberties

Check out the newest publication of the ABA Section of Civil Rights and Social Justice! This guide is a one-stop resource for attorneys, legislators, and others to understand how COVID-19 affected the most vulnerable populations in the U.S., and examines important efforts necessary to promote and protect civil rights and civil liberties during crisis. The framework presented--by 30 attorney experts--sets the stage for how to approach and best provide support during times of pandemic.

Now Available - Buy Today

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2022-23 Bar Year Accomplishments

Immediate Past Chair Juan R. Thomas has compiled a comprehensive list of the Section's achievements and successes over the last year.

ABA Communities

Join this new, exclusive online community site to connect and interact. There are Communities for each of our substantive and operational committees.

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Voting Rights Toolkit

As a part of our multi-component voting rights initiative, CRSJ has created a Voting Rights Toolkit to provide technical assistance to you as you serve your community and our country in various ways. We have included information to help you identify election-related issues encountered by vulnerable populations and work toward solutions.

CRSJ 101 – Bi-Monthly Membership Event

Attention new and interested CRSJ members! Join Section leaders and staff on the first Monday of every other month for a 30-minute event to learn more about the ABA Section of Civil Rights and Social Justice, our projects and initiatives, committee membership, and opportunities to get involved or get published! This event is open to all ABA members and non-members. This recurring membership orientation will typically occur on the first Monday of every other month at 3:00 p.m. ET, barring any rescheduled dates.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

Register - Here

Member Spotlights

We are proud to showcase the work and accomplishments of our esteemed members. Check out our spotlights of some of our more active members, and learn more about their work, goals, and achievements.

Latest News & Resources

Join Us

Whatever your area of specialization, CRSJ has a place for you. By joining us today, you can help ensure that the world’s largest voluntary professional association continues to uphold the Bill of Rights and the ideals it embodies.

Donate

Over the past five decades, the Section and its members have worked on hundreds of issues addressing a broad range of civil rights, civil liberties, and international human rights. Today, the Section continues to promote policies affecting religious freedom, LGBT rights, gender equity, and other significant civil rights issues. Your gift will help make our efforts possible for the next fifty years!