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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.

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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2023 CRSJ Annual Meeting

During the 2023 ABA Annual Meeting, the Section of Civil Rights and Social Justice honored the esteemed Native American Rights Fund Executive Director John E. Echohawk, sponsored two CLE Showcase programs and two non-CLE programs, held three days of business meetings and leadership events, and sponsored eight resolutions adopted by the ABA House of Delegates

About - the Meeting

John E. Echohawk Awarded the 2023 Thurgood Marshall Award

2023 Annual Meeting

John E. Echohawk, Executive Director of the Native American Rights Fund, has dedicated his life's work to fighting for Native justice and equality. The Section awarded Echohawk the 2023 Thurgood Marshall Award to celebrate his long-term contributions the advancement of civil rights in the United States.

About - the Dinner

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 48, No. 4

The latest issue of the ABA Section of Civil Rights and Social Justice's award-winning quarterly Human Rights Magazine discusses the recent decline of Rule of Law in the United States and around the world.

Read - the latest issue

Alabama’s Defiance of the Supreme Court on Voting Rights Is a Threat to the Rule of Law

On June 8, 2023, in Allen v. Milligan, the U.S. Supreme Court unambiguously held that the State of Alabama was required, by section 2 of the Voting Rights Act, to use a congressional district map containing two of seven districts in which African-American voters had the ability to elect candidates of their choice.

Read - On

21-Day Practice on Combating Antisemitism

Virtual | May 2023

The ABA Section of Civil Rights and Social Justice is proud to launch the 21-Day Practice on Combating Antisemitism. The current movement for equality in America provides an opportunity for us to consider how we — as individuals, as lawyers, and as a Section — are meeting this moment.

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Upcoming Co-Sponsored Event: Trauma, Recovery, and Repair - A Conversation with Professor Judith Herman

August 21, 2023 - 2:00 p.m. ET

The Commission on Domestic & Sexual Violence will be hosting their third Write & Tell Live livestream conversation, featuring author and psychiatrist Professor Judith Herman and Commission Liaison Marium Durrani. Professor Herman is author of the new book "TRUTH AND REPAIR: How Trauma Survivors Envision Justice."

Join - the conversation

Thank you to our 2023 Sponsors

The Section deeply thanks each generous sponsor of the 2022 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.

Featured Member Op-Ed | An Unexpected Trip to the White House

CRSJ Liaison to the Commission on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Nathan Bruemmer details his experience at the December 12 Respect for Marriage Act Signing Ceremony at the White House.

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2022-23 Bar Year Accomplishments

Section 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 – Monthly Membership Event

Attention new and interested CRSJ members! Join Section leaders and staff on Monday, September 11, at 3:00 p.m. ET 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 occur on the first Monday of every month at 3:00 p.m. ET.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

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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!