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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 49, No. 1/2: Labor & Employment Rights

The latest issue of the ABA Section of Civil Rights and Social Justice's award-winning quarterly Human Rights Magazine discusses Native American and Alaska Native Rights and Issues!

Read - the latest issue

Midyear Meeting Recap

During the 2024 CRSJ Midyear Meeting, the Section of Civil Rights and Social Justice honored Section leader Drucilla Stender Ramey, held two days of business meetings, and sponsored seven resolutions adopted by the ABA House of Delegates. Learn more about the events of CRSJ's virtual Midyear Council Meeting and the ABA's Midyear Meeting in Louisville.

About - the Meeting

In Memoriam: Richard A. Soden

We are deeply saddened to share that the ABA Civil Rights and Social Justice Section's beloved Budget Officer Richard A. Soden passed away on December 25, 2023. The ABA Civil Rights and Social Justice Section will be honoring Richard at our Midyear Business Meeting on January 25-26, 2024. May his memory be a blessing.

Read - the Statement

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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2024 Thurgood Marshall Award

Eva Paterson

Honoring Eva Paterson

Eva Paterson, Co-Founder and former President of the Equal Justice Society, has dedicated her life's work to fighting for racial justice and civil rights. The ABA Section of Civil Rights and Social Justice has selected Eva to receive the 2024 Thurgood Marshall Award to celebrate her long-term contributions to advancing civil rights in the United States. She will receive the award on Saturday, August 3, 2024, during a dinner celebration at the 2024 ABA Annual Meeting in Chicago, IL.

About - the Recipient

2024 HIV Law & Practice Conference

The HIV/AIDS Impact Project is excited to announce the return of the biennial HIV/AIDS Law & Practice Conference. Join us in New Orleans for two days of informative workshops, dialogue, and a luncheon recognizing the recipients of the Alexander Forger Awards for Sustained Excellence in HIV Legal and Policy Advocacy. New this year: A reception sponsored by the American Bar Foundation Fellows on Thursday evening!

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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

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 held its 21-Day Practice on Combating Antisemitism earlier this year. 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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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.

Read - the Op-Ed

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 – Monthly Membership Event

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

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!