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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 Labor and Employment Rights in light of the recent resurgence of the organized labor movement.

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    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.

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    Drucilla Stender Ramey to be honored with Drinan Award

    About the 2024 Recipient

    The Section will honor longtime leader and Special Counsel Drucilla Stender Ramey with its Father Robert F. Drinan Award for Distinguished Service, at a virtual reception during the Section's Midyear Council Meeting. We invite friends and colleagues to join us as we honor her legacy with the Section. Additional details about the virtual ceremony will be announced soon.

    About - the Recipient

    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

    Upcoming Programs

    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.

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    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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    Perfecting Democracy

    Perfecting Democracy | Recruiting lawyers and law students to volunteer to assist organizations engaged in nonpartisan efforts to protect fair elections.
    Chair Chat

    Chair Chat | Discussing critical civil rights and social justice issues challenging our society.
    Economic Justice Summit | Convened lawyers, activists, policymakers, and key stakeholders to formulate policy solutions to our country’s most critical

    Economic Justice Summit | Convened lawyers, activists, policymakers, and key stakeholders to formulate policy solutions to our country’s most critical economic disparities.
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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.

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    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.

    See - the Accomplishments

    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.

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    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

    Watch Past Iterations

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    Featured Member Spotlights

    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.

    See - the Spotlights

    Latest News & Resources

    Letter from ABA President Deborah Enix-Ross to Missouri Governor Michael Parson Concerning the Scheduled Execution of Johnny Johnson

    The American Bar Association does not believe that justice will be served by the execution of a person with severe and longstanding mental illness. Therefore, the ABA urges the Governor of Missouri to grant clemency to Mr. Johnson or, at the very least, to halt his execution until a fair evaluation and hearing concerning his competency to be executed can be conducted.

    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.

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    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!

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