National Council of Jewish Women
2055 L Street, NW, Suite 650
Washington, DC 20036

Contact:Shana Sisk, Ssisk@ncjw.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

National Council of Jewish Women Applauds Department of Justice Nominees

January 7, 2021, Washington, DC-National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) is thrilled with the deeply qualified and experienced Department of Justice nominees announced today by the Biden-Harris administration. National Council of Jewish Women CEO Sheila Katz released the following statement:

“The Department of Justice not only serves as a backstop for our fundamental civil rights, but can serve as a tool to advance all of the issues at the heart of National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW)’s mission to protect women, children, and families. With today’s announcement of Merrick Garland for Attorney General, Vanita Gupta as Associate Attorney General, and Kristen Clarke as Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights, the Biden-Harris administration has nominated excellent candidates at the top of their profession to lead this important department. They are deeply qualified individuals with an unparalleled depth and breadth of experience who will put everyone, particularly those most vulnerable who face structural barriers to exercising their human rights, first. Moreover, they represent a diversity of the American experience and would bring that lens to the critical work of the Department of Justice.

“The Attorney General is the people’s lawyer, and with Merrick Garland at the helm, we will no doubt see a return to a Justice Department that works for the people. Importantly, we urge President-elect Biden to immediately name a nominee to the DC Circuit Court who is fair, independent, and qualified, and who represents a diversity of America.

“With our partners Vanita Gupta and Kristen Clarke named to two top positions, President-elect Biden has chosen the very best of what this country has to offer. Vanita Gupta has spent her career advancing human rights, including working for civil rights within the Department during the Obama administration. From prosecuting hate crimes and human trafficking to promoting disability rights to advancing voting rights and the rights of LGBTQ individuals, and so much more, she is keenly aware of what is needed to move this country forward. And, as the leader of one of this country’s most important civil rights organizations, Kristen Clarke has devoted her life to the pursuit of equal justice for all. Her efforts to combat discrimination throughout her career have helped to strengthen our democracy.

“The Department of Justice is charged with ensuring the fair and impartial administration of justice for all. With Merrick Garland at the helm, supported by Vanita Gupta and Kristen Clarke, integrity, independence, and the pursuit of justice itself will be restored to this critical department. NCJW is thrilled to support their nominations and we look forward to working with the Department on the important work of the country.”

National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) is a grassroots organization of 180,000 volunteers and advocates who turn progressive ideals into action. Inspired by Jewish values, NCJW strives for social justice by improving the quality of life for women, children, and families and by safeguarding individual rights and freedoms. Through a program of education, community service, and advocacy, our advocates across the country create lasting social change on our key issues of the federal courts; reproductive health, rights, and justice, and voter engagement. More information on Facebook and on Twitter.

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