Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law Issues Statement on Supreme Court's Texas Racial Gerrymandering Decision

June 25, 2018

Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law Issues Statement on Supreme Court's Texas Racial Gerrymandering Decision (Abbott v. Perez)

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Kristen Clarke, President and Executive Director of the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, issued the following statement Monday regarding the U.S. Supreme Court’s 5-4 judgement in Abbott v. Perez, overturning a finding that Texas intentionally discriminated on the basis of race in redrawing its congressional and state political districts after the 2010 census.

“As we approach the 2020 redistricting process, a clear message should be sent that racial discrimination has no place in the redistricting process.  Unfortunately, the Supreme Court fell short.  There was clear evidence that the Texas Legislature had enacted the 2011 redistricting plan and that the Legislature’s enactment of new redistricting legislation in 2013 carried that intent.  The Court should have affirmed the trial court’s ruling to that effect. By failing to do so, the Court has jeopardized the fundamental right to vote of minority voters in Texas.”

About the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law:

The Lawyers’ Committee, a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization, was formed in 1963 at the request of President John F. Kennedy to involve the private bar in providing legal services to address racial discrimination.  Now in its 55th year, the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law is continuing its quest to “Move America Toward Justice.” The principal mission of the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law is to secure, through the rule of law, equal justice for all, particularly in the areas of criminal justice, fair housing and community development, economic justice, educational opportunities, and voting rights. For more information, please visit https://lawyerscommittee.org.