Asian Americans Advancing Justice | AAJC Applauds Confirmation of Kristen Clarke as Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights
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WASHINGTON, D.C. — May 25, 2021― Today, the Senate confirmed Kristen Clarke to serve as Assistant Attorney General in the U.S. Department of Justice. Clarke has made history as the first Black woman to hold the position.
Advancing Justice – AAJC President and Executive Director, John C. Yang, issues the following statement:
“We are thrilled Kristen Clarke has been confirmed to the position of Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights. As a longtime champion of civil rights and the daughter of Jamaican immigrants, she understands the importance of equal justice under the law and how too often the justice system has failed to protect the rights of marginalized communities.
Ms. Clarke has a deep understanding of how justice has been unequally applied toward communities of color. She has led an extraordinary career combating structural racism and inequality in the justice system with courage and discernment. The stewardship and protection of an individual’s civil and human rights — regardless of race, sex, color, gender identity, and immigration status — requires exceptional and compassionate leadership that Ms. Clarke brings to her new role.
Advancing Justice - AAJC has worked side-by-side with Ms. Clarke when she served as the president and executive director of the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, and we have seen firsthand her leadership and commitment to the protection of civil rights, from protecting our right to vote and fighting for everyone to be counted in the 2020 Census to partnering with us in fighting anti-Asian hate. Her confirmation is historic for the Justice Department and for our country. We look forward to Ms. Clarke doing great things in this new capacity and we have confidence that she will work hard to rebuild, repair, and protect our civil and human rights.”