Washington, DC — On Friday, a diverse coalition of of faith, civil rights and community groups led by Muslim Advocates and the National Council of Jewish Women sent a letter supporting the nomination of Kristen Clarke to be assistant attorney general for civil rights at the U.S. Department of Justice. The Senate Judiciary Committee is set to consider Clarke’s nomination in the coming weeks. If confirmed, Clarke would be the first woman and Black woman to lead the department’s Civil Rights Division. The letter was signed by more than 100 groups including Sojourners, Arab American Institute, The Sikh Coalition, Emgage Action and National Religious Campaign Against Torture.

• Read the letter

Clarke has a long history of fighting for civil rights for all people at the Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, the Civil Rights Bureau for the New York State Attorney General’s Office, the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Inc. and as a prosecutor at the Criminal Section at the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. In the letter, the groups note that Clarke’s sterling civil rights track record makes her an extremely qualified candidate to undo the damage done by the Trump administration.

“It is critical that DOJ is comprised of leaders committed to ending discrimination; addressing white supremacy and hate violence; and advancing racial, gender, disability, ethnic, religious, immigrant, and LGBTQ justice,” wrote the groups. “Now, more than ever before, our elected and appointed leaders must be committed to a nation that is just and equitable for all people. We believe there is no better candidate to lead DOJ’s Civil Rights Division than Kristen Clarke.”

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Muslim Advocates is a national civil rights organization working in the courts, in the halls of power and in communities to halt bigotry in its tracks. We ensure that American Muslims have a seat at the table with expert representation so that all Americans may live free from hate and discrimination.

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 at @NCJW.