February 2018 | Washington Lawyers' Committee eNewsletter
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Dear Friend of the Washington Lawyers' Committee,

The Washington Lawyers’ Committee has a rich history grounded in the struggle for racial and economic justice. Over the last 50 years, we have made an important impact. But there is much work that needs to be done and we continue to do it.
 
We were founded in direct response to the urban rebellions of 1967 and the report of the Kerner Commission in 1968. Throughout our history and today, we meet the injunction of that famous report “to make good the promises of American democracy to all citizens—urban and rural, white and black, Spanish-surname, American Indian, and every minority group.”
 
Join us on March 19 with Richard Rothstein to discuss racial segregation in housing and how it was created and enforced by our government – an issue that remains a core part of our docket. And read on to learn about some of our recent successes—breaking down barriers to the legal profession, fighting for workers illegally punished for taking care of their family, and protecting the rights of prisoners. 

Jon Smith
Executive Director, Washington Lawyers’ Committee
BarBri Settles Allegations of Discrimination Against Blind Students
BarBri Settled
Blind law students and graduates sued Barbri, the biggest bar exam preparation company in the nation, for not providing equal access to key parts of its bar preparation courses. In January, BarBri agreed as part of a court-enforced consent decree to update its online products using industry-recognized web accessibility guidelines, and to strengthen internal processes, training, and staff resources for ensuring compliance with these standards. “This settlement clears unreasonable and unlawful barriers standing in the way of blind bar exam takers and ensures that the legal profession is open to all,” said Jonathan Smith.
No Choice Between a Paycheck and a Family
No Choice Between a Paycheck and a Family
From factory floors to private residences, from cubicles to government agencies – across the country: pregnancy and parenthood are still seen as incompatible with the working world by far too many backward-thinking employers. Over the past few years, the Washington Lawyers’ Committee has focused deeply on addressing workplace discrimination against pregnancy and caregiving. When we enforce these rights in court, we ensure that employers understand that all workers, regardless of their position or income, need not choose between a paycheck and their family’s well-being.
Congratulations 
Phil!
Congrats Phil
We are extremely proud to share that our colleague and DC Prisoners’ Project Director Philip Fornaci has been selected by the DC Bar Foundation as the recipient of its 2018 Jerrold Scoutt Prize. The Scoutt Prize is awarded annually to an attorney who has worked for a significant portion of his or her career at a nonprofit organization providing direct, hands-on legal services to poor or disadvantaged persons in the District of Columbia, has demonstrated compassionate concern for his or her clients, and has exhibited a high degree of skill on their behalf. It’s a well-deserved honor for a true champion of justice.
The Color of Law
Please join the Committee and our Associate Trustees on March 19 for an evening with Richard Rothstein to discuss his best-selling and award winning book The Color of Law: A Forgotten History of How Our Government Segregated America. This thoroughly researched and richly documented book traces the history of government policy that created and enforced racial segregation in housing in urban America. This event is the first of several this year celebrating the Committee’s 50th Anniversary. Details and registration.
More News
Join Us: Internship and Employment Opportunities
Development Associate
Civil Rights Legal Internship – Summer 2018
Fight Injustice & Inequality with WLC: Volunteer and Pro Bono Opportunities
Workers' Rights Clinic February Schedule
Click here to get involved with clinic and additional volunteer opportunities with the Committee.
  • Wednesdays, February 7, 14, 21, and 28 from 6–9 p.m., at Bread for the City, 1525 Seventh Street NW
  • Fridays, February 2 and 16, from 12–4 p.m., at the Neighborhood Legal Services Program office at 2811 Pennsylvania Avenue SE
  • Saturday, February 24, from 10 a.m.–1 p.m., at Bread for the City, 1640 Good Hope Road SE
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