The District, the region, and the nation are in the midst of an unprecedented crisis and undergoing fundamental long-lasting change. It is hard to overstate the impact of the events of this year. Since the lock-down in March, COVID-19 has exacerbated existing racial health inequities, the economic crisis has underscored and expanded income and wealth inequality, and the uprisings in the wake of in-custody deaths has forced the nation to reckon with racial injustice in our criminal legal system.
The Washington Lawyers’ Committee has risen to meet this moment. Our staff and co-counsel brought cases and pursued policy reform that has made a difference to thousands. We have been humbled to partner with extraordinary leaders and organizations in impacted communities. We grieve for the pain so many experience and are inspired by the incredible resilience and advocacy that is demanding change.
While this moment has created great pain, it is also an opportunity. The sharp focus that has been put on racial and economic injustice can drive lasting reforms that eight months ago we thought impossible. Together, with you, we will continue to dismantle injustice and seek lasting change.
Jonathan Smith
Executive Director
P.S. We hope you've kept up with our work through our Alerts and we are happy to get back to sending out our monthly newsletter.
The racial achievement gap has grown worse with inadequate plans for remote learning. Read here about what our generous partners are doing to fight for education justice and digital equity in our schools.
In partnership with Wiley Rein and the ACLU of Maryland, we achieved a settlement of $1.2 million for our clients - three Black police officers - who were subjected to racial discrimination and retaliation by the Pocomoke City Police Department.
Huge congratulations to O2 Lab team for being recognized as a part of the AIGA 50, a DC-region biennial design competition, for their wonderful design on our Case for Support!
We signed on Disability Rights DC Complaint to US HHS concerning Medstar Hospital denying accommodations to a patient.
Virginia agrees to provide accessible absentee voting option for voters with print disabilities in time for the November election as a result of our lawsuit and preliminary injunction.
