DC Circuit decision delivers major victory for police accountability and privacy rights
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit has delivered a significant victory in a challenge to abuse of police power, ruling that the Fourth Amendment forbids police officers from retaining the property they seize—such as cell phones, cameras, or vehicles—for an unreasonable period of time.
This important decision stems from the cases of Asinor v. District of Columbia and Cameron v. District of Columbia, where plaintiffs argued that the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) wrongly held the personal possessions—including cell phones—of people they had arrested for months or even years after their arrests, without any legitimate reason, causing significant personal and professional harm.
“This opinion not only affirms the importance of the Fourth Amendment’s crucial protections, but also will also protect thousands of D.C. residents who are arrested without ever being charged and need their phones, cars, and other property returned to them so they can go to work, connect with their families, and go about their lives,” said Ryan Downer, WLC Legal Director.
The ruling is a major step forward in holding police accountable and protecting the rights of citizens not just in D.C., but across the nation.
Improving D.C. WAV Ride Availability and Response Times
The Equal Rights Center (ERC) and Uber Technologies, Inc. have announced a new plan to improve the availability and safety of wheelchair-accessible vehicles (WAVs) in Washington, D.C. This agreement aims to resolve ongoing litigation concerning WAV ride availability and response times in the area. Over the next 18 months, Uber will:
Offer monetary incentives to drivers completing WAV trips in D.C.
Provide a one-time incentive for drivers completing their first WAV trip in D.C.
Direct prospective drivers to WAV passenger securement training resources
Require proof of training completion for WAV drivers
ERC Executive Director Kate Scott stated, "Reliable and safe transportation is often taken for granted, but it remains a challenge for wheelchair users in the District. We hope this initiative with Uber will better meet our community's transportation needs."
The ERC is represented in this lawsuit by the Washington Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights and Urban Affairs and Relman Colfax PLLC.
In February 2020, a prospective renter reported to the Equal Rights Center that when she inquired about renting an apartment at Vaughan Place in the Cathedral Heights neighborhood, she was told that they do not accept Section 8 Vouchers. Ultimately, she was forced to rent a smaller apartment with fewer amenities in a different neighborhood that did not meet as many of her needs. ERC conducted civil rights testing at Vaughan Place, which confirmed the allegations. Not only is such discrimination unlawful, it has a disproportionately negative impact on low-income Black renters, given that nearly all voucher recipients in D.C. are Black.
Paul Hastings joined WLC to file a complaint against the housing provider, a major multi-state corporation, alleging unlawful discrimination under the Fair Housing Act, DC Human Rights Act, and the DC Consumer Protection Procedures Act. In October 2023, the matter settled. Thanks to Paul Hastings’s collaboration on the case, the housing provider will comply with fair housing laws in all their current and future residential properties.
WLC Staff Spotlight
Marja Plater, John E. Nolan Youth Justice Senior Counsel
Marja Plater joined the Washington Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights and Urban Affairs in July 2021 as the John E. Nolan Youth Justice Counsel. Her work focuses on litigation and advocacy for youth rights, particularly in education and policing.
Before this role, Marja was a staff attorney at Maryland Legal Aid, where she ensured access to justice for low-income individuals. She represented clients in family law matters such as custody, divorce, and domestic violence in Baltimore and the Maryland Court of Special Appeals.
Marja began her advocacy career as a child’s counsel in child welfare cases, representing foster youth in Maryland courts. She also worked on issues related to education, mental health, and transitioning out of foster care. Passionate about youth rights and social justice, Marja is dedicated to making a difference.
National Make-A-Will Month
Get ready to make a lasting racial justice impact! August is Make-A-Will Month. Washington Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights and Urban Affairs (“WLC”) is celebrating 56 years of advancing racial equity and civil rights in the Greater Washington DC region. By creating a legacy gift to WLC, you can help ensure that we break the cycle of racial discrimination and poverty for everyone in our community, for generations to come.
To make a lasting impact for low-income communities of color, click here.
Coming Down the Pike
WLC is Coming to Your Neighborhood!
This fall, WLC house parties will take place in neighborhoods throughout the Greater Washington, DC, region. WLC staff and board members will discuss our racial justice work at the following parties:
If you would like to attend one of these parties, please contact WLC Development Director Melissa Nussbaum at melissa_nussbaum@washlaw.org or 202-319-1000.
In Memoriam
Mary Levy
Mary’s lifelong dedication to improving public education for all students in the District has left a legacy that will never be forgotten. Through her work at the Committee and with Parents United, she was instrumental in vastly improving school conditions, securing more equitable funding, and providing better resources and opportunities for students—all during a time when obtaining adequate support for schools in DC was a constant challenge.
Mary’s critical expertise in analyzing DC school budgets was invaluable to Councilmembers and parent leaders alike for decades. Her generosity in sharing her time, analyses, and methodologies empowered a new generation of advocates, equipping them with the tools she developed to continue the campaigns she initiated for a more equitable and effective public education system.
It is truly extraordinary that she achieved all of this while facing significant health challenges, all while being a devoted wife and mother. Her memory will continue to be a blessing and an inspiration to us all.
Daniel A. Katz
Danny was a true champion of workers’ rights and played a transformative role in the way we serve our community. Shortly after the Committee merged with the Employment Justice Center, Danny ensured that we were delivering world-class and compassionate legal services to our most vulnerable neighbors. His passion for workers was evident, and he was a tireless advocate on their behalf. When COVID hit, Danny worked diligently to transition our clinics to a virtual format, ensuring that workers could continue to receive help when they needed it most.
Danny was always ready to celebrate a victory or offer comfort in times of loss, caring deeply about both the big and small moments in our professional and personal lives. He had a kind word for everyone in the office, and his loss is felt deeply by all who had the privilege to work with him.
Today, the Committee continues its workers’ rights clinics and fights for workers, carrying on the legacy that Danny so passionately built. His impact and memory will live on through our continued efforts.
Reach Out to Us
Ryan Downer ✉Legal Director Joanne Lin ✉Executive Director
The Washington Lawyers’ Committee works to create legal, economic and social equity through litigation, client and public education and public policy advocacy.
