As the Senate Judiciary Committee considered Harmeet Dhillon’s nomination for Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights at the Department of Justice (DOJ), a coalition of civil rights organizations, including The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, raised profound concerns about her record on civil rights and urged the Senate to reject her nomination. These concerns are well-founded, as an examination of Dhillon’s stance on various issues demonstrates her commitment to undermining the very principles she would be responsible for enforcing.
Voting Rights: A History of Opposition
Dhillon’s anti-voting rights record is deeply troubling. She has opposed key voting rights protections, including the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, which would restore the Voting Rights Act to its full power. Her response during the hearing that bringing cases under Section 2 of the VRA requires discriminatory intent is an affront to decades of jurisprudence and Congressional intent behind the landmark Voting Rights Act of 1965.
Support for Restrictive Voting Laws
Dhillon has a history of supporting restrictive voting laws, including documentary proof of citizenship requirements, which are solutions in search of a problem that trade on dangerous myths and stereotypes. Her stance is at odds with the nation’s existing strict laws and safeguards ensuring only U.S. citizens vote in federal elections.
Lending Credibility to Claims of ‘Reverse Racism’
Dhillon’s response to Senator Schmitt’s question about reverse racism was alarming, as she failed to acknowledge the history of racism targeting marginalized communities. Her refusal to use the term “reverse racism” and instead appealing to racial resentment among white people against perceived injustice of reverse discrimination is a disqualifying trait for an individual responsible for enforcing civil rights laws.
Attacks on LGBTQ+ Rights
Despite not being directly asked about LGBTQ+ rights during her hearing, Dhillon’s record speaks volumes. She has been one of the most vocal bullies of transgender people, attacking their basic privacy and dignity in women’s private spaces. Her confirmation to this position would mean an assault on the civil rights of transgender, nonbinary, and intersex individuals.
Reproductive Rights: A Threat to Health Care Access
Dhillon’s aggressive language and inflammatory rhetoric around abortion are deeply concerning. As a lawyer for the pro-life movement, she has expressed disdain for those who choose to exercise their right to make autonomous decisions about their body and health. Her confirmation would mean an attack on reproductive rights and safe access to healthcare services.
Lack of Independence: A Threat to the DOJ
Dhillon’s close relationship with President Trump and her history of supporting his baseless claims of voter fraud raise significant concerns about her independence as Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights. If confirmed, she would likely prioritize the administration’s political agenda over defending the Constitution and the rights of all people.
In conclusion, Harmeet Dhillon’s record on civil rights is a liability to Americans. Her opposition to voting rights, support for restrictive laws, lending credibility to claims of reverse racism, attacks on LGBTQ+ rights, threats to reproductive rights, and lack of independence make her an unsuitable candidate for the position of Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights at the DOJ. She must be removed to ensure that the nation’s civil rights are protected by a leader committed to defending the principles of equality and justice under the law.
Sourced from https://civilrights.org/
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