Just one African American has served on the Senate Judiciary Committee in its 201-year history – and now two more have been appointed: U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-N.J.) and U.S. Senator Kamala Harris (D-Calif.).
A broad coalition of civil rights and racial justice organizations, led by the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, last month urged Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Senate leadership to appoint an African-American senator to serve on the panel.
“We applaud action taken today which brings greater and much-needed diversity to the United States Senate Judiciary Committee,” said Kristen Clarke, president and executive director of the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law.
“The appointments of Senator Cory Booker and Senator Kamala Harris recognizes the importance of different perspectives and the value of diversity on the Committee which has jurisdiction over important issues including voting rights, judicial nominations and criminal justice reform. We urge the Senate to continue to take action that ensures that the voice of the African American community is reflected not only in its mission, but in its makeup.”
