The Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice, created in 1957 by the enactment of the Civil Rights
Act of 1957, works to uphold the civil and constitutional rights of all Americans, particularly some of the
most vulnerable members of our society. The Division enforces federal statutes prohibiting discrimination
on the basis of race, color, sex, disability, religion, familial status and national origin.
The Justice Department has entered into an interim settlement agreement with the State of Rhode Island and the City of Providence that will resolve violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
The Justice Department has entered into a consent decree with the town of Griffith, Ind. that, if approved by the court, will resolve allegations that the Griffith Police Department discriminated against Sergeant Marlene Starcevich based on her sex in violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
The Department of Justice reached a settlement with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, et al. concerning the Massachusetts Department of Correction's use of a physical abilities test in the hiring of entry-level Correction Officers and Correction Program Officers.
Read the Department's proposed legislative amendments to strengthen laws that protect the rights of servicemembers and other civil rights laws. Click here for a one-page fact sheet.