Civil Rights Division

About the Division

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.

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Civil Rights Division News

September 21, 2016

Press Release

Justice Department Reaches Settlement to Address and Prevent Sexual Assault and Harassment at Wheaton College

September 20, 2016

Press Release

Justice Department and Los Angeles County Superior Court Reach Agreement to Ensure Access to Justice for Limited English Proficient Individuals

September 20, 2016

Speech

Head of the Civil Rights Division Vanita Gupta Delivers Remarks at Southern Center for Human Rights Symposium on the Criminalization of Race and Poverty

September 19, 2016

Speech

Head of the Civil Rights Division Vanita Gupta Delivers Remarks at White House Conference on Trauma-Informed Approaches in School to Support Girls of Color and Rethink Discipline

September 19, 2016

Press Release

Justice Department Settles with 30 Hop Restaurant and Bar in Iowa to Resolve Americans with Disabilities Act Violations

Featured Items

Justice Department Closes Case After Rhode Island Judiciary Reforms Provide Equal Access For Individuals With Limited English Proficiency (4/21/16)

Chicago Probationary Police Officer Hiring Settlement
Press Release
A dditional Information about the Settlement

Justice Department Reaches Agreement with City of Cleveland to Reform Cleveland Division of Police (5/26/15)

Justice Department Announces Findings of Two Civil Rights Investigations in Ferguson, Missouri (3/4/15)
Press Release
Report on Shooting of Michael Brown
Report on Ferguson Police Department

Departments of Justice and Education Issue Guidance to Ensure Equal Opportunities for English Learner Students (1/7/15)
Press Release
Additional Information

Justice Department Files Brief to Address Health Care for Prisoners Suffering from Gender Dysphoria (4/3/15)
Press Release
Read the Statement of Interest

Justice Department Statement on Federal Court Ruling Against Texas Voter Identification Law (10/9/14)
Press Release
Read the District Court's Opinion
Read the Department's Complaint

View New Spring 2016 Title VI Civil Rights Newsletter (News@FCS)

Attorney General Holder, Secretary Duncan, Announce Guidance Package on Providing Quality Education Services to America's Confined Youth (12/8/14)
Press Release
Go to the Guidance Package

División de Derecho Civil en Español