The Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division is undergoing a notable shift in focus, realigning its priorities to align more closely with the directives of President Donald Trump. Significant changes have been introduced through new internal mission statements, which emphasize issues such as voter fraud detection, protecting white individuals from discrimination, and aligning with executive orders set by the current administration.
Recently confirmed to lead the division, Harmeet Dhillon has communicated these new priorities to various sections within the division. The updated mission statements notably minimize references to traditional statutes, such as the Voting Rights Act and the Fair Housing Act, which have long guided the division’s efforts since its inception under the Civil Rights Act of 1957. Instead, they place greater emphasis on initiatives derived from Trump’s executive orders.
The voting section’s new mission statement highlights a focus on preventing voter fraud and removing noncitizens from voter rolls, overlooking the historically central role of the Voting Rights Act in ensuring non-discriminatory voting practices. Similarly, the Housing and Civil Enforcement section’s guidance omits any reference to the Fair Housing Act, instead prioritizing the enforcement of the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act and addressing racially discriminatory lending practices.
Some former officials and legal experts have expressed concern over these changes, viewing them as an abdication of the division’s core responsibilities. Critics argue that the new mission statements reflect a significant departure from the division’s longstanding commitment to protecting marginalized groups, instead aiming to further the current administration’s political objectives.
In addition to altering mission statements, the Justice Department has already begun shifting its focus by withdrawing from several civil rights cases initiated under the Biden administration. This includes terminating an environmental justice settlement in Alabama and dropping a pay discrimination lawsuit.
Concerns have also been raised regarding the implications for voting rights. The division has indicated plans to work with the Department of Homeland Security to assist states in accessing citizenship data, allegedly to prevent voter fraud. Critics argue that such measures could hinder efforts to protect voting rights on a non-discriminatory basis.
Other sections within the Civil Rights Division are also experiencing changes in focus. The educational opportunities section now stresses the prevention of discrimination against white applicants and prioritizes enforcement against anti-transgender issues. Similarly, the disability rights section’s new mission appears to concentrate on aligning with the President’s broader agenda, as outlined in a series of executive orders.
While the new mission statements emphasize an expectation for attorneys to enforce the law “faithfully and zealously,” there is anticipation of pushback from career staff within the division. These changes represent a marked shift in the division’s traditional roles, potentially challenging the long-standing dedication of its attorneys to enforcing important civil rights laws.