Perez Will Enforce Civil Rights Laws Effectively; Restore Credibility and Integrity to Division

“The NALEO Educational Fund urges the Senate Committee on the Judiciary to advance the nomination of Thomas E. Perez to the full Senate for a confirmationvote.

“Mr. Perez’s extensive experience as a consumer advocate, a civil rights lawyer, and a public servant make him extremely well-qualified to lead the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) Civil Rights Division (CRD) in the effective enforcement of federal statutes prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, sex, handicap,religion, and national origin.

“He is a highly respected leader who has demonstrated a long-standing commitment to civil rights having previously served as a federal prosecutor and deputy assistant attorney general for the CRD, Director of the Office of Civil Rights at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and Special Counsel for Senator Edward Kennedy.

“Mr. Perez also possesses the managerial skills required for this position and a strong commitment to public service. Since January 2007, he has held the position of Secretary of the Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation for the State of Maryland and has previously served on the Montgomery County Council, the first Latino elected to this body.

“It is particularly critical that the head of the CRD has the leadership skills and dedication needed to restore the Division’s credibility and integrity. In the last few years, federal investigations have revealed the improper consideration of political affiliations or perspectives in the DOJ’s decision-making. We believe that Mr. Perez has demonstrated the skills and commitment required to rebuild public confidence in the ability of the CRD to carry out its civil rights enforcement mission effectively without political interference.

“We strongly support the confirmation of Mr. Perez and look forward to working with him in advancing the civil rights of all Americans.”