WASHINGTON, DC – Today, the Progressive State Leaders Committee (PSLC) announced the launch of the new Liberty, Justice, and Opportunity for All campaign, led by Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul, chair of the PSLC DEIA Working Group.

The Liberty, Justice, & Opportunity for All campaign will bring together state AGs and organizations committed to the defense of civil rights and DEIA, while also providing leaders with resources and engagement opportunities to highlight their role in upholding these issues through collaboration. The campaign aims to amplify the message that DEIA remains legal and viable, ensure state AGs are at the forefront of the defense against attacks on DEIA and civil rights, and increase collaboration with civil and human rights groups on collective efforts, including the diversification of non-legal activities outside litigation.

Statement from AG Kwame Raoul, Chair of PSLC’s DEIA Working Group:

“At a time where civil rights and diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility policies are under attack, advocacy and action in protecting and defending these rights has become a vital tool. As we continue to see repeated efforts to erase progress and vilify equal opportunities for all, we must stand together to remind people that rolling back protections will harm and impact all of us, not just minority communities. No one should ever have to fear that their rights are being stripped away simply because of their race, ethnicity, nationality, gender, or religion. State attorneys general are in a unique position to defend these fundamental rights, and this campaign will ensure everyone is heard and shielded from those who aim to weaken civil rights.

“I am honored to lead the Liberty, Justice, & Opportunity for All campaign and chair the Working Group. There has never been a more critical time to lead this charge in creating equal opportunities for all Americans.”

State attorneys general and organizations joining this effort include California AG Rob Bonta, Colorado AG Phil Weiser, Connecticut AG William Tong, Delaware AG Kathy Jennings, District of Columbia AG Brian Schwalb, Illinois AG Kwame Raoul, Massachusetts AG Andrea Joy Campbell, Maryland AG Anthony Brown, Minnesota AG Keith Ellison, Nevada AG Aaron Ford, Acting New Jersey AG Jennifer Davenport, New York AG Letitia James, Oregon AG Dan Rayfield, Virginia AG Jay Jones, Washington AG Nick Brown, African American Policy Forum, Arab American Institute, Asian Americans Advancing Justice, Common Cause, Global Black Economic Forum, Human Rights Campaign, Jewish Council for Public Affairs, League of United Latin American Citizens, Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, National Organization of Minority Architects, National Coalition on Black Civic Participation, National Council of Jewish Women, National Hispanic Media Coalition, National Urban League, National Women’s Law Center, Skinner Leadership Institute, Southern Poverty Law Center, and Progressive State Leaders Committee.

In a joint statement, the state attorneys general and organizations stated, “Despite their inherent value and continued necessity, fundamental civil rights laws and the ideals of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility remain at risk. With the federal government abdicating responsibility for guaranteeing our rights nationwide, it is up to officials and institutions like the undersigned to continue to uphold the law and advocate for equal opportunity. We all share responsibility for the protection and continued implementation of civil rights laws and diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility principles because living in a society that values everyone benefits everyone. As attorneys general, we will continue to safeguard our civil rights protections. As organizations, we will continue to champion increased civil rights for all.”

The full joint statement can be found here.