“I’m thrilled to announce that we are forming a Civil Rights team within the U.S. Attorney’s office for the Western District.”
That’s U.S. Attorney Mark Totten speaking to attendees of the Greater Grand Rapids Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People’s (NAACP) Freedom Fund Program.
The U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan explained the Civil Rights team consisting of four assistant U.S. attorneys will be dedicated to prosecuting hate crimes, stopping discrimination, enforcing disability and sexual harassment laws, environmental justice, and protecting the right to vote.
“In addition, I’m also excited to announce our United Against Hate Campaign. This campaign is focused on educating the public about Civil Rights, the work we do to protect those rights, and how to report violations.”
The nationwide effort by the U.S. Department of Justice will facilitate local forums building coalitions and partnerships with communities together combating unlawful acts of hate.