WASHINGTON, DC — In response to breaking news that Attorney General Merrick Garland today, rescinded a Trump-era memo that curtailed the use of consent decrees that federal prosecutors have used in sweeping investigations of police departments, People For the American Way President Ben Jealous released the following statement:

“Attorney General Merrick Garland, confirmed to the U.S. Department of Justice last month, took a critically important step today to address systemic police misconduct and the need for law enforcement accountability at the state and local levels. His action will help reverse the damage done to the American justice system by the Trump administration and sends a clear message from the DOJ about the urgency of working aggressively to investigate and hold accountable law enforcement agencies that put historically marginalized communities in harm’s way. As our nation experiences attacks on American voters’ rights, the Derek Chauvin murder trial, the killing of Duane Wright, and ongoing community protests in Minneapolis, we are confident that Garland and his team will continue working hard to strengthen our public safety systems. We are also confident that the Senate will move swiftly to confirm Vanita Gupta as Associate Attorney General and Kristen Clarke as head of the DOJ Civil Rights Division to help in that effort.”

About People For the American Way 

People For the American Way is a progressive advocacy organization founded to fight right-wing extremism and build a democratic society that implements the ideals of freedom, equality, opportunity and justice for all. We encourage civic participation, defend fundamental rights, and fight to dismantle systemic barriers to equitable opportunity. Learn more: https://www.pfaw.org.