Children’s Defense Fund: Supreme Court Ruling on Voting Rights Act Threatens Voices for Black and Brown Children

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Media Contact: John Henry, [email protected], CDF Media Relations Manager, @johnhenrydc, 708-646-7679

Children’s Defense Fund on Voting Rights Act Supreme Court Ruling

More than 37 million children of color in America could be adversely affected by the court’s decision.

WASHINGTON, D.C.—On Wednesday, the United States Supreme Court issued a decision that weakens a key part of the historic Voting Rights Act. The legislation, which was signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1965, eliminated legal barriers that once kept thousands of African Americans across the country from voting.

In a 6-3 ruling in Louisiana v. Callais, the Court found race-conscious redistricting under Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act unconstitutional. Section 2 had barred voting practices or procedures that discriminate based on race, color, or language. The Court’s decision is expected to allow more states to redraw their Congressional maps, further limiting the political influence of Black and Brown communities in America.

The national children’s advocacy organization Children’s Defense Fund, along with its President and CEO, Rev. Dr. Starsky Wilson, released the following statement in response to the court’s decision. It emphasizes the serious impact this ruling will have on Black and brown children across America:

“Today’s Supreme Court decision effectively dismantles the most powerful protections of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. The Court’s ruling in Louisiana v. Callais jeopardizes the civic future and well-being of 37 million Black and brown children in America.

“Diverse representation and participation in our democracy is necessary to advance policies that benefit ALL children, which reflect the most diverse segment of our population. Children’s Defense Fund will fight alongside our partners to ensure all people can vote, volunteer, and lift their voices for their children, grandchildren, and students in their lives.

“Unfortunately, this ruling threatens to undo decades of democratic progress and undermines our conviction that every child deserves a say in shaping our democracy.

“Further, this decision is deeply hypocritical as the nation’s highest court is tasked with upholding equal protection and fair participation in democracy for all Americans. Instead, this ruling will lead to discriminatory Congressional maps that weaken the voices of many, only to give power to a select few, for political gain.

“Every child in America should grow up with dignity, hope, and joy. That can only happen if they – and their champions – are afforded the ability to shape the policies that affect their lives. We fear that the partisan gerrymandering enabled by this decision will silence the voices of too many Black and Brown children. This ruling cannot stand and must be corrected by Congress. Children’s Defense Fund is committed to fighting it with all our determination.”

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About Children’s Defense Fund

Founded in 1973, Children’s Defense Fund envisions a nation where marginalized children flourish, leaders prioritize their well-being, and communities wield the power to ensure they thrive. The only national, multi-issue advocacy organization working at the intersection of child well-being and racial justice, CDF advances the well-being of America’s most diverse generation, the 74 million children and youth under the age of 18 and 30 million young adults under the age of 25. CDF’s grassroots movements in marginalized communities build power for child-centered public policy, informed by racial equity and the lived experience of children and youth. Its renowned CDF Freedom Schools® program is conducted in nearly 100 cities across 30 states and territories. Learn more at www.childrensdefense.org.