NAACP Response to Harmeet Dhillon’s Plans to Step Down from Assistant Attorney General Role at Department of Justice

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 5, 2026

Contact: Chyna Fields, [email protected]

WASHINGTON - Following today's announcement of Harmeet Dhillon's reported resignation from her role as Assistant Attorney General of Civil Rights at the Department of Justice (DOJ), the NAACP issued the following statement:

"From day one, Harmeet Dhillon abdicatedher responsibility to enforce our nation's federal civil rights laws and destroyed the crown jewel of the Justice Department," said Kristen Clarke, NAACP General Counsel. "Instead of protecting the civil rights of all Americans, she abandoned cases, purged the work force and weaponized the Division to target institutions to achieve illegitimate, partisan goals. As a result, hate crimes, police violence, voter suppression, and discrimination has gone unchecked in all corners of the country. But we know the fight for civil rights long preceded her and will live on long after her. To Dhillon's replacement, know that we will continue to demand that you respect the agency's sacred mission, enforce the law fairly, and protect our civil rights."

During her time at the Civil Rights Division, Dhillon, despite her oath to comply with the Constitution and enforce federal civil rights statutes, acted in a partisan manner-weaponizing her role to dismantle civil rights and target the Americans whom it was her duty to protect and serve. Dhillon was confirmed by the Senate despite vigorous objections from civil rights organizations.

Harmeet Dhillon's record at the DOJ Civil Rights Division includes, but is not limited to, the following:

• Dismantling the Civil Rights Division, eliminating 75% of its staff
• Abandoning Police Consent Decrees with Multiple Law Enforcement Agencies
• Abandoning Major Voting Rights Cases
• Weaponizing Title VI to Target Colleges, Universities and Other Institutions with Baseless Investigations
• Abandoning core civil rights obligations in areas such as redlining, housing and employment

The NAACP has been a staunch opponent of Attorney General Todd Blanche and his weaponization Justice Department and will continue to remain vigilant in monitoring all enforcement activity within the Civil Rights Division. For more information, visit naacp.org.

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About NAACP

The NAACP advocates, agitates, and litigates for the civil rights due to Black America. Our legacy is built on the foundation of grassroots activism by the biggest civil rights pioneers of the 20th century and is sustained by 21st century activists. From classrooms and courtrooms to city halls and Congress, our network of members across the country works to secure the social and political power that will end race-based discrimination. That work is rooted in racial equity, civic engagement, and supportive policies and institutions for all marginalized people. We are committed to a world without racism where Black people enjoy equitable opportunities in thriving communities.

NOTE: The Legal Defense Fund - also referred to as the NAACP-LDF - was founded in 1940 as a part of the NAACP, but now operates as a completely separate entity.