Affirmative Civil Rights and Environmental Justice
The U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Affirmative Civil Rights and Environmental Justice Unit is housed within the Office’s Civil Division. The Unit works to protect civil liberties and secure environmental justice by investigating and prosecuting violations of federal civil rights and environmental laws. The Unit also conducts outreach with and training for advocates, federal and state agencies, and community members throughout the District of Columbia.
Affirmative Civil Rights
John Truong, Affirmative Civil Rights Coordinator
Enforcing federal civil rights laws in the District of Columbia is an integral part of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s mission. The work performed by the Unit promotes equal opportunities in areas that include housing, lending, employment, education, public accommodations, land use, voting, veteran or service member rights, and rights of individuals with disabilities. In coordination with the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, the Unit enforces a variety of civil rights laws.
Environmental Justice
Diana Valdivia, Environmental Justice Coordinator
The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to addressing environmental justice concerns and ensuring safe living and working conditions for our community. We work with our local and federal partners to ensure environmental laws are enforced, reduce harms to our natural resources, and maintain equal access to safe and healthy communities. Along with the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division, the Unit seeks to ensure that everyone in the district enjoys the same degree of protection from environmental and health hazards.
Contact Us
Members of the public are encouraged to submit information regarding possible civil rights violations or environmental, health, and climate impacts on individuals and communities in the district. You may contact the Unit via the following:
- Email USADC.CivilRights@usdoj.gov.
- Call the Civil Division (202) 252-2500
Press Releases
- U.S. Attorney Graves Announces New Affirmative Civil Rights and Environmental Justice Unit in the District of Columbia, https://www.justice.gov/usao-dc/pr/us-attorney-graves-announces-new-affirmative-civil-rights-and-environmental-justice-unit (March 4, 2024).