With hope for the future, we recommit to defending civil rights

On the day President Biden replaces Trump, Howard stands next to his Defend Civil Rights poster.

Four years ago, our office gathered around this poster to share our fears for our country. Many of our fears were realized including diminished civil liberties, the legitimization of racism, and hateful rhetoric that emboldened people—including law enforcement officers—to commit violent acts. Four years ago, we consoled ourselves with the knowledge that our country was full of people determined to fight against this hatred. Today we celebrate the hard work of those people. The new administration is a triumph and a relief, but we must continue our commitment to defending civil rights.