NAACP Applauds Department of Justice Intervention in NAACP v. Reeves

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

July 12, 2023 

Contact: Alicia Mercedes, amercedes@naacpnet.org 

WASHINGTON - Today, the Department of Justice announced that they would move to join the NAACP's efforts to challenge Mississippi HB 1020 and SB 2343 by intervening in the NAACP's ongoing lawsuit to prevent the unconstitutional appointment of special judges to the Seventh Circuit and of a judge and prosecutors within the recently expanded Capitol 'Improvement' District. NAACP President & CEO, Derrick Johnson released the following statement in celebration:

"Today's action from the Department of Justice is exemplary of what good government looks like. When our state leaders fail those they are supposed to serve, it is only right that the federal government steps in to ensure that justice is delivered. The NAACP is proud to have led the charge in holding Governor Reeves and the legislators who advanced these bills accountable for their attempts to undermine democracy and silence the voices of Black Mississippians. This fight is far from over, and with the Department of Justice moving to join us, we are more hopeful than ever that this case will result in a positive outcome for Jackson. Thank you to Attorney General Merrick Garland and the courageous political and career lawyers at the Department of Justice for rising to the occasion and meeting this important moment. We all must do the work to make sure every Jacksonian can thrive." 

NAACP v. Reeves, which was brought by NAACP's Office of General Counsel in collaboration with Covington & Burling LLP - challenges two state statutes, H.B. 1020 and S.B. 2343. Both have garnered national attention for their threat to the rights of Jackson, Mississippi - a majority Black city. The first statute, H.B. 1020, creates a new court with an unelected judge appointed by the Chief Justice of Mississippi Supreme Court, which will have the ability to hear and determine all preliminary and criminal matters within the District. This legislation also creates a court-packing plan by appointing four unelected Circuit Judges to the Seventh Circuit Court District in Hinds County.  

The second statute, S.B. 2343, significantly expanded the Capitol Complex Improvement District (CCID) to bring the entire city of Jackson under the control of the state-run Capitol Police. The statute also significantly restricts Mississippi residents' ability to protest and hold demonstrations in and around buildings considered property of the state, thus stripping them from their voice and constitutional right to peaceful protest.

The Department of Justice's intervention to challenge the appointment of the special judges, the CCID judge, and the CCID prosecutors demonstrates the gravity of the threat these bills pose. 

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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.