April 21, 2026, New York – In response to the Trump Administration’s attack on organizations defending civil rights, the Center for Constitutional Rights released the following statement:

It must be stated clearly and unambiguously: this administration’s intent is to crush every instance of dissent and roll back the progress of civil and human rights that organizations like the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) and others have fought and won for decades. Trump’s  move to rewrite history in favor of white supremacists, colonizers and mass murderers is a typical tactic used in authoritarian governments. But we will not be swayed by fear, intimidation, or their continued attempts to criminalize dissent. 

The Center for Constitutional Rights stands with SPLC and others whose mission requires them to demand that all of humanity be guaranteed the right to fight for justice, and to be free from hate, discrimination, and state violence. Now is the time to stand up, to resist oppression, and to call out every instance of aggression against movements intended to create a more just, peaceful, loving, and equitable world. 

“Without the courage to challenge power, to push back against injustice in every facet of society, and speak out against systemic discrimination, freedom becomes an empty promise reserved only for the rich and powerful. As long as there is oppression–our world demands dissent,” said Vince Warren, Executive Director, Center for Constitutional Rights.