Assistant Attorney General for the United States Justice Department's Civil Rights Division Kristen Clarke was on hand at the Tallulah-Madison Community Center Monday morning, meeting with local leaders from across northeast Louisiana and sharing what strides are being made at the federal level in the area of equality of rights.
Clarke said her department is currently working on a number of high-profile cases, including several originating in Louisiana, with implications that will affect the entire country.
"Louisiana is no stranger to the civil rights movement," Clarke said. "But, we know there is more to be done."
Monday’s meeting was a chance for Clarke’s team to meet with leaders from around northeast Louisiana and the discussion ranged from voting rights to how allegations of abuse of power within law enforcement is being handled at the federal level.
“One of the department’s very first actions was to breathe life into the 13th, 14th and 15th Amendments,” Clarke said. “We are working to combat hatred and violence. Right now, we are prosecuting the man responsible for the shootings in Buffalo, NY. No one is above the law in this country, and that includes law enforcement officials.”
Clarke touched briefly on cases ranging from allegations of abuse of power inside the Louisiana State Police (LSP) to nationally covered instances of police brutality, such as the cases of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor.
Clarke said cases involving allegations of racial discrimination and excessive force involving LSP are ongoing and implored anyone with any information to reach out to her office.
