Helen Gym, Philadelphia’s “Citizen of the Year” in 2007 and co-founder of Parents United for Public Education, lent her deep insight to ADL’s Civil Rights Committee about the state of education in the region. Ms. Gym shared her unique perspective on the subject, honed from years advocating for equal educational opportunity in Philadelphia. Lauren Jones, ADL Assistant Director of Legal Affairs, also spoke, providing an overview of civil rights issues in education across the country.
ADL’s Civil Rights Committee helps to shape regional ADL policy and guide initiatives through discussion and debate of issues including hate crimes legislation, church/state separation, immigration and hate on the Internet. The Committee assists ADL staff by participating in local fact-finding, representing the League before law-making and other bodies, introducing and evaluating pertinent legislation at the state level, as well as other civil rights activities.
The Anti-Defamation League is one of the nation’s premier civil rights/human relations agencies fighting anti-Semitism and all forms of bigotry, defending democratic ideals and protecting civil rights for all. Click to learn more about our work in Civil Rights.