AUCD Statement on the Nomination of Catherine Lhamon to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights

December 15, 2016

Catherine Lhamon

Today, President Barack Obama announced the nomination of Catherine Lhamon to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights. Lhamon is currently the Assistant Secretary in the Office for Civil Rights of the U.S. Department of Education, where she has provided key leadership in achieving educational equity for all students, including those with disabilities.

During her tenure, she has made significant progress in ensuring resource equity for all students. She also worked to provide communities and families with information about their schools and districts through the publishing of the Civil Rights Data Collection, which allows for examination school characteristics such as staffing and financing of schools, the use of restraints and seclusion in schools, and the availability of advanced placement coursework. Lhamon also shined a light on the disproportionate number of students with disabilities disciplined or expelled. Under her leadership, OCR focused on shifting the culture of school climate in which students' rights are protected which leads to academic success.

Lhamon is a powerful yet understated leader in civil rights. AUCD endorses her appointment and believes she will be an outstanding leader on the U.S. Civil Rights Commission.

For more information about Catherine Lhamon and the progress of the Office of Civil Rights, see a recent video produced by the Department of Education.