MONTGOMERY, Ala — As promised on day one, President Donald Trump signed a series of executive orders, introducing a sweeping agenda that will weaken civil rights protections for millions of Americans. Although many of these orders have already been deemed unconstitutional and are expected to face legal challenges, they promote exclusion and discrimination instead of the promised unity.
“The President’s choice to push his agenda through executive orders instead of traditional legislative channels, such as Congress, is telling,” said Margaret Huang, president and CEO of the Southern Poverty Law Center. “Despite his assertions of having a mandate, he cannot violate the law through executive action. These orders underscore the need for Americans to stay vigilant and engaged throughout his second term and let the President and their representatives in Congress know that they reject these actions.
“Collectively, these orders and others that are expected in the days to come will undermine the fundamental rights and protections that define America’s ideals. The new administration appears to be seeking to reverse decades of progress, which will harm future generations and hinder the nation’s ongoing efforts to advance equality and justice for all.
“The SPLC will continue to champion the rights of all Americans,” Huang concluded.
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About the Southern Poverty Law Center
The Southern Poverty Law Center is a catalyst for racial justice in the South and beyond, working in partnership with communities to dismantle white supremacy, strengthen intersectional movements, and advance the human rights of all people. For more information, visit www.splcenter.org.