The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) made history. In 2021, the organization announced the election of Deborah Archer as its new president. Archer is the first Black woman to lead the ACLU in its 101-year history.
Breaking Barriers: A New Era for the ACLU
Archer’s appointment marked a significant milestone for the civil rights organization. She replaced Susan Herman, who led the ACLU board for 12 years. The transition came at a crucial time for civil rights in America.
“There is no one better equipped, who best personifies or is more capable to helm the future battles for civil rights, civil liberties, and systemic equality than Deborah Archer,” said ACLU executive director Anthony Romero. This endorsement highlighted the organization’s confidence in Archer’s leadership.
A Career Dedicated to Civil Rights and Equality
Archer brought a wealth of experience to her new role. She was a tenured professor of clinical law at New York University School of Law. Additionally, she served as the director of the Civil Rights Clinic at NYU Law.
Her connection to the ACLU ran deep. Archer began her career as the Marvin M. Karpatkin Legal Fellow at the organization. Since 2009, she had been a member of the ACLU board.
ACLU’s Focus on Racial Equality and Police Reform
Under Archer’s leadership, the ACLU set to intensify its focus on racial equality. The organization began to tackle issues such as police violence and voting rights. These priorities aligned with foregoing national conversations about systemic racism.
The ACLU has been actively fighting police excessive force in communities of color. Archer is expected to continue and expand this important work. The organization has also developed tools like the Mobile Justice app to empower citizens in documenting police incidents.
