WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, in response to reports that Senator Mitch McConnell is trying to “lock in” the filibuster as part of the power sharing agreement in the Senate, Just Democracy coalition member and University Colorado Springs Professor, Reverend Dr. Stephany Spaulding issued the following statement:

“Senate Democrats agreeing to keep the filibuster at the request of Mitch McConnell would relegate civil rights legislation and democracy reform to the back burner. McConnell's attempt to preserve this ‘Jim Crow relic’ is entirely about maintaining his grip on the Senate and controlling what legislation can pass through it.

To deliver on the promises progressive leaders made to the voters of color who sent them to Washington, the filibuster must be recognized for what it is: an institutional instrument of white supremacy in the United States Senate. Historically, it has thwarted progress on racial justice, just as now it guarantees there will be no votes on the John Lewis Voting Rights Act, the For the People Act, and other necessary and popular democratic reforms. The filibuster has no business continuing to hinder the progress of Black and Brown people in America.”

About Just Democracy

Just Democracy is an intersectional coalition with racial justice at its core — uplifting voices from all walks of American life that are too often left out of the conversation. The coalition is made up of over 40 Black and Brown-led organizations working across issue areas. It mobilizes thousands who know that advancing social and racial justice issues first requires bold structural democracy reform.

To speak with a Just Democracy spokesperson, please email press@justdemocracy.us.

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