Constitutional Accountability Center Constitutional Accountability Center

Civil and Human Rights

Securing the Constitution’s guarantees of liberty and equality for all
i
Civil Rights March on Washington, 1963 | National Archives and Records Administration

Summary

The Constitution–in particular, through amendments ratified in the wake of the Civil War and Reconstruction–provides broad guarantees of liberty and equality. CAC works to ensure that the civil and human rights protected by the Constitution are realized for all.

Civil and Human Rights in Brief

Plaintiffs in U.S. v. Windsor walking down the steps of the Supreme Court | Judith Schaeffer

While major victories have been achieved in the Supreme Court in recent decades, the right to be treated equally remains under attack on issues including affirmative action, reproductive freedom, and the rights of LGBTQ persons. CAC works to defend those rights in the courts and the public square.

Featured Case

Civil and Human Rights May 30, 2025

Shilling v. Trump

On January 27, 2025, President Donald Trump issued an Executive Order categorically barring transgender Americans from continuing to serve or enlisting in the U.S. military. Even though thousands of transgender people have been serving in the military honorably, and in many cases with distinction, for the past four years, the Trump Administration states that this sudden reversal is necessary because allowing transgender people to continue serving or to enlist in the future would undermine the military’s readiness and cohesion. Several current transgender service members, a potential enlistee, and an organization that represents transgender people serving in the military challenged the...

Case Timeline

Current
  • CAC files amicus brief in the Ninth Circuit
  • CAC files amicus brief in the Supreme Court
  • The District Court issues its decision

Related Issue Areas

Immigration and Citizenship See More
Health Care See More