ADL Supports Civil Rights Challenge to Alabama English-Only Testing
New York, NY, December 18, 2000 … The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) has joined a coalition of civil rights groups supporting an Alabama woman’s right to challenge a state policy that requires drivers’ license exams to be administered in English only.
The coalition has filed an amicus brief before the U.S. Supreme Court in Alexander vs. Sandoval, arguing that Martha Sandoval has the right to sue the Alabama Department of Transportation over the discriminatory English-only policy under the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Two lower courts have already ruled in Ms. Sandoval’s favor.
"This case has potentially significant ramifications for enforcement of civil rights laws across the United States," said Glen A. Tobias, ADL National Chairman, and Abraham H. Foxman, ADL National Director. "The lower courts have recognized in this case that the English-only requirement was clearly discriminatory and a violation of the Civil Rights Act."
The brief was submitted on behalf of the coalition by the National Women’s Law Center, and prepared with the assistance of the Washington, D.C. office of Sidley & Austin. More than 10 organizations joined the brief, including the American Jewish Committee and NOW Legal Defense and Education Fund.
The Anti-Defamation League, founded in 1913, is the world's leading organization fighting anti-Semitism through programs and services that counteract hatred, prejudice and bigotry.
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