Protect Civil Rights

Since our founding, ADL has fought for justice and fair treatment under the law through our civil rights work. Throughout the course of our history, we have filed or joined amicus briefs in cases concerning religious freedom, immigrant and refugee rights, racial justice, LGBTQ+ rights, gender equity and other civil rights issues. We join and convene coalitions to counter antisemitism and to protect civil rights, and we advocate for non-discrimination and hate crime protections for marginalized communities targeted by hate and extremism.

We also pursue justice through the courts, setting precedent through litigation and defending individuals who have been targeted by hate.

Our founders established ADL with the clear understanding that the fight against any one form of prejudice or hate cannot succeed without countering hate of all forms. Throughout ADL’s history, we have joined with partners and allies to create a more just and inclusive society, consistent with our mission "to stop the defamation of the Jewish people and to secure justice and fair treatment to all.”