Janai Nelson
@janainelson.bsky.social
President & Director-Counsel of LDF (NAACP Legal Defense & Educational Fund, Inc.) the nation's premier racial justice & civil rights law organization.
Posts are my own.
Posts are my own.
LDF has been advancing racial justice and protecting civil rights for over 85 years. When we fight together, we win.
Please consider an end-of-year, tax deductible donation to support our critical work using the link below.
engage.naacpldf.org/a/callais-we...
Please consider an end-of-year, tax deductible donation to support our critical work using the link below.
engage.naacpldf.org/a/callais-we...
December 23, 2025 at 10:26 PM
LDF has been advancing racial justice and protecting civil rights for over 85 years. When we fight together, we win.
Please consider an end-of-year, tax deductible donation to support our critical work using the link below.
engage.naacpldf.org/a/callais-we...
Please consider an end-of-year, tax deductible donation to support our critical work using the link below.
engage.naacpldf.org/a/callais-we...
BREAKING: SCOTUS rejects Trump’s request to end the court ban on deploying National Guard troops in Illinois on the ground that he lacks legal authority under fed law and has no legitimate basis for his actions at this time. Huge win for the rule of law and freedom of the people.
December 23, 2025 at 9:35 PM
BREAKING: SCOTUS rejects Trump’s request to end the court ban on deploying National Guard troops in Illinois on the ground that he lacks legal authority under fed law and has no legitimate basis for his actions at this time. Huge win for the rule of law and freedom of the people.
Journalism in the United States is increasingly becoming an arm of the state—corrupt, unreliable, and morally bankrupt. 60 Minutes, CBS, and Bari Weiss have no credibility if they continue to censor content for the benefit of the Trump Administration.
My god.
From Sharyn Alfonsi’s email to her ‘60 Minutes’ colleagues, posted by the NYT Michael Grynbaum:
From Sharyn Alfonsi’s email to her ‘60 Minutes’ colleagues, posted by the NYT Michael Grynbaum:
December 22, 2025 at 3:54 AM
Journalism in the United States is increasingly becoming an arm of the state—corrupt, unreliable, and morally bankrupt. 60 Minutes, CBS, and Bari Weiss have no credibility if they continue to censor content for the benefit of the Trump Administration.
The horrific violence this weekend from Brown University to Bondi Beach underscores the spiraling hate & sickness that is overtaking our humanity. We can never normalize this level of disregard for human life. Sending prayers and strength to all victims and those who loved them.
December 15, 2025 at 4:22 AM
The horrific violence this weekend from Brown University to Bondi Beach underscores the spiraling hate & sickness that is overtaking our humanity. We can never normalize this level of disregard for human life. Sending prayers and strength to all victims and those who loved them.
As abuse of process and malicious prosecution of Black women by the Trump Administration continue, it appears that a second grand jury refuses to indict New York AG Letitia James on specious claims. Sources - ABC News
abcnews.go.com/US/2nd-time-...
abcnews.go.com/US/2nd-time-...
2nd grand jury refuses to indict New York AG Letitia James: Sources
For a second time in a week, a federal grand jury in Virginia has refused to indict New York Attorney General Letitia James for alleged mortgage fraud, sources say.
abcnews.go.com
December 12, 2025 at 3:54 AM
As abuse of process and malicious prosecution of Black women by the Trump Administration continue, it appears that a second grand jury refuses to indict New York AG Letitia James on specious claims. Sources - ABC News
abcnews.go.com/US/2nd-time-...
abcnews.go.com/US/2nd-time-...
When policies harm certain communities significantly more than others based on race, they must be interrogated and replaced with better ones when possible. Pam Bondi has removed this basic protection by ending disparate impact liability without any public input.
www.naacpldf.org/press-releas...
www.naacpldf.org/press-releas...
LDF Condemns Department of Justice for Gutting Regulations on Longstanding Civil Rights Enforcement Tool
Yesterday, the Department of Justice (DOJ) gutted regulations that help ensure federal funding recipients don’t maintain discriminatory policies against Black communities and other groups that experie...
www.naacpldf.org
December 11, 2025 at 2:47 PM
When policies harm certain communities significantly more than others based on race, they must be interrogated and replaced with better ones when possible. Pam Bondi has removed this basic protection by ending disparate impact liability without any public input.
www.naacpldf.org/press-releas...
www.naacpldf.org/press-releas...
The Supreme Court’s decision last week allowing Texas’s racial and partisan gerrymandered congressional map to govern the 2026 elections will have dire consequences. TX has the largest Black population and the second largest Latino population of any state in the country. 1/3
December 8, 2025 at 11:17 PM
The Supreme Court’s decision last week allowing Texas’s racial and partisan gerrymandered congressional map to govern the 2026 elections will have dire consequences. TX has the largest Black population and the second largest Latino population of any state in the country. 1/3
Reposted by Janai Nelson
"In response to Trump's order, attorneys general in 21 states sued the administration.
Now, after a judge's ruling that Trump's actions were unlawful, libraries and museums across the country will have access to money that had been stuck in a months-long limbo..."
www.npr.org/2025/12/04/n...
Now, after a judge's ruling that Trump's actions were unlawful, libraries and museums across the country will have access to money that had been stuck in a months-long limbo..."
www.npr.org/2025/12/04/n...
Libraries and museums get federal funding back after Trump cuts
Earlier this year, the Trump administration gutted the Institute of Museum and Library Services, leading to canceled federal grants. Now, after a court order, those grants are being reinstated.
www.npr.org
December 7, 2025 at 7:04 PM
"In response to Trump's order, attorneys general in 21 states sued the administration.
Now, after a judge's ruling that Trump's actions were unlawful, libraries and museums across the country will have access to money that had been stuck in a months-long limbo..."
www.npr.org/2025/12/04/n...
Now, after a judge's ruling that Trump's actions were unlawful, libraries and museums across the country will have access to money that had been stuck in a months-long limbo..."
www.npr.org/2025/12/04/n...
The Supreme Court is indeed failing to check excesses of the Executive Branch. It consistently rubber-stamps the Trump admin’s most unlawful actions with little or no explanation. With no checks and balances among the branches, elections are the only accountability.
www.nytimes.com/2025/12/06/o...
www.nytimes.com/2025/12/06/o...
Opinion | The Supreme Court Is Failing at Its Most Important Job
www.nytimes.com
December 7, 2025 at 6:51 PM
The Supreme Court is indeed failing to check excesses of the Executive Branch. It consistently rubber-stamps the Trump admin’s most unlawful actions with little or no explanation. With no checks and balances among the branches, elections are the only accountability.
www.nytimes.com/2025/12/06/o...
www.nytimes.com/2025/12/06/o...
BREAKING: SCOTUS will hear nationwide class action defending birthright citizenship brought by @ACLU @NAACP_LDF ACLU of New Hampshire, Maine & Massachusetts @AsianLawCaucus & Democracy Defenders Fund on behalf of babies who would be harmed.
www.naacpldf.org/press-releas...
www.naacpldf.org/press-releas...
www.naacpldf.org
December 5, 2025 at 8:56 PM
BREAKING: SCOTUS will hear nationwide class action defending birthright citizenship brought by @ACLU @NAACP_LDF ACLU of New Hampshire, Maine & Massachusetts @AsianLawCaucus & Democracy Defenders Fund on behalf of babies who would be harmed.
www.naacpldf.org/press-releas...
www.naacpldf.org/press-releas...
We have no time to waste in the fight to protect Black New Jersey voters from discrimination at the ballot box. @speakercoughlin.bsky.social & @govmurphy.bsky.social: let's pass & enact the John Lewis Voter Empowerment Act as swiftly as possible. Justice for New Jersey voters cannot wait.
December 5, 2025 at 5:57 PM
We have no time to waste in the fight to protect Black New Jersey voters from discrimination at the ballot box. @speakercoughlin.bsky.social & @govmurphy.bsky.social: let's pass & enact the John Lewis Voter Empowerment Act as swiftly as possible. Justice for New Jersey voters cannot wait.
#ROOT100 for the win. Fantastic celebration of Black culture, leadership, change-making. Thank you to The Root’s new owner Ashley Allison for raising the bar and roof.
December 5, 2025 at 4:56 AM
#ROOT100 for the win. Fantastic celebration of Black culture, leadership, change-making. Thank you to The Root’s new owner Ashley Allison for raising the bar and roof.
BREAKING: Grand jury rejects new indictment for Letitia James.
Any and all lawyers involved in this gross abuse of process and degradation of the legal system should be disbarred.
politi.co/3YdQmgA
Any and all lawyers involved in this gross abuse of process and degradation of the legal system should be disbarred.
politi.co/3YdQmgA
Grand jury rejects new indictment for Letitia James
The Justice Department can try a third time.
politi.co
December 5, 2025 at 12:20 AM
BREAKING: Grand jury rejects new indictment for Letitia James.
Any and all lawyers involved in this gross abuse of process and degradation of the legal system should be disbarred.
politi.co/3YdQmgA
Any and all lawyers involved in this gross abuse of process and degradation of the legal system should be disbarred.
politi.co/3YdQmgA
Reposted by Janai Nelson
The false narrative of a “rogue” judiciary is an attack on our constitutional system of government. Grateful to @stevevladeck.bsky.social for speaking out. 
Witness statements are in for tomorrow's Senate Judiciary Subcommittee hearing on "Impeachment: Holding Rogue Judges Accountable."
Will Chamberlain: georgetown.box.com/s/w60foecfro...
Rob Luther: georgetown.box.com/s/21ugst1e58...
Me: georgetown.box.com/s/4tmr2fhnj3...
Show starts at 2:30 ET:
Will Chamberlain: georgetown.box.com/s/w60foecfro...
Rob Luther: georgetown.box.com/s/21ugst1e58...
Me: georgetown.box.com/s/4tmr2fhnj3...
Show starts at 2:30 ET:
Impeachment: Holding Rogue Judges Accountable | United States Senate Committee on the Judiciary
United States Senate Committee on the Judiciary
www.judiciary.senate.gov
December 4, 2025 at 2:39 AM
The false narrative of a “rogue” judiciary is an attack on our constitutional system of government. Grateful to @stevevladeck.bsky.social for speaking out. 
Giving Tuesday is about finding power in collective action. With more attacks on our rights, threats from the administration & ongoing efforts to silence our communities, one thing remains true: we win when we stand together. Thank you for your support.
engage.naacpldf.org/a/givingtues...
engage.naacpldf.org/a/givingtues...
December 3, 2025 at 2:00 AM
Giving Tuesday is about finding power in collective action. With more attacks on our rights, threats from the administration & ongoing efforts to silence our communities, one thing remains true: we win when we stand together. Thank you for your support.
engage.naacpldf.org/a/givingtues...
engage.naacpldf.org/a/givingtues...
The horrific shooting of National Guard members is not an excuse to increase their presence against local rule, community sentiment & a pending court order. Public safety results from data driven policies-not a reactionary show of force from the executive.
apnews.com/article/nati...
apnews.com/article/nati...
Trump administration orders 500 more National Guard troops to DC after shooting of soldiers
FBI Director Kash Patel says two West Virginia National Guard members who were shot just blocks from the White House are still alive and in critical condition.
apnews.com
November 26, 2025 at 11:21 PM
The horrific shooting of National Guard members is not an excuse to increase their presence against local rule, community sentiment & a pending court order. Public safety results from data driven policies-not a reactionary show of force from the executive.
apnews.com/article/nati...
apnews.com/article/nati...
Bishop Jackson’s leadership during LDF’s early fight against voter suppression helped protect the fundamental right to vote for countless Black Georgians. His faith, his voice and his unshakable commitment to racial justice strengthened our democracy.
www.naacpldf.org/press-releas...
www.naacpldf.org/press-releas...
LDF Mourns the Loss of Bishop Reginald Jackson, Fearless Faith Leader and Civil Rights Stalwart
The Legal Defense Fund (LDF) mourns the loss of Bishop Reginald Jackson, who passed away on Nov. 25, 2025, at the age of 71. Bishop Jackson was the 132nd bishop elected to the African Methodist Episco...
www.naacpldf.org
November 26, 2025 at 5:41 PM
Bishop Jackson’s leadership during LDF’s early fight against voter suppression helped protect the fundamental right to vote for countless Black Georgians. His faith, his voice and his unshakable commitment to racial justice strengthened our democracy.
www.naacpldf.org/press-releas...
www.naacpldf.org/press-releas...
BREAKING: LDF moves to intervene in lawsuit on behalf of community organizations representing students and parents fighting to defend equal access to selective Boston public schools - www.naacpldf.org/press-releas...
Community Organizations Representing Students and Parents Ask to Intervene in Federal Lawsuit to Defend Equal Access to Selective Boston Public Schools
BOSTON, MA – Today, the Legal Defense Fund, the Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund, LatinoJusticePRLDEF, and Asian Americans Advancing Justice-AAJC filed a motion to intervene and a propo...
www.naacpldf.org
November 25, 2025 at 8:51 PM
BREAKING: LDF moves to intervene in lawsuit on behalf of community organizations representing students and parents fighting to defend equal access to selective Boston public schools - www.naacpldf.org/press-releas...
Viola Ford Fletcher’s courage and conviction galvanized a national reckoning and reshaped the understanding of one of the most violently traumatic instances of racialized violence documented in American history—the Tulsa Massacre. Rest in eternal power.
www.naacpldf.org/press-releas...
www.naacpldf.org/press-releas...
LDF Mourns the Loss of Viola Ford Fletcher, Oldest Known Survivor of 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre
The Legal Defense Fund (LDF) mourns the passing of Viola Ford Fletcher, the oldest known survivor of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre. Known affectionately as “Mother Fletcher,” through a century-long pur...
www.naacpldf.org
November 25, 2025 at 3:31 PM
Viola Ford Fletcher’s courage and conviction galvanized a national reckoning and reshaped the understanding of one of the most violently traumatic instances of racialized violence documented in American history—the Tulsa Massacre. Rest in eternal power.
www.naacpldf.org/press-releas...
www.naacpldf.org/press-releas...
I pray for the day when this op-ed I wrote over 10 years does not feel evergreen. “Tamir Rice and Loss of Black Innocence" (Huffington Post) - The Thurgood Marshall Institute at LDF
tminstituteldf.org/tmi-explains...
tminstituteldf.org/tmi-explains...
November 23, 2025 at 4:24 PM
I pray for the day when this op-ed I wrote over 10 years does not feel evergreen. “Tamir Rice and Loss of Black Innocence" (Huffington Post) - The Thurgood Marshall Institute at LDF
tminstituteldf.org/tmi-explains...
tminstituteldf.org/tmi-explains...
I pray for the day when this op-ed I wrote over 10 years does not feel evergreen. “Tamir Rice and Loss of Black Innocence" (Huffington Post) - The Thurgood Marshall Institute at LDF
tminstituteldf.org/tmi-explains...
tminstituteldf.org/tmi-explains...
November 23, 2025 at 4:24 PM
I pray for the day when this op-ed I wrote over 10 years does not feel evergreen. “Tamir Rice and Loss of Black Innocence" (Huffington Post) - The Thurgood Marshall Institute at LDF
tminstituteldf.org/tmi-explains...
tminstituteldf.org/tmi-explains...
BREAKING: Alito indulges Greg Abbott’s attempt to allow a clear racial gerrymander to govern Texas’s congressional elections for convenience. This nonsensical deference to state-imposed deadlines makes a mockery of democracy.
www.politico.com/news/2025/11...
www.politico.com/news/2025/11...
Alito lets Texas reinstate gerrymandered House map that could give GOP 5 more seats
Alito’s move allowing Texas officials to continue to prepare for primary elections under the new map came just after the state asked the Supreme Court for an urgent ruling.
www.politico.com
November 22, 2025 at 1:16 AM
BREAKING: Alito indulges Greg Abbott’s attempt to allow a clear racial gerrymander to govern Texas’s congressional elections for convenience. This nonsensical deference to state-imposed deadlines makes a mockery of democracy.
www.politico.com/news/2025/11...
www.politico.com/news/2025/11...
This is a vile invitation for white nationalists and anti-Semites to infiltrate the U.S. military amid a surge in hate fueled by the Trump admin. Every former military officer and leader should lobby for an immediate reversal of this dangerous decision.
www.washingtonpost.com/national-sec...
www.washingtonpost.com/national-sec...
U.S. Coast Guard will no longer classify swastikas, nooses as hate symbols
The military service, which falls under the Department of Homeland Security, has drafted a new policy that classifies such items “potentially divisive.”
www.washingtonpost.com
November 21, 2025 at 12:45 AM
This is a vile invitation for white nationalists and anti-Semites to infiltrate the U.S. military amid a surge in hate fueled by the Trump admin. Every former military officer and leader should lobby for an immediate reversal of this dangerous decision.
www.washingtonpost.com/national-sec...
www.washingtonpost.com/national-sec...