The United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Virginia has unveiled a new online portal aimed at protecting the civil rights of residents in the western part of the state, Your Content has learned.
The portal, launched by United States Attorney Christopher R. Kavanaugh, serves as a comprehensive resource for individuals to learn about their federal civil rights and report potential violations.
The Civil Rights Enforcement landing page, part of the Western District’s main website, was launched earlier this year. It is designed to be a one-stop shop for people to learn about their federal civil rights and report if they believe their rights have been violated. The portal covers the 52 counties and 17 cities that make up the Western District of Virginia.
“So often, when someone feels they have been the victim of discrimination or their civil rights have otherwise been violated, they are unsure of what to do. Who do they turn to? Do they contact the local police? The FBI? And if so, what number do they call?” said U.S. Attorney Kavanaugh.
“Our hope is that this online portal will educate the public about their individual civil rights, how to safeguard them, and who to contact if they believe their rights have been violated.”
The U.S. Attorney’s Office enforces federal civil rights through civil litigation and criminal prosecution and, in all cases, represents the interests of the United States. U.S. Attorney Kavanaugh has appointed two full-time Assistant United States Attorneys to his civil rights team and is hiring a third to lead the district’s civil enforcement unit through civil litigation.
These individuals enforce federal civil rights laws throughout the Western District of Virginia, which prohibit discrimination, protect the constitutional rights of residents, and affirm equal opportunity for all.
The new online portal is a significant step in ensuring the protection of civil rights in the Western District of Virginia. It provides a much-needed resource for individuals to understand their rights and report violations.
The public can reach the USAO Civil Rights Team and report potential violations of civil rights at https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdva/civil-rights-enforcement.