Justice Department's Civil Rights Division Faces Significant Staff Exodus Amidst Policy Shifts Under AAG Dhillon

Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon recently extended Rosh Hashanah greetings, pledging that the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division would "work tirelessly to protect all of our communities and their civil rights in America." This public commitment comes as the division reportedly grapples with substantial internal changes and a significant departure of experienced attorneys, drawing criticism from various civil rights advocates and former officials.

In a social media post, AAG Dhillon conveyed, > "As many friends and colleagues start the celebration of Rosh Hashanah, I want to wish them L’shana tovah u’metukah — to a good and sweet year! Know that this year your @TheJusticeDept will work tirelessly to protect all of our communities and their civil rights in America!" The message underscores the department's stated dedication to safeguarding fundamental rights during the Jewish New Year.

However, reports from May 2025 indicate a dramatic reorientation of the Civil Rights Division's priorities under Dhillon's leadership. New internal mission statements for sections like Voting Rights and Housing and Civil Enforcement reportedly de-emphasize traditional anti-discrimination efforts. Instead, they focus on issues such as preventing voter fraud, protecting religious liberty, and addressing anti-transgender concerns, aligning with specific executive orders.

This shift has reportedly led to a mass exodus of attorneys, with some estimates suggesting a 70% reduction in staff within the division. Civil rights organizations, including The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights and the NAACP, have voiced strong opposition, accusing the administration of "dismantling" the division's long-standing mission. Critics argue that these changes represent a "perversion" of the division's role and its independence.

Established in 1957, the Civil Rights Division historically enforces federal statutes prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, sex, disability, religion, familial status, national origin, and citizenship status. Its core mission has been to uphold the civil and constitutional rights of all persons in the United States, particularly vulnerable populations. The reported changes raise questions about the future direction and effectiveness of federal civil rights enforcement.