Washington, D.C. (July 23, 2024) – The Louis D. Brandeis Center for Human Rights Under Law (LDB) is pleased to announce the appointment of Kami Z. Barker as the organization’s newest senior litigator as part of its continued expansion. As anti-Semitism continues to surge throughout all aspects of the U.S. educational systems – from higher education to K-12 and campus bullying to faculty indoctrination – the Brandeis Center plans to further expand its capacity to advocate for Jewish American students, parents, and faculty. Ms. Barker is an accomplished trial attorney, disability policy advisor, and former intergovernmental lobbyist. She earned her business and law degrees from Emory University and her public administration degree from Harvard University. Ms. Barker joins LDB after spending most of her career representing the City of New York, advocating for legislation in the halls of Congress and defending high-profile and complex labor and employment discrimination cases in New York’s most esteemed courts. “As a wheelchair-user, observant Jew, and dual American Israeli citizen, I understand the importance of the Civil Rights Act and its progeny more than most,” stated Barker. “Human rights statutes like the Americans with Disabilities Act made it possible for me to achieve my dreams and become the first jurist in my family. But, today, Jews are regularly forced to endure hostile anti-Semitic environments under the guise of free speech tolerance. It’s my privilege to join the Brandeis Center’s fight to ensure that no one is forced to tolerate hate speech on campus or in the workforce.” “The Brandeis Center is happy to welcome Kami and looks forward to seeing her contributions to fighting the onslaught of anti-Semitism in our educational systems,” said Brandeis Center Chairman Kenneth L. Marcus. “Kami is joining our team when the demand for our legal services is higher than ever,” said Brandeis Center President Alyza D. Lewin. “Kami’s extensive litigation experience, professionalism, and passion for protecting civil rights, enhances our organization, benefits our clients, and expands our capacity to combat effectively the rising anti-Semitism on college campuses, in K-12, and in the workplace. It’s a pleasure to welcome Kami to our litigation team.” 2024 continues to be a momentous year for the Brandeis Center. The organization recently sued the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights (OCR) for wrongful dismissal of LDB’s complaint against the University of Pennsylvania – only weeks after it first opened an investigation. In its legal fight against anti-Semitism, LDB is also actively pursuing litigation against the University of California system, Harvard University, the New York City Department of Education, the Association of Legal Aid Attorneys, and the Santa Ana Unified School District. OCR maintains ongoing investigations based on LDB complaints at numerous institutions, including the University of Southern California, SUNY New Paltz, Wellesley, and the Berkeley Unified School District. And a North Carolina charter school and Brooklyn College both recently agreed to settle OCR investigations based on LDB complaints. In response to the growing demand for our services, the Brandeis Center continues to expand its team, initiatives, and policy-driven work. LDB will continue to hire legal and other staff throughout 2024. Professionals passionate about these issues are encouraged to watch the opportunities section of LDB’s website – and subscribe to the organization’s mailing list. LDB continues to accept applications for attorney positions at all levels of experience, civil rights legal fellows, and law student clerkships, as well as internships. If you meet the qualifications and are passionate about our mission to advance the civil and human rights of the Jewish people and promote justice for all, we want to hear from you.