***MEDIA ADVISORY***
For Immediate Release: Monday, May 9, 2022
WHAT: An evidentiary hearing for a preliminary injunction is set to begin in Robinson v. Ardoin, the case challenging Louisiana’s Congressional map as a violation of Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. At the hearing, civil rights groups will present their case for enjoining the discriminatory map which severely dilutes Black voting power. On March 30, 2022, the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Inc. (LDF), American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), ACLU of Louisiana, Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP, and Louisiana Lawyers John Adcock and Tracie Washington filed a lawsuit on behalf of the Louisiana State Conference of the NAACP, Power Coalition for Equity and Justice, and nine individual voters. The lawsuit was filed immediately after the Louisiana legislature voted on March 30, 2022 to overturn Governor John Bel Edwards’ veto of the Congressional plan passed by the legislature in February. The coalition then filed a motion for a preliminary injunction on April 15, 2022 to block Louisiana’s newly enacted congressional map from being used in upcoming elections while litigation continues. Chief Judge Shelly D. Dick of the Middle District of Louisiana will preside over the case.
WHEN: Beginning Monday, May 9th at 10:30am CT. The hearing will continue through the end of the week.
WHERE: 777 Florida Street, Suite 301
Baton Rouge, LA 70801
(225) 389-3634
FOR MORE INFO: LDF and coalition partners have been deeply involved in the redistricting process in Louisiana and other key states to prevent discriminatory redistricting plans and ensure legislatures comply with their obligations under the Voting Rights Act and the U.S. Constitution. LDF and the coalition have submitted several maps, testified before the legislature, and sent multiple letters to legislators throughout the process. Learn more about LDF’s redistricting work in Louisiana and other states here.
Contact Information:
Ashley Shelton, CEO for Power Coalition
Email: ashelton@powercoalition.org
Phone: 225-802-2435
Marissa Hogan, Communications Associate
Email: mhogan@powercoalition.org
Phone:504-952-4287
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Power Coalition for Equity and Justice (PCEJ) is dedicated to supporting and coordinating civic and voter engagement across Louisiana. We are guided by values of justice and racial equity and work with our partners to build an integrated civic engagement strategy that amplifies the voices of those who have historically been ignored and organize them into a unified movement. PCEJ focuses on building power in traditionally marginalized communities, particularly Black and Brown communities, by equipping people with the knowledge and information they need to find their voice and learn where and when to use it.