Words carry deeply embedded values and meaning, and nowhere is that more true than within the American legal system. The framing of arguments by civil rights and social justice attorneys has the opportunity to shape the rhetoric and precedent set forth by judges in their decisions. Legal advocates dedicated to advancing opportunity for all understand the need to create a drumbeat of effective legal arguments that will penetrate existing barriers to the American Dream, both for their clients and all Americans.

In collaboration with our partners in the advocacy and legal fields, we seek to track and analyze best practices in both the practice of the law and creation of new law. This research and analysis is presented both as tools or applied directly to assist advocates who are expanding opportunity through new laws. By working with the legal social justice community to identify common strategies and approaches, advocates learn from the successes and failures of one another, strengthening the field as a whole.

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Law and Policy Brief of The Opportunity Agenda as Amicus Curiae in Ricci v. DeStefano (2009)

The Opportunity Agenda filed an amicus brief  with the U.S. Supreme Court in the case of Ricci v. DeStefano.  In this case, the City of New Haven, CT, declined to certify the results of a firefighter promotion test based on evidence that the test was discriminatory in its operation, and fairer and more effective tests were available.  Firefighters who scored highly on the flawed test sued the city, claiming that throwing out the test discriminated against them based on their race.
Law and Policy Report: State Courts and Human Rights (2008 Edition)

Since the last version of this report was released in 2007, state court decisions utilizing and interpreting international human rights law have increased in both number and depth of consideration.
Law and Policy Public Policy: An Act Establishing a Commission on Health Equity (2008)

In a tremendous victory for both health and human rights advocates, Connecticut has passed and signed into law legislation establishing a comprehensive Commission on Health Equity. The Commission is dedicated to addressing racial, ethnic, linguistic and other disparities in health care access and quality, and has been given an impressive and broad set of tools and powers to create health equity in the state. Perhaps most significantly for human rights advocates, the preamble to the law states Connecticut’s belief in a human right to health:
Law and Policy Brief of The Opportunity Agenda as Amicus Curiae in Loeffler v. Staten Island Univ. Hosp. (2008)

In this "friend-of-the-court" brief before the U.S. Second Circuit Court of Appeals, The Opportunity Agenda urges the court to read the New York City Human Rights Law as its authors intended it to operate: as a broad protection for New Yorkers against all discrimination, even when caused by problematic systems rather than prejudiced individuals.  
Law and Policy Testimony: Recommendations for Ensuring Equitable Access and Quality in New York State Health Care System Reform (2007)

The Opportunity Agenda submitted the following testimony urging the State of New York to consider not just the issue of insurance coverage in reform efforts, but the deep and continuing problems of equal access and quality of care that many New Yorkers continue to struggle with.

In 2007, New York State began the "Partnership for Coverage" initiative, designed to build consensus and support for health care reform.  This testimony was submitted at one of the Departments of Health and Insurance's series of hearings.
Law and Policy Report: Human Rights In State Courts: An Overview and Recommendations for Legal Advocacy (2007)

Human rights are a crucial part of the United States’ legal and cultural foundation. The founders of our country declared that we are all created equal and endowed with certain inalienable rights.

And the United States helped to craft the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the international human rights system after World War II and the horrors of the Holocaust.
Law and Policy Case Study: Supreme Court Cases on Diversity in the Schools (2007)

Anticipating the Supreme Court's decision on the cases Parents Involved in Community Schools v. Seattle School District No. 1 and Meredith v. Jefferson County Board of Education, The Opportunity Agenda began work in 2007 to develop a communications strategy that coordinated and unified the voices of the social justice community to achieve greater coherence, resonance and amplification leading up to and following the Supreme Court's decision.
Video Alan Jenkins on MSNBC Discussing the Sotomayor Nomination

Alan Jenkins, executive director of The Opportunity Agenda and former Supreme Court law clerk, weighs in on President Obama's nomination to the Supreme Court. Speaking on MSNBC, Jenkins shares the rich experience Sonia Sotomayor can bring to the Court, and how she is a symbol of opportunity for all.

Video Alan Jenkins on MSNBC Discussing Supreme Court Justice Picks

Alan Jenkins, executive director of The Opportunity Agenda, appears on MSNBC to discuss Supreme Court nominations.
Page Synopsis: Chamber of Commerce of the United States of America et al. v. Whiting et al. (2011)

Read the synopsis via Scribd.
Page Tools & Resources

We produce a range of communications, legal, advocacy and research tools. 
Blog Post Synopsis of the DOJ's Arguments in United States v. Arizona

On Tuesday, July 6, 2010, the United States filed a lawsuit against the State of Arizona to invalidate, and stop the enforcement of, S.B. 1070 (as amended by H.B. 2162). 

Blog Post High-Stakes of Stupak-Pitts Amendment for Women of Color

A few Saturdays ago, on November 7th, I was at the annual SisterSong meeting, a gathering of about 300 reproductive justice advocates. What was exhilarating and unusual about this meeting was that the vast majority of people attending were women of color who are focused on gender and sexuality issues. This was a fantastic event that showcased and harnessed the power of women of color, a group often portrayed as politically and socially marginalized.
Blog Post Racial Segregation in U.S. Schools: Illinois Terminates Chicago’s Desegregation Decree

All people should have the opportunity to succeed in life, regardless of their race. But a recent Illinois district court decision jeopardizes that possibility.
Blog Post Victims of Severe Domestic Violence Eligible for Asylum

The New York Times reported last Wednesday that the Obama administration will support granting asylum for at least some victims of severe domestic violence.  This new position, written in a court filing submitted by the government in a currently pending asylum case, reverses the previous Bush administration stance.
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