SCSJ Endorses Redistricting Principles For a More Perfect Union
On June 17, 2014 Common Cause released a set of Redistricting Principles For a More Perfect Union. These ten principles lay out a path toward a more fair and practical redistricting system for future elections. Civic engagement and social justice groups from around the country have signed on in support of the Redistricting Principles, including the Southern Coalition for Social Justice (SCSJ).
“The Southern Coalition for Social Justice strongly endorses the Redistricting Principles For a More Perfect Union. We are encouraged by this important effort to make the redistricting process more fair and equitable, and to increase public confidence in the outcomes,” said SCSJ Executive Director Anita Earls.
“Redistricting is something that is not supposed to be in the political realm but always is. These principles will help keep redistricting from being politicized and help ensure equal representation for all voters,” said Jim Grant, a founding SCSJ board member and community organizer who has been involved in redistricting efforts in the south for 25 years.
Southern Coalition for Social Justice is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that works throughout the south to unite lawyers, social scientists, community organizers and media specialists with families and communities engaged in social justice struggles. Headquartered in Durham, North Carolina, SCSJ focuses on protecting the voting rights of communities of color, eliminating racial discrimination and the obstacles facing formerly incarcerated individuals, and helping low income communities experiencing environmental justice challenges. SCSJ uses a community-lawyering approach to protect the civil, economic and political rights in priority areas that are defined by the communities we serve.