Washington, D.C. - Following the reintroduction in the new 117th Congress of H.R. 51, legislation granting statehood to the District of Columbia that passed last summer in the House, People For the American Way President Ben Jealous released the following statement:
"Statehood for the District of Columbia is about fairness and justice for all Americans, not just D.C. residents. It's unacceptable that any citizen of the nation that holds itself out as the world’s leading democracy should be denied full representation. Moreover, treating D.C.'s residents as second-class citizens for so many years has perpetuated the inherent racial inequity and political suppression of Black Americans. We're confident that the House will once again pass the bill granting statehood to the District and we call on the Senate to do the same, and on President-elect Biden to sign the bill into law when he takes office."
###
About People For the American Way
People For the American Way is a progressive advocacy organization founded to fight right-wing extremism and build a democratic society that implements the ideals of freedom, equality, opportunity and justice for all. We encourage civic participation, defend fundamental rights, and fight to dismantle systemic barriers to equitable opportunity. Learn more: https://www.pfaw.org.