US Attorney's Office in NJ creates civil rights division

By: Steve Janoski
NorthJersey.com
USA Today Network - New Jersey

..... The U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of New Jersey announced Monday [03/28/2022] the creation of a special division to enforce federal civil rights laws throughout the state.
..... The office had done the work previously, according to a statement from U.S. Attorney Philip Sellinger. But the new division, which will bring together members of the existing civil rights unit and federal prosecutors from the office's criminal division, will be able to better coordinate how to protect and advance civil rights, he said.
..... "No one should ever be subject to acts of discrimination or hate because of where they are from, what they look like, whom they love or how they worship," Sellinger said in an accompanying video statement. "Protecting civil rights was the reason for the Department of Justice's founding, and it remains an urularly here in New Jersey, where our diversity is one of our greatest strengths."
..... Sellinger also said he doubted the number of civil and criminal attorneys who will work the cases - now , six assistant U.S. attorneys will shoulder the load instead of three.
..... The division will be led by assistant U.S. attorney Michael E. Campion, who has been with the office for nearly 15 years, according to his LinkedIn profile.
..... A graduate of the Fordham University School of Law, Campion, 50, has worked as the office's civil rights coordinator and, most recently, the chief of its civil rights unit.
..... He oversaw the investigation into prisoner abuse at Edna Mahan Correctional facility for Women and the case of Joseph Centani, the Elizabeth landlord who allegedly demanded sexual favors of tenants in return for housing, accounting to the U.S. Attorney' Office.
..... Campion will report directly to Sellinger, the statement said.
..... Among other things, the division will speak with local community members, advocacy groups and other state and federal agencies.
..... Sellinger said the new unit will continue the office's past efforts to bring criminal prosecutions and civil enforcement actions against those who violate others' civil rights, including cases that involve discrimination, fair housing, fair lending, prisoners' rights, police misconduct and voting rights.
..... Privative citizen can report possible civil rights violations through the U.S. Attorney's Office website or call its Civil Rights Hot-line at 855-281-3339.

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