March 19, 2018 - NHLA Urges U.S. Senate to Oppose Confirmation of Stuart Kyle Duncan to the 5th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals

March 19, 2018

NHLA URGES U.S. SENATE TO OPPOSE CONFIRMATION OF STUART KYLE DUNCAN TO THE 5TH CIRCUIT U.S. COURT OF APPEALS.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The National Hispanic Leadership Agenda, a coalition of 45 of the nation’s preeminent Latino advocacy organizations, strongly opposes the confirmation of Stuart Kyle Duncan to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. In a letter sent to Senators today, NHLA argues that Mr. Duncan’s legal career has been dedicated to undermining legal protections for vulnerable communities, particularly the civil rights of LGBTQ people. He has echoed this sentiment repeatedly in his personal views expressed in media interviews, public speeches, and his writings.

NHLA’s public policy agenda calls for the nomination and confirmation of judges who have demonstrated a record of preserving or expanding civil rights protections. In contrast, Mr. Duncan’s record shows that he cannot be an impartial arbiter of justice as he has demonstrated through his advocacy work that he does not believe in constitutional rights for all Americans. This makes him an unacceptable choice for lifetime appointment to the federal bench. NHLA informed Senators that it will monitor any votes on this nomination for inclusion in future NHLA score cards evaluating Senators’ support for the Latino community.

“Stuart Kyle Duncan’s bias is clear. He has consistently worked to restrict the rights and liberties of marginalized groups such as LGBTQ Latinos,” said Hector Sanchez Barba, Chair of the National Hispanic Leadership Agenda and Executive Director of the Labor Council for Latin American Advancement. “Duncan’s record demonstrates hostility toward the American ideal that everyone has constitutional rights. We urge the Senate to insist on a higher bar for appointments to the federal bench by opposing Duncan’s confirmation.”

"Such a plain record of bias and prejudice should disqualify Kyle Duncan from ever serving on the federal bench," said Thomas A. Saenz, NHLA Vice Chair and MALDEF President and General Counsel. "His failure to recognize and honor the most basic human rights of those who are LGBTQ is inexcusable in 21st century America."

ABOUT THE NATIONAL HISPANIC LEADERSHIP AGENDA:
The National Hispanic Leadership Agenda is composed of 45 of the leading national and regional Latino civil rights and public policy organizations and other elected officials, and prominent Latinos Americans. NHLA coalition members represent the diversity of the Latino community – Mexican Americans, Puerto Ricans, Cubans, and other Latino Americans. NHLA’s mission calls for unity among Latinos around the country to provide the Latino community with greater visibility and a clearer, stronger influence in our country’s affairs. NHLA brings together Latino leaders to establish policy priorities that address, and raise public awareness of, the major issues affecting the Latino community and the nation as a whole. For more information, please visit: www.nationalhispanicleadership.org.