Indefensible

Yesterday, the Senate held a confirmation hearing for Eric Dreiband, Donald Trump's nominee to head the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division. This nomination has been vehemently opposed by dozens of LGBT rights organizations as well as hundreds of other civil rights groups (details here).

The Congressional Black Caucus noted that Dreiband's nomination is yet another example of "Trump’s agenda of tapping the fox to guard the henhouse."

As an attorney, rather than representing individuals bringing civil rights lawsuits, Dreiband defended corporations and institutions accused of discrimination.

For instance, when the government sued the University of North Carolina for discrimination against transgender people, Dreiband represented the school (and lost). When Abercrombie & Fitch was sued for employment discrimination on religious grounds, Dreiband represented the company (and lost).

Now some might say he was only acting as an attorney and not out of personal beliefs. But then why did he testify before Congress as a private citizen, speaking out against proposed legislation designed to protect women facing employment discrimination?

Once again, with the Dreiband nomination, Trump proves that his claim to be a pro-LGBT President is nothing but a lie. Deeds, not empty words, define who he really is.