Restoring the conscience of a nation

Established in 1957, the U.S. Civil Rights Commission has played a crucial role in securing and protecting the civil rights of the American citizens who had been historically disenfranchised and segregated from mainstream society. But since the 1980s, the commission has been debilitated by efforts to weaken and undermine its integrity and independence. With a new administration, there is an opportunity to take a fresh look at this venerable institution and make the necessary changes to restore it to its former status as the "conscience of the nation." The report chronicles the history of and the need for the commission over the years, as well as offering recommendations on how return the commission to its original mandate and expand on it to preserve and protect the civil and human rights of all Americans.