For Immediate Release: October 17, 2019
Brennan Center President Michael Waldman has issued the following statement upon news of the death of Representative Elijah Cummings:
“We are deeply saddened to hear the news this morning that Representative Elijah Cummings has passed away, and we mourn his loss.
“He was a fierce advocate for voting rights, championing access to the ballot for every eligible voter. He was a leader in the fight against voter suppression laws and other tactics, like voter purges, that can silence people’s voices.
“He was a powerful voice for justice, supporting reform policies that expand opportunities for formerly incarcerated individuals. And he was a passionate and highly effective force for accountability and congressional oversight who pushed us all to work towards a stronger and more resilient democracy for future generations.
“The Brennan Center was honored to work with him on many of these issues. Representative Cummings was a true public servant who will be greatly missed. We offer our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and staff.”
The Brennan Center for Justice at NYU School of Law is a nonpartisan law and policy institute that works to reform, revitalize – and when necessary, defend – our country’s systems of democracy and justice.