Kristen Clarke Becomes First Black Women Confirmed by Senate to Head DOJ's Civil Rights Division

The Senate voted 51-48 on Tuesday, May 25, to confirm civil rights attorney Kristen Clarke to lead the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division.

The confirmation makes Clarke the first Black woman confirmed by the Senate to lead the division.

The arm is responsible for enforcing federal statutes prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, and sex.

Republicans opposed the nomination, but Clarke won confirmation because Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) used the chamber's "Discharge Petition" to move her candidacy forward and vote.

"As we continue to pursue strong policing ref...