DHS Appoints Officer of Civil Rights and Civil Liberties

On January 25, Margo Schlanger took the helm of the DHS Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties (OCRCL).  Ms. Schlanger is an accomplished litigator and legal scholar, with particular expertise in prisoner rights.  Formerly a clerk for Justice Ruth Ginsburg and a senior trial attorney for the DOJ Civil Rights Division, Ms. Schlanger has taught courses in constitutional law and civil rights at Harvard University, the University of Michigan, and the University of California at Los Angeles.

The Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties is DHS’ arm responsible for ensuring that the Department’s policies and activities respect individual freedom and constitutional rights.  As the chief Officer, Ms. Schlanger will evaluate and advise the branches of DHS on legal, technical, and policy issues.  The CRCL Office also receives and investigates complaints from the public and leads the Economic Opportunity and Diversity programs.