The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights

In its lead editorial today, The New York Times discusses the importance of reviving enforcement of civil rights laws in the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division, saying that "restoring the nation's commitment to fairness in voting, employment, housing and other areas is one of the new administration's most important challenges."

Among the work to be done, the Times says the Obama administration should step up enforcement efforts that protect the rights of voters so that their names aren't illegally purged from the voting roles; should step up enforcement of employment discrimination; and should "challenge the dangerously crowded and inhumane conditions" in the nation's prisons; and should make sure that programs and institutions receiving federal funds – including federal stimulus money – do not discriminate.

The Times also urges the Senate to quickly confirm Thomas Perez this month to lead the Civil Rights Division, saying that objections to his confirmation are "spurious."