In response to the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Students for Fair Admissions and the resulting legal threats against racial equity efforts, the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights of the San Francisco Bay Area (LCCRSF) launched Protecting Racial Equity (PRE) alongside key civil rights partners. Designed to combat uncertainty among nonprofits and funders, PRE provides essential legal tools, training, and support to sustain race-conscious work in an evolving legal landscape. 

LCCRSF developed a limited-scope legal clinic model, trainings for pro bono attorneys and practical resources, including a comprehensive legal compendium, a 100+ page attorney reference guide, and a pro bono assessment tool. These materials, along with legal webinars and workshops, empower organizations to navigate risks while upholding their missions to advance racial justice. 

Since launching PRE, LCCRSF has: 

• Trained 220+ community organizations and 45+ foundations 
• Reached 500+ individuals through public education events 
• Successfully piloted a limited-scope legal clinic in partnership with a pro bono law firm to serve SF Bay Area nonprofit organizations 
• Partnered with pro bono attorneys on research projects to continuously grow and keep our resource database up to date 

LCCRSF’s resource database has become a critical tool, helping nonprofits and attorneys ground their decisions in legal precedent. As new legal challenges arise, PRE serves as a lifeline for racial equity efforts, with its clinic model and resources now being adopted by partners across California and beyond. 

By equipping organizations with knowledge and legal strategies, PRE ensures that the fight for racial justice continues boldly.