October 1, 2001

Uncover the controversy surrounding
Bill Lann Lee at his talk today at CSUS

From December 1997 to January 2001, Bill Lann Lee served as the nation's chief civil rights enforcement official, Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights at the U.S. Department of Justice. However, Lee's appointment to the position was not without controversy. Despite his distinguished career as a civil rights lawyer, opposition by certain Congressional leaders against affirmative action barred his Senate confirmation.

According to The New York Times, "No one questions Mr. Lee's legal credentials or his character and integrity. As a civil rights attorney he became known for negotiating constructive and practical settlements in difficult cases and for forging coalitions across racial and ethnic lines."

Lee will discuss this, plus answer questions about finding the balance between enforcement and protection of cultural rights, as well as other current events at noon, today in the University Union Ballroom.

The son of a Chinese laundry man who came to this country as a penniless immigrant, Lee was inspired in his career by his father life. The elder Lee served in the U.S. Army, and when he return home he was called a "dumb Chinaman" and denied housing event though he dressed in full uniform. Lee talks passionately about how he has made a career trying to stamp out the kind of prejudice suffered by his father.

For more information about the event or media assistance contact the CSUS pubic affairs office at (916) 278-6156.

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For further information send E-Mail to infodesk@csus.edu or contact
Public Affairs (916) 278-6156.   
 
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