New York, NY, January 14, 2004 …The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) today welcomed the U.S. Supreme Court decision upholding a key civil rights enforcement mechanism.  ADL was part of a coalition of civil rights organizations supporting the enforceability of the consent decree in Frew v. Hawkins.

"This decision protects an important tool for enforcing America's civil rights laws," said Abraham H. Foxman, ADL National Director. "Without these important protections, it would be more difficult for aggrieved parties to reach reasonable compromises on the best way to enforce civil rights laws."

The case arose out of complaints that Texas was failing to live up to its obligations to provide poor children with health care.  Texas argued that the Federal government did not have the power to enforce the agreement against Texas' wishes, even though the state had voluntarily entered into the agreement as part of a settlement to the lawsuit.  As a result of this decision, Texas will be forced to confront allegations that it has failed to provide adequate medical services for poor children.

ADL joined a coalition amicus brief signed by AARP, The American Association of People with Disabilities, the American Civil Liberties Union, and Now Legal Defense and Education Fund.