Alliance for Justice Mourns the Loss of Civil Rights Pioneer William L. Taylor

Washington, D.C., June 29, 2010—Alliance for Justice mourns the loss of William L. Taylor, one of the nation's most accomplished and revered advocates for civil rights and educational opportunity for all Americans.

Taylor, who served three decades ago as the first chairman of the Alliance's Board of Directors, played a central role in shaping some of the nation's seminal civil rights laws, including the Voting Rights Act of 1965, the Civil Rights Restoration Act of 1988, the Civil Rights Act of 1991, and the 1993 National Voter Registration Act. He was a titan in the courtroom, and a great advocate of education reform, fighting for the rights of poor and minority children, knowing that our nation's future depended on providing equal opportunity for every child, regardless of race or economic circumstance.

Alliance for Justice President Nan Aron praised his service to the nation and the Alliance, saying, "We knew Bill Taylor as a lawyer, teacher, and advocate, but also as an inspirational leader and a man whose courageous civil rights work set an example few could match. His vision, commitment, and legal acumen will be sorely missed."