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Attorney General Nick Brown urges defense of DEI and Washington's legal protections in Juneteenth remarks
Summary
In remarks at BUILD's 2025 Juneteenth celebration in Tumwater, Attorney General Nick Brown framed Juneteenth as a moment to defend civil-rights gains, said his office has stepped up litigation to protect Washington interests, and urged continued support for DEI and vulnerable communities.
Attorney General Nick Brown urged attendees at BUILD's 2025 Juneteenth celebration in Tumwater to defend civil-rights gains and Washington's legal protections, saying state enforcement and litigation remain necessary to protect vulnerable communities.
Brown, who was introduced as the state's nineteenth attorney general and the first African American elected to that post in Washington, called Juneteenth a time for reflection and action. "It is an honor to be with so many incredible lawyers and professional staff," he said, adding that he is committed to using the power of the attorney general's office to uphold state law and protect people’s rights.
Brown criticized recent federal moves he said threaten civil-rights and diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) efforts. He told the audience the AG’s office has filed lawsuits to push back, saying, as he stated from the stage, "we filed our 20 second lawsuit against the president and the administration." He framed those cases as a defense of Washington’s funding, voting systems and institutions that serve residents.
Brown also emphasized that Washington state law protecting against discrimination remains in effect. "None of that has changed in Washington state law in the last 5 months because of the president," he said, urging attendees not to equate federal executive actions with changes in state law.
On the role of the courts, Brown said they are a key check against actions he called damaging at the federal level and that his office will continue to bring and support litigation to defend funding and programs that benefit Washington institutions and residents. He closed by thanking BUILD and state employees for their service and by wishing attendees a 'Happy Juneteenth.'
The remarks were delivered as part of BUILD's Juneteenth program at the Labor and Industries headquarters in Tumwater and were followed by a program of performances, awards and organizational announcements.
