Washington, D.C. – The Senate has confirmed Nusrat Chowdhury, an accomplished civil rights lawyer, as the first-ever Muslim female federal judge in U.S. history. This monumental decision was made after a 50-49 vote along party lines, and Chowdhury will now assume her lifetime appointment in Brooklyn federal court in New York.
Chowdhury’s confirmation has garnered widespread praise, particularly from the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), where she currently serves as the legal director of the ACLU of Illinois. Previously, she had been associated with the national ACLU office, holding notable positions such as the deputy director of the ACLU Racial Justice Program from 2013 to 2020.
The ACLU referred to Chowdhury as a “trailblazing civil rights lawyer” in a tweet celebrating her achievement.
Senator Chuck Schumer, the Majority Leader, who recommended her for the position, highlighted that Chowdhury not only makes history as the first Bangladeshi American federal judge but also as the first Muslim American woman to hold the esteemed title.
“Nusrat Chowdhury epitomizes the American Dream,” stated Schumer. “Coming from immigrant parents, she has paved her way to success, having graduated from esteemed institutions like Columbia, Princeton, and Yale Law School. Throughout her career, she has consistently fought to ensure that all individuals have equal access to justice.”
However, not all senators were in favor of Chowdhury’s appointment. Senator Joe Manchin of West Virginia voted against her confirmation, expressing concerns about her stances on criminal justice reform. He argued that some of her past statements cast doubt on her ability to be impartial towards members of law enforcement.
Before her appointment, Chowdhury gained valuable experience by serving as a law clerk in New York City for U.S. District Judge Denise L. Cote and 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals Judge Barrington Parker Jr.
Furthermore, she has actively contributed to the betterment of the justice system by serving on the Presidential Task Force on Building Public Trust.
This historic appointment aligns with President Joe Biden’s commitment to promoting diversity in his judicial nominations, encompassing individuals with different backgrounds, races, and genders.
It is worth noting that two years earlier, the Senate made another groundbreaking decision by confirming Zahid Quraishi as the country’s first federal Muslim judge. Quraishi, who began his legal career on September 11, 2001, at a New York law firm, went on to serve in the Army’s legal arm and completed two deployments in Iraq.
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