U.S. Senator John Cornyn Removes the Words “Civil Rights” and “Human Rights” from Subcommittee Title

By Courtney Cox

Texas Senator Cornyn has altered the title of the subcommittee over which he is chairman. The subcommittee formerly known as the Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights and Human Rights is now merely the Subcommittee on the Constitution. Senator Cornyn’s press secretary claims that the name was abruptly changed “because the Constitution covers our most basic rights, including civil and human rights” reports the International Business Times.  Needless to say, human rights and civil rights activists are discouraged. Activist Nancy Zirkin noted that the subcommittee has historically examined “the human rights record of the United States and consider[ed] ratification of essential human rights treaties like the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women.” Activists hope that the civil rights and human rights issues plaguing our country will not be neglected given the modification of the subcommittee’s title.