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UMass Community, Democracy, and Dialogue (CDD) will host Sophia Lin Lakin, director of the ACLU’s Voting Rights Project, for a presentation and discussion about voter suppression on Wednesday, March 4, from 5-7:30 p.m. in the Amherst Room of the Campus Center.

Lakin is a leading voting rights attorney who has dedicated her career to protecting and expanding voting rights across the U.S., successfully challenging discriminatory voting laws and redistricting plans across the country. In her leadership role, she directs the project’s strategic litigation efforts that have helped secure voting access and fair representation for millions.

The Voting Rights Project’s mission is to build and defend an accessible, inclusive, and equitable democracy free from racial discrimination. Established in 1965, the VRP has worked to protect the gains in political participation won by voters of color, litigating hundreds of voting rights cases and successfully challenging efforts to suppress voting or to dilute minority voting strength.

Amel Ahmed, professor of political science, will lead a moderated discussion following Lakin’s presentation. Dinner will be provided, and the event will conclude with a reception.

Registration is required for the event, which is free and open to the public. More information and a link to register to attend the event can be found on the CDD website.