CLC News
For Immediate Release
Community Law Center and the Environmental Law Clinic of the Univ. of MD’s Carey Law School File Discrimination Case Against Amtrak
Contact: Ijeoma S. Nwatu, Communications Manager – gro.walytinummoc@amoeji
410-366-0922 ext. 120
| January 17, 2025 (BALTIMORE, MD) – The Community Law Center (CLC), in partnership with the Environmental Law Clinic (ELC) of the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law, is representing several West Baltimore communities in challenging Amtrak’s discriminatory practices in connection with the planning and construction of the Frederick Douglass Tunnel Program. The CLC and ELC, on behalf of the Edmonson Community Organization, Fulton Community Association, Historic Mount Royal Terrace Association, Matthew A. Henson Neighborhood Association, Reconnecting Communities in West Baltimore Coalition, Residents Against the Tunnels, Sandtown-Winchester Condo Association, and Upper Eutaw/Madison Neighborhood Association, have submitted supplementary evidence of Amtrak’s discriminatory practices to the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) pursuant to the Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. This collective evidence supports an ongoing Title VI investigation of Amtrak’s actions. “The Community Law Center represents many of the neighborhoods directly in the path of the Frederick Douglass Tunnel construction, and today’s filing is just one part of a multi-faceted legal approach to a complex construction project that will transform West Baltimore for decades to come,” said Amy Petkovsek, attorney and executive director of Community Law Center. “It is essential that the redevelopment be done not only with an eye to the future, but with a firm grasp of the past, understanding that discriminatory actions in these communities have and will continue to affect the residents, and both the law and our collective sense of equity requires attention to their needs.” The CLC and ELC look forward to continued coordination with the Federal Railroad Administration and Amtrak to eliminate the discriminatory impacts of the Frederick Douglas Tunnel Program on communities in West Baltimore. About the Community Law Center The Community Law Center is the only legal services program in Maryland that represents nonprofit organizations. Based in Baltimore City, its staff and network of pro bono attorneys protect and enforce the rights of our client organizations, and partner with them on many levels. The organization provides all levels of direct legal representation, ranging from helping a community organization obtain 501(c)(3) tax exemption to undertaking years-long litigation on behalf of community leaders to trainings in best practices for nonprofit boards. About the Environmental Law Clinic (ELC) of the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law The ELC provides students with real-life opportunities to practice law through cases, legal advising, and legislative matters. Directed by experienced practitioners, the ELC specializes in water, air, land, and environmental justice matters in Maryland and the greater DMV region. |
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