GANSLER ANNOUNCES NEW POSITION FOR ATTORNEY GENERAL'S OFFICE: DIRECTOR FOR CIVIL RIGHTS


Carl O. Snowden to be First Director

Maryland Attorney General Douglas F. Gansler announced today that he has created a new executive level position in his office, Director for Civil Rights. Gansler also announced that Carl O. Snowden has been hired as the first director.

“On the eve of the nation celebrating the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., I believe it is important for the Attorney General’s office to reaffirm our commitment to the ideals and causes for which Dr. King gave his life.” Attorney General Gansler said.

Attorney General Gansler created this position, which will report directly to him, to become involved in the myriad of civil rights issues that affect so many Marylanders. Among the recent issues that Director Snowden will be handling are allegations of civil rights violations that occurred in Maryland on Election Day 2006, higher education equity, hate crimes, and ground rents. Director Snowden will be responsible for gathering information on these civil rights issues and suggesting legislative and legal remedies. He will also serve as the civil rights liaison between the Office of Attorney General and the community.

"I have always felt passionately about civil rights issues," said Attorney General Gansler. "Although progress has been made over the years, there is much to be done. We need strong leadership and representation in the civil rights arena, and I created this position to insure that we fulfill that role," added Gansler. "Carl Snowden has more than 20 years of experience in championing civil and human rights causes, and that makes him the obvious choice for this position.”

"This is an opportunity of a lifetime," said Director Snowden, "and I plan to work tirelessly to make our great state a leader in safeguarding the civil rights of all Marylanders."

Snowden has served as an adjunct college professor at Sojourner Douglass College and Anne Arundel Community College and worked for the Maryland Department of Juvenile Services. He has also operated his own civil rights consulting firm and most recently been a cabinet member the administration of former Anne Arundel County Executive Janet S. Owens, serving as her inter-governmental relations officer. In that capacity, Snowden served as liaison for the Anne Arundel County government to lobby federal, state and local government agencies.