Recognized Leader in Policy Advocacy Will Advance Civil Liberties Across the District
WASHINGTON, D.C. —The American Civil Liberties Union of the District of Columbia (ACLU-D.C.) announced that Damon King has been named as the organization's new Policy Director. King will join a staff of nearly two dozen people working to protect and advance civil liberties and civil rights in Washington, D.C.
Prior to joining ACLU-D.C., King served as the Director of Policy Advocacy at the Legal Aid Society of the District of Columbia and as Senior Policy Attorney at Children’s Law Center. In those roles, King addressed challenges confronting District residents with low incomes and managed a policy advocacy portfolio that included housing, public benefits, consumer law, family law, and domestic violence issue areas.
“I’m inspired by the team at ACLU-D.C. and welcome the opportunity to work with our communities and partners to improve District policies on critical issues ranging from criminal legal reform to economic justice, discrimination, protestors’ rights, and more,” said King. “The District still has a long way to go to become a place where everyone can thrive, and it’s our job to push forward the legislation to help achieve true justice and freedom.”
“We’re proud to welcome Damon to our team,” added Monica Hopkins, Executive Director of ACLU-D.C. “As an experienced advocate with a track record of protecting some of the District’s most vulnerable communities, Damon’s combination of skills and vision is a perfect fit for protecting and advancing civil liberties and civil rights in the District.”
King has successfully advocated on behalf of District residents by working with both the D.C. Council and District agencies on issues including protections for District residents struggling economically in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, access to District safety net programming, protections for District workers struggling with consumer debt, and policies for youth in foster care. King received his B.A. in Government from Harvard University and a J.D. from Harvard Law School, where he served as a Harvard Legal Aid Bureau member.