Native Land Pod BREAKING: Attorney Janai Nelson on Oral Arguments in VRA SCOTUS Case | Angela Rye SoloPod
Oct 15, 2025
Janai Nelson, the president and director-counsel of the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, discusses her recent arguments before the Supreme Court regarding the Voting Rights Act case, Louisiana v. Callais. She highlights how Louisiana’s original congressional map diluted Black voting power, leading to a landmark decision to redraw it. Janai expresses the urgency of protecting Section 2 of the VRA and the potential consequences if it is weakened. She encourages listeners to stay engaged in the electoral process and outlines practical actions to advocate for civil rights.
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Follow Precedent To Protect Voting Rights
- Janai Nelson says the straightforward path to victory is to follow established precedent and the law as it is.
- She argues the Voting Rights Act has worked and now is not the time to turn the clock back.
Federal Courts Found Louisiana's Maps Discriminatory
- Janai Nelson recounts how federal courts found Louisiana's maps discriminatory after reviewing witnesses, evidence, and multiple remedial maps.
- Seven judges across district and appellate panels agreed Louisiana's maps diluted Black voting strength.
Remedies Can Be Race-Neutral If They Work
- Nelson notes remedies under Section 2 don't have to center on race; parties can adopt race-neutral maps that still remedy dilution.
- She emphasizes willingness to accept any lawful map that restores Black voters' opportunity to elect preferred candidates.