Titus named to panel that investigates civil rights issues

WASHINGTON -- Outgoing Rep. Dina Titus, D-Nev., has been appointed to the federal commission that investigates and reports on civil rights matters, it was announced Friday.

Titus was appointed to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights by Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev., in his capacity as Senate majority leader, his office said.

The commission is a part-time commitment for a six-year term that does not require Senate confirmation. Titus was defeated for re-election in November and is returning to her post as a government professor at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

"During her many years of service to the people of Nevada and this country, Dina has been a strong advocate for defending the rights of all Americans," Reid said in a statement. "I am confident that this important commission will benefit from Dina's experience and I know that she will continue serving our state well in this new role."

Titus would replace Arlan Melendez, who was appointed by Reid in 2005 and whose term is expiring. Melendez is chairman and chief executive of the Reno-Sparks Indian Colony.

The panel is an eight-member body that investigates charges of civil rights violations and reports to Congress and the White House about civil rights issues facing the nation.

Most recently it reported on the Justice Department's handling of a civil rights lawsuit against members of the New Black Panther Party alleged to have intimidated voters in Pennsylvania in 2008.

The commission generally meets monthly in Washington, and sometimes conducts a second meeting each month by phone.

Members are paid an hourly salary limited to 600 hours per year.

"I look forward to this opportunity to continue my efforts to serve our country," Titus said in a statement.

Contact Stephens Washington Bureau Chief Steve Tetreault at stetreault@stephensmedia.com or
202-783-1760.