Welcomes Peter Kirsanow as Newest Commissioner
(Washington, DC) - In a letter issued yesterday, U.S. Commission on Civil Rights Chair Mary Frances Berry extended a welcome to Cleveland Attorney Peter Kirsanow, who she will seat during the Commission's next scheduled meeting on May 17, 2002. Kirsanow will replace Commissioner Victoria Wilson, whose term was rendered expired by the District of Columbia Circuit Court of Appeals in United States v. Wilson. This recent decision reversed the United States District Court's ruling in favor of Wilson. The case represents a dispute between the Commission and the White House over Commissioner terms.
The Commission has always stated that the judicial system is the sole arbiter of the dispute.
A writ of certiorari with the U.S. Supreme Court will be filed by Wilson to seek a reversal of the Circuit Court ruling. The Commission also plans to file a motion to intervene on its behalf. In letters issued yesterday, the Commission notified the Department of Justice appellate staff, White House Counsel to the President Alberto R. Gonzales and Kirsanow of its decision to file an appeal.
5/14/02