Justice Department civil rights chief Dhillon steps down from post

Harmeet Dhillon has resigned as head of the Civil Rights division at the U.S. Department of Justice, according to multiple sources. Dhillon's departure represents a significant change in leadership at one of the Justice Department's key civil rights enforcement arms.

The Civil Rights division oversees enforcement of federal laws prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability and religion. The division handles litigation and policy matters affecting voting rights, employment discrimination, housing rights and other civil rights protections.

Dhillon's tenure at the division came during a period of substantial policy shifts at the Justice Department. Her resignation adds to recent personnel changes within the federal agency's leadership structure.

No immediate successor to the civil rights chief position has been announced. The Justice Department has not issued an official statement regarding Dhillon's departure or the timeline for filling the vacancy.