Nusrat Jahan Choudhury has been confirmed as a federal judge in New York, appointed by President Biden. This milestone makes her the first Muslim woman to serve on the federal bench. She is also the first Bangladeshi American to hold a federal judgeship and will be presiding over the Eastern District of New York in Brooklyn.
Choudhury’s confirmation was approved by the Senate in a 50-49 vote, with Senator Joe Manchin being the only Democrat to vote against her confirmation. Prior to her nomination by President Biden in January 2022, Choudhury dedicated her entire legal career to the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). She most recently served as the legal director of the ACLU of Illinois. Her work with the ACLU’s racial justice program involved filing lawsuits against racial discrimination, including cases against the federal government, such as challenging the constitutionality of the “no-fly list” implemented by the FBI, and the New York Police Department for alleged discriminatory practices.
Some Republicans and Senator Manchin expressed concerns about Choudhury’s past comments on police violence against Black individuals, raising questions about potential bias. Senator Manchin stated that these remarks called into question her ability to be impartial towards the work of law enforcement.
Choudhury’s confirmation has received praise from Muslim-American advocacy groups. She is now the second Muslim to be confirmed as a federal judge, following Zahid Quraishi in 2021. Advocates emphasize the significance of representation and the need for Muslim women’s voices to be heard in the courts. They cite examples such as employers discriminating against women wearing hijabs due to the fear of Islamophobia. Justin Sadowsky, a trial lawyer for the Council on American-Islamic Relations, commended Choudhury’s longstanding dedication to civil rights for not only Muslims but all Americans.
