From John Kerry's Press Release today on the 40th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (received by email), in which Kerry lays out his position on civil liberties:

• Expanding Opportunity in Jobs, Education, and Health Care. John Kerry has a plan to create 10 million new jobs, reduce outsourcing and create manufacturing jobs. He also understands that true equality is impossible without improving our public school system. John Kerry supports full funding for the No Child Left Behind Act and special needs education, a new initiative to increase excellence in teaching, and Kerry will help one million more students graduate from high school. Finally, John Kerry knows that current racial disparities in health and health care are unacceptable. He has a plan to make high-quality, affordable health care available to all Americans and reduce these disparities.

• Rigorous Enforcement of the Nation’s Civil Rights Laws. John Kerry understands that discrimination remains a problem in America and that strong enforcement of our nation’s civil rights laws is critical to ensuring equal rights and opportunities for all Americans. He is also a strong supporter of affirmative action. As a former prosecutor, Kerry has the strength and skills to enforce civil rights laws, reduce discrimination and expand opportunity.

• Strengthen Civil Rights Laws Damaged by Right-Wing Judges and Strengthen Hate Crime Laws. John Kerry supports the Fairness Act which will reverse damage done to civil rights laws by right-wing judges. He wants to ensure that every American can get their day in court and have access to fair and meaningful remedies for injustice. John Kerry supports strong enforcement and equal justice for all victims of hate violence.