Earlier this summer, we shared the exciting news that Dwayne Bensing, formerly ACLU-DE’s Staff Attorney, would be spearheading our growing legal team as our new Legal Director. As we head into the fall, navigating election season and filing transformative litigation, we are now excited to share that we have a full legal team on board, complete with Katie Prevost (she/her), our staff attorney (not yet admitted to practice in DE), Jasmine Minhas (she/they), our paralegal, and Charmi Patel (she/her), our fall legal intern.
Coming from the Greater Kansas City area, Katie Prevost recently relocated to Delaware to be on the East Coast – and she’s loving her new state. Here’s a note from Katie on moving to Delaware and joining the ACLU-DE team this summer:
"Becoming an empty-nester during the COVID-19 lockdown allowed me time to dream about what my next chapter in life could be. After much research, I chose to move to Delaware because, in addition to its geographical beauty and proximity to historic sites and national destinations, Delaware is a state that is continuing to move the country forward towards a more perfect union. The Delawareans I have met since my arrival have only confirmed that The First State is full of thoughtful people who are trying to ensure dignified lives for all citizens. With the recent passage of the Equal Rights Amendment, Assault Weapons Ban, and Youth and Schools Mental Health Laws, Delaware serves as a role model to the nation. In the same vein, the ACLU's mission to preserve and advance civil liberties and civil rights fits perfectly with the causes I want to spend my time fighting for. Like the trailblazer Pauli Murray proclaimed, 'I want to see America be what she says she is in the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. America, be what you proclaim yourself to be!'"
Jasmine Minhas is a recent graduate of Bucknell University with a Bachelor of Arts in French, History, and Political Science. Prior to joining the ACLU of Delaware team in July, Jasmine interned for the Sikh Coalition, the Delaware Department of Justice, and the U.S. Senate. Exposure to patterns of inequality and injustice both at home and abroad, alongside the Sikh principles of seva and action against injustice, has driven Jasmine to develop a serious passion for sociopolitical work and community organizing.
Since 2018, Jasmine has been an active leader in the gun violence prevention space in Delaware through her work with March For Our Lives. Her passion for advocacy and social justice is at the core of all that she is involved with. When she is not planning protests and in meetings, you can find her playing with her beagle, Bruno, and listening to podcasts. Here's a note from Jasmine on joining the team:
"I am ecstatic to join the ACLU-DE team and have the opportunity to work so closely with such passionate individuals who are motivated to create a better, more equitable, and inclusive Delaware."
Also joining us as our fall legal intern is Charmi Patel, a 3L at Delaware Law School. With a background in tax, Charmi’s passion is in equal protection of rights. In her free time, Charmi enjoys running, hiking, and reading – and we’re thrilled to complete our legal team with her on board this fall.
Our mighty and not-so-tiny legal team is hard at work fighting for civil liberties in Delaware courts. With active litigation on free speech, voting rights, incarceration, and more, we welcome you to learn more about our legal team’s work by visiting our Litigation page.
