In a heartfelt farewell ceremony, Attorney General Merrick B. Garland expressed his gratitude and admiration for Associate Attorney General Vanita Gupta, who is leaving her position at the Department of Justice. Garland commended Gupta for her dedication to justice and her exceptional leadership during her tenure.
Garland began by acknowledging the support and contributions of Gupta's family, including her parents, sister, husband, and children. He recognized the sacrifices they have made and the unwavering support they have provided to Gupta throughout her career.
Reflecting on Gupta's commitment to her work, Garland shared a lighthearted anecdote about her dedication. He recounted a time when Gupta was on vacation at Rafael Nadal's Tennis Academy in Mallorca, Spain, yet still participated in daily leadership meetings. Garland expressed his gratitude to Gupta's husband, Chinh, for not revealing that the training sessions led by Nadal coincided with their morning meetings.
Garland emphasized that the Department of Justice has three main priorities: upholding the rule of law, ensuring national security, and protecting civil rights. He praised Gupta's role in advancing these priorities and her ability to bring together diverse components of the Department.
As a lifelong civil rights lawyer, Gupta played a vital role in ensuring that the Department's responsibility to protect civil rights permeated all areas of its work. Garland acknowledged Gupta's efforts in various critical areas, including defending reproductive freedoms, combating violent crime and gun violence, supporting victims of crime, and pursuing fair and just settlements in complex civil litigation.
Garland highlighted Gupta's leadership both within and outside the Department. He mentioned her work in strengthening relationships with tribal partners and bringing together the civil rights and law enforcement communities with honesty, humility, and respect. Garland praised Gupta's approach to tackling complex challenges by creating space for more people to be heard and seen.
The Attorney General shared personal experiences of traveling with Gupta across the country, witnessing her compassionate leadership firsthand. He recalled visits to Minneapolis, Louisville, Buffalo, Indianapolis, Atlanta, and Baton Rouge, where Gupta demonstrated empathy and understanding while addressing pressing issues.
Garland also recognized Gupta's invaluable counsel and advice in responding to difficult challenges over the past three years. He expressed his gratitude for having Gupta by his side and acknowledged the strong bond that developed between them and Associate Attorney General Lisa Monaco.
In his closing remarks, Garland expressed his admiration for Gupta's integrity, dedication, and exceptional work ethic. He described her as one of the hardest working and most dedicated public servants he has ever encountered. Garland emphasized that Gupta represents the very best of the Justice Department and embodies the pursuit of justice through just means.
In recognition of Gupta's outstanding service, Garland presented her with the Edmund J. Randolph Award, the highest prize bestowed by the Department of Justice. Additionally, a plaque was presented to Gupta from the Office of the Attorney General to commemorate her contributions.
Garland concluded by expressing his sadness at Gupta's departure but expressed confidence that her commitment to the Department's mission would bring her back in the future. He thanked Gupta from the bottom of his heart for her tireless pursuit of justice on behalf of the American people.
As Vanita Gupta bids farewell to the Department of Justice, her legacy of dedication, compassion, and commitment to justice will continue to inspire and guide those who follow in her footsteps.