David W. Knight
Trial Attorney
U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), Civil Rights Division, Disability Rights Section
- Alma Mater: University of Maryland, Fordham University School of Law
- Favorite TV Show: "The Walking Dead"
- Favorite Movie: " The Goonies"
- Favorite Hobby: Going to concerts
As a trial attorney within the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) Civil Rights Division, Disability Rights Section, David W. Knight is able to unite his passion for advancing civil rights along with support for transit. Knight is someone who said he would be a bus operator if not in his current profession and he’s passionate about transit allowing everyone a chance to use and get to where they need to be.
Knight spent five years in the office of civil rights in the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), where he oversaw complaint investigations and compliance reviews of fixed-route, rail and paratransit services for the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). His expertise in ADA compliance has made Knight a sought after source both within the transportation and disabled communities.
Since joining DOJ in 2008, Knight brought lawsuits against the Detroit Department of Transportation (DDOT) and city of Jackson, Mississippi, for inaccessible buses and paratransit capacity constraints. His work also yielded a letter of finding in 2014 against the Virgin Islands Department of Public Works (VITRANS) for inaccessible buses, lack of stop announcements and paratransit capacity constraints.
Knight has been a speaker at the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) Bus and Paratransit Conference; United Motorcoach Association Expo (UMA), the National Disability Rights Network, Trailways and California Motorcoach Association.
“Decide what you want to be and don’t worry if your first step isn’t there. Just go in the right direction.”
“I love transit and I love taking transit. I think it’s something everyone should have the benefit to enjoy.”
“More. More funding, more support, more services. I’m always happy when a new transportation bill comes out with more support.”
