Former Vice President Joe BidenJoe BidenHillicon Valley: Biden calls on Facebook to change political speech rules | Dems demand hearings after Georgia election chaos | Microsoft stops selling facial recognition tech to police Trump finalizing executive order calling on police to use ‘force with compassion’ The Hill’s Campaign Report: Biden campaign goes on offensive against Facebook MORE issued a statement Friday that doubled down on his record in support of civil rights after being confronted on the issue by Sen. Kamala HarrisKamala Devi HarrisRand Paul introduces bill to end no-knock warrants The Hill’s Campaign Report: Biden campaign goes on offensive against Facebook McEnany says Juneteenth is a very ‘meaningful’ day to Trump MORE (D-Calif.) during Thursday’s debate.

In an email to supporters, Biden said that he “heard” and “respect[s] Senator Harris” following their clash the previous night over Biden’s remarks about working with former segregationist senators such as James Eastland.

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During the debate, Harris chastised Biden for his support of legislation with Eastland to prevent busing measures to integrate public schools directed by the Department of Education, which Harris argued were necessary measures to promote diversity and force integration of all-white schools.

“For my entire career, I’ve fought my heart out to ensure that civil rights, voting rights, and equal rights are enforced everywhere,” Biden responded Friday in the email. “These rights are not up to the states to decide. They are embedded in our Constitution. And, the federal government has a duty to protect the civil rights of every single American. That has always been my position.”

“But the discussion in this race today shouldn’t be about the past. It should be about how we can do better and move forward and give every kid in this country an opportunity to succeed,” he continued. “That means good schools in every neighborhood. No child’s future should be determined by their zip code.”

Biden has refused to apologize for his past stance on busing directed by the federal government as well as his comments about his ability to work with segregationist senators during his Senate career in the face of criticism from Harris, fellow 2020 presidential contender Sen. Cory BookerCory Anthony BookerRand Paul introduces bill to end no-knock warrants Black lawmakers unveil bill to remove Confederate statues from Capitol Harris grapples with defund the police movement amid veep talk MORE (D-N.J.) and others.

The former vice president initially called for Booker, who first spoke out about the issue this month, to apologize, telling reporters that the New Jersey senator “knows better.” The two reportedly later spoke privately about the issue.

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