This upcoming Monday, we recognize Juneteenth, the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the end of chattel slavery in America. Three years ago GW Law adopted an Anti Racism Resolution. The resolution underscores our commitment to advancing social justice, equity, and inclusion at our law school and across the nation. Read the full resolution.
"Juneteenth marks the liberation of enslaved Africans in Galveston, Texas on June 19, 1865, 2 ½ years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation and more than three years after enslaved Africans were freed here in Washington, DC. The holiday is a bittersweet reminder that it takes time and effort to achieve justice and that the struggle continues until there is justice for all."
Carmia N. Caesar
Associate Dean for Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
These are just a few steps taken by GW Law to ensure this resolution is a part of our daily lives:
New Clinical Offerings
The Jacob Burns Community Legal Clinics is launching 5 brand-new clinics in Fall 2023. These clinics will expand the Program’s practice areas, draw in a wider range of faculty, and enlarge the number of seats in the Clinical Program. A featured clinic is the Health Equity Policy & Advocacy Clinic, a medical-legal partnership, and community-based program, this clinic will focus on fundamental lawyering skills and interprofessional collaboration taught through direct client representation, policy advocacy, and community collaboration. In addition, students collaborate with medical and public health practitioners, students, and community groups to engage in policy advocacy that addresses barriers to health in low-income and historically marginalized communities.
Equity Institute
The George Washington University Institute for Racial, Ethnic and Socioeconomic Equity, better known as “The Equity Institute,” has received its official charter. The institute’s establishment officially opens a new collaborative, interdisciplinary chapter for GW researchers addressing questions of racial and socioeconomic justice. GW Law Dean Dayna Bowen Matthew, who launched the preliminary Equity Institute initiative in 2021, will serve as its inaugural faculty director.
Faculty
In her January 2021 Anti-Racism Resolution update, Dean Matthew committed to increasing the number of Black full-time faculty. Since then, Dean Matthew has hired three Black full-time faculty, including one clinician and two professors.
Dean Matthew, the Belva Lockwood Society, and Law Association for Women (L.A.W.) honored The Honorable Patricia Lee, JD ‘02, at the Annual Belva Lockwood Society Luncheon. Justice Lee is the first African American woman and the first Asian American to serve as a Nevada Supreme Court Justice. Read more about Justice Lee’s accomplishments. Pictures from the event can be found here.
