How Law Schools Can Make a Difference: DEI Work in the Curriculum, in the Classroom, and in the Courtroom: Symposium & Reception
Roger Williams University School of Law will be presenting a symposium and hosting a reception at the Association of American Law Schools (AALS) 2023 Annual Meeting in San Diego, California.
Symposium Program - 1:00 PM - 4:40 PM PT (Pacific Time)
How Law Schools Can Make a Difference: DEI Work in the Curriculum, in the Classroom, and in the Courtroom
Changes in ABA standards have led to more inclusive and equitable law school curricula, which in turn have significantly impacted law school faculty and administrations, the practice of law, and the judiciary. This symposium will address the changes taking place, offer practical guidance for navigating these changes, and discuss how these changes affect the judiciary and the practice of law.
Opening Remarks
Gregory W. Bowman, Dean and Professor of Law, Roger Williams University School of Law
Carmia Caesar, Chair, AALS Section on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Professionals and Associate Dean for Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, The George Washington University Law School
Erwin Chemerinsky, AALS President and Dean & Jesse H. Choper Distinguished Professor of Law, Berkeley Law
Panel One - 1:00 - 2:00 PM PT
DEI Work in the Curriculum
This panel will address DEI curricular changes at several law schools. Panelists will discuss how new and revamped classes came to be, how these classes were developed, and how they were received by students. Attendees will hear from members of law school communities where changes were made to meet student demand and ABA standards.
Panelists:
Danielle M. Conway, Dean and Donald J. Farage Professor of Law, Penn State Dickinson Law
Claire Donohue, Assistant Clinical Professor, Center for Experiential Learning, Boston College Law School
Bernard Freamon, Professor of Law, Roger Williams University School of Law
Nadiyah Humber, Associate Professor of Law, UConn School of Law
Moderator:
Diana Hassel, Professor of Law, Roger Williams University School of Law
Panel Two - 2:20 - 3:20 PM PT
DEI Work in the Classroom
Changes to law school curricula, and pressure from students to make legal education more inclusive and equitable, have tangible consequences for law school faculty and administrators. This panel will address how some law schools have worked to support faculty through these advances. In particular, panelists will discuss the use of informal teaching support groups and speaker series to provide faculty with the knowledge and tools to grapple with change.
Panelists:
Alena Allen, Deputy Director of AALS, Professor of Law, University of Arkansas Fayetteville School of Law.
Tiffany C. Graham, Associate Dean for Diversity & Inclusion and Associate Professor of Law, Touro University Jacob D. Fuchsberg Law Center
Suzy Harrington-Steppen, Clinical Professor of Law and Associate Director of Pro Bono Programs, Roger Williams University School of Law
Monica Teixeira de Sousa, Professor of Law, Roger Williams University School of Law
Moderator:
Nicole P. Dyszlewski, Director of Special Programs, Academic Affairs, Roger Williams University School of Law
Panel Three - 3:40 - 4:40 PM PT
DEI Work in the Courtroom
Changes to legal education to address diversity, equity, and inclusion will necessarily impact the practice of law. This panel will address how the practice of law is changing, as well as how courts are responding to these changes.
Panelists:
Brooklyn Crockton, Class of 2022, Roger Williams University School of Law
Meera E. Deo, Director of LSSSE, The Honorable Vaino Spencer Chair | Professor of Law Southwestern Law School Los Angeles
The Hon. Melissa DuBose, Associate Judge, Rhode Island District Court
The Hon. M. Margaret McKeown, United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit
Sarah McConnell Dubois, Professor of Legal Practice, Roger Williams University School of Law
Moderator:
Nicole P. Dyszlewski, Director of Special Programs, Academic Affairs, Roger Williams University School of Law
This symposium is co-hosted with the new AALS Section on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Professionals.
Symposium registration is through the AALS Annual Meeting Registration. More details here.
RWU Law Reception
Join Roger Williams University School of Law Dean Gregory W. Bowman, symposium panelists, and symposium moderators for additional informal DEI conversation.
Friday, January 6, 2023
6:00 PM - 7:30 PM PT
Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina
La Costa - Fourth Floor (South Tower)
333 W Harbor Drive
San Diego, California