What is cultural misappropriation and why does it matter? Join us on March 31st, 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM EST for a conversation between legal experts and activists covering Copyright and Trademark issues of cultural misappropriation such as the Washington pro football team (Harjo v. Pro Football and its relationship with Matal v. Tam), fashion (Urban Outfitters v. Navajo), photography and music on…
Type: Event
For artist and community organizer Jordan Seaberry ’20 – co-director of the nonprofit U.S. Department of Arts and Culture – earning a Master of Studies in Law degree from RWU Law was a key that helped him weave together the two seemingly disparate threads of his professional life. “In the trajectory of my own work, this really feels like the first time I have really blended the arts and social…, Globe, noted that Seaberry’s “large-scale, imagistic mixed-media paintings address systemic injustice, family wounds, and moving forward.” seaberry painting Seaberry, who was by then working as a director of public policy at the Nonviolence Institute in Providence, said the thoughtful, engaged reaction his art provoked was largely the point. “Every painting in that show was directly related to, or in…, our, bill’s effectiveness. And so by the time we finally won passage, some of the teeth had already been taken out of it. For me, that sent a really clear message that, while we had won the policy battle, we’d lost the larger, cultural battle.” The MSL program helped him learn to bridge that gap. “I remember, in Criminal Law with Professor Tara Allen , really distinctly realizing that – though I’d…, think, ,” Seaberry said. “Scientists, for example, look at, all, the evidence and then draw a conclusion. A lawyer, by contrast, already has a desired conclusion in mind and searches out the evidence that supports the case they want to prove. For me, being able to understand that from the inside changed how I thought about organizing.” That realization changed his approach. “When I think about my role now – where I am trying to plug 30,000 artists and…
Type: Story
In celebration of Women’s History Month, Roger Williams University presents a keynote and panel discussion on the legacy of late U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, featuring two accomplished alumnae of RWU Law. On, Friday, March 12, 2021 at 12:00 p.m. EST, , the RWU community is invited to “Honoring the Life and Impact of Ruth Bader Ginsburg,” a conversation featuring the, Honorable Elizabeth Ortiz ’10, , an associate justice of the Rhode Island Family Court., (Click here to attend.), Governor Gina Raimondo nominated Ortiz – a “double Hawk,” who also earned her undergraduate degree at RWU in 2007 – to the lifetime seat last December, making her the first Latina ever nominated to the court that oversees the state's child custody, divorce, and juvenile matters. She fills the seat l eft open by the retirement of Judge John E. McCann III. Judge Ortiz's keynote will be followed by…, Alyse Antone Smith '18, , a Special Assistant Attorney General with the Criminal Division of the Rhode Island Attorney General's Office. Smith is based in the AG's Newport office. The panel, which features five alumnae of RWU's Legal Studies program – from which Smith graduated in 2014 – will focus on gender equity in the workplace, work/life balance, and the importance of mentorship. In her remarks on Justice Ginsburg…, 1 p.m. EST, , following the keynote address and breakout sessions, the community is also invited to attend a panel discussion of alumnae from the legal studies program., (Click here to attend.), Join the conversation of a diverse group of distinguished legal studies graduates who will discuss gender equity in the workplace, work/life balance, and the importance of mentorship, and offer advice to students interested in careers in the law or in social justice. Panelists include:, Alyse Antone Smith, Esq. ’14, L '18, Special Assistant Attorney General (Criminal Division), Rhode Island Attorney General's Office; Newport, Rhode Island, Alyssa M. Kelly, Esq. ’15, , Legal Studies and Psychology Associate Attorney at Atwood & Cherny, P.C. (Family Law); Boston, Massachusetts , Nikki Marie Oliveira, Esq.’07, , Legal Studies and Math Senior Associate, Nutter (Estate Planning, Tax and Elder Law); Boston, Massachusetts , Jasmine Lopez Calderon ’07, , Legal Studies and Spanish Senior Account Manager (Community Organizing, Fundraising, Marketing), Archipelago Strategies Group (ASG); Boston, Massachusetts , Ellen Messali, Esq. ’07, , Legal Studies and Political Science Staff Attorney, New Haven Legal Assistance Association (Immigration Law); New Haven, Connecticut Please join us for an afternoon of conversation about the legacies and careers of groundbreaking women in the legal and judicial system. The events are open to all.
Type: Article
According to the EPA Office of Environmental Justice , the term "environmental justice" means "the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or income, with respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies." They further explain that this goal will be achieved when everyone has…
Type: Article
It wasn’t the packed ballroom event that the Roger Williams University School of Law community has grown accustomed to over the years, but Thursday night’s "online edition" of Champions for Justice still delivered an intimate, spirited evening – one that raised a grand total of $95,495 for the school's pro bono, clinical and externship programs. And because the law school saved many of the costs…, not, a graduate – we are, still, your law school. We are Rhode Island’s law school, and we are fiercely proud of that. With your support and your help, we will continue to support the dreams and ambitions of our students, and the work of our great faculty and staff. Everyone here this evening has supported our law school in some way, and we are very, very grateful for that. We succeed because of you – and you make us better.…
Type: Article
The Multi-Cultural Law Students Association (MCLSA) is hosting "Building Community and Connections!" This networking event will be a great opportunity for you to connect with attorneys and judges from the New England area. The event will be divided into two parts. The first will be an opportunity to hear from our three main speakers about their experiences with the law. In the second part, we…
Type: Event
What is your title? , Collection Services Assistant, Can you explain to our readers what you do using non-librarian terms?, I open the mail - the beginning of the pipeline for new materials. I check in the materials and make sure they go to the appropriate location or person -- to the stacks as new issues, to Kathleen [MacAndrew] for cataloging, etc. I help at the circulation desk when the need arises. I also complete collection related projects -- book moves, making space in the stacks, etc. Another big task I do…, Eds. note -- this task is super important and takes a lot of attention to detail so that the right pages are removed, and the new pages are added where they belong., ], What is your favorite reading genre?, History, because if we don't learn from history we don't learn. All history -- throw a dart and that's what I will read., What part of your job is most satisfying? , Helping students that appear to be “lost” in the stacks. I try to help them to the best of my capacity and then lead them to the reference librarians for additional assistance if I cannot help., What’s the most profound positive change you’ve seen in the library since you joined it?, Going from a primarily physical collection--books and microforms--to more digital materials and moving toward technology as it becomes available., We hear that you are a sports fan. What’s your favorite sport and team?, I don't have one favorite. I like the New York Yankees for baseball and the Montreal Canadiens for hockey. [, Eds. note: Richard was born and raised in Upstate New York, so he gets a pass from the Boston fans in the library, .], Name something you dislike, but everyone else seems to love., The Kardashians. [, Eds. note - AGREED!, ]
Type: Article
School of Law Commencement , Friday, May 21, 2021 12:30 p.m. EST Watch the School of Law Grad Walk Here - May 21, 2021 - 12:30 PM EST Watch the School of Law Virtual Ceremony Here - May 21, 2021 - 5:00 PM EST, HONORARY DEGREE RECIPIENTS: , As part of the commencement ceremony, RWU Law will present honorary degrees to the, Honorable Edward C. Clifton, , retired Associate Justice of the Rhode Island Superior Court, and, Lynette Labinger, , a civil rights and employment law attorney. Labinger and Clifton HDRs, GRAD WALK:, , The Grad Walk will be organized in 15-minute increments with 25 students per increment starting at 12:30 PM EST. The Grad Walk will be livestreamed for family and friends to view. You may sign up with your friends; alpha by last name is not required. Associate Dean Jared Goldstein will read all graduate names (those present and those virtual). A Graduate Portrait station will be organized as part…, GRAD WALK GUEST(S):, Each law graduate will be permitted to bring no more than two guests to campus for the in-person Grad Walk. Guests will be able to watch and celebrate as their graduate’s name is read as they process across the stage. For the health and safety of our campus community, graduates, family and friends, everyone must wear a mask at all times on campus (indoors and outside) and provide proof of a…, SAFETY MEASURES:, Under the guidance of the Center for Disease Control and the Rhode Island Department of Health, all safety protocols will be followed: Hand sanitizers will be available throughout the building. Students, guests, and staff will be socially distanced at all times. Students, guests, and staff will be required to always wear masks. Please view the COVID policy below regarding testing for students,…, RWU School of Law Grad Walk COVID Testing Policy, VIRTUAL COMMENCEMENT: , The RWU Law Class of 2021’s virtual Commencement will take place on Friday, May 21, 2021 at 5:00 PM EST. Watch here . The ceremony will be hosted on YouTube Premieres, where you will have a chance to hear from your Class of 2021 Valedictorian and Commencement Speaker! Graduates and guests are invited to join the RWU Law Community beginning at 4:50 PM EST for a LIVE Kickoff Zoom Celebration before…, COMMENCEMENT PROGRAM: , The Commencement Program is available in both PDF format and flipbook options. , DIPLOMAS: , You may pick up your diploma in-person on Friday, May 21, 2021, after the Grad Walk. If you are not participating in the Grad Walk, the Office of Student Finance & Records will mail your diploma to the address that you have on file. Address updates may be sent to Ann Marie Thompson at athompson@rwu.edu ., WIFI:, You may access WiFi in the Recreation Center during the Grad Walk with the following information. Please note that the password is case sensitive. SSID: RWU_Commencement wifi Password: classof2021, EVENT SECURITY: , Guests and graduates are encouraged to leave all personal items (including bags) in their vehicles. RWU Public Safety will conduct security clearance checks before you enter the Recreation Center. No large/oversized bags or back packs will be permitted., CLASS OF 2021 HASHTAG:, Here is your Commencement hashtag! Share your Commencement celebration moments, watch party fun, & special festivities! #RWULaw2021 Class of 2021 Hashtag, Special Accommodations, Eligible graduates and guest(s) that require special accommodations to participate in the Grad Walk should email lawevents@rwu.edu prior to May 3, 2021.
Type: Event
When she graduates this May, 3L Amanda Nagim-Williams will set her career in motion with a powerful start – clerking for history-making New Jersey Superior Court Judge Sheila A. Venable, who was appointed earlier this year as the first Black assignment judge for that state’s Essex County Vicinage. “This is something I really wanted to do, and it speaks about working with intention,” Nagim-…, women, who become prosecutors – have a lot of different things working against them. It is hard to work within a system that desperately needs change, when history says there is no place for you on this side of the justice system because of your racial and gender identities.” From both perspectives, the issue of equity looms large. “I got a chance to see what equity looks like in the justice system,”…, Seeking Racial Justice, Nagim-Williams’ time at RWU Law provided her with further opportunities to explore “the intersectionality between the law and race – or particularly, racial justice.” For example, she has served as an e-board member on the Black Law Students Association, chair of the Honor Board, and student co-chair of the Curriculum, Training, and Programming Subcommittee of the Diversity and Inclusion Steering…
Type: Story
Cultural appropriation (or cultural misappropriation) is defined as "the adoption or exploitation of another culture by the more dominant culture." (See Ijeoma Oluo's So You Want to Talk about Race?, chapter 10 ) It has also been defined as, “[t]aking intellectual property, traditional knowledge, cultural expressions, or artifacts from someone else's culture without permission. This can include…, Harjo v. Pro Football, and its relationship with, Matal v. Tam, ), fashion (, Urban Outfitters v. Navajo, ), photography, and music on reservations. The program will also be discussing traditional knowledge labeling. In support of this programming, the law library has created a lawguide which contains a variety of resources on the topic of the cultural appropriation of indigenous cultures . This guide has links to biographical information on the speakers and a selection of books, articles, and web…
Type: Article
