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Legal Studies Monthly News & Updates | |
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March Edition: Disability Awareness Month | |
Disability Awareness Month serves as a critical period for reflection, education, and advocacy, highlighting the ongoing struggles and achievements of people with disabilities. This month is an opportunity for all sectors of society, including the legal community, to reaffirm their commitment to fostering inclusivity, accessibility, and equality.
The legal framework surrounding disability rights have evolved significantly over the past decades, marking progress in how society recognizes and responds to the needs of disabled individuals. Laws such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in the United States has been crucial in promoting the rights of people with disabilities, ensuring access to public spaces, employment, and education, and protecting against discrimination. However, the journey towards full inclusivity and equality is far from complete.
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March Fun Fact: Women in Law | The first woman to practice law in the United States had to sue the state bar association to take the bar exam. Arabella Mansfield, in 1869, was denied the right to take the Iowa bar exam due to her gender. She studied the law independently, successfully sued for the right to take the exam, and passed with high scores. | | | |
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Legal Studies Hoodie Interest Form
We are excited to offer an exclusive hoodie for our Legal Studies community. This quick form will help us understand if there is sufficient interest in Legal Studies gear. The hoodie is estimated to cost between $25 - $30. Please fill out this form by Wednesday, March 27th if you're interested in purchasing one.
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Undergraduate Departmental Representative (UDR) Applications Now Available!
Applications for the 2024-25 Undergraduate Departmental Representative Positions Now Open - Deadline: March 27, 2024. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact the current UDRs!
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Join Brandeis ENACT!
Deadline: April 1st, 2024
Enact seeks a cohort of Brandeis students to serve as Research and Advocacy Fellows to
1) conduct research under the mentorship of ENACT staff/faculty member, Charlotte Powley
2) Implement a change project on campus linked to the research!
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LGLS 142B Law and Psychology Open Classroom: Neuroscience and Juvenile Crime
Monday, April 1st
8:30 AM - 9:50 AM
Golding-Judaica Room 110
Dr. Kinscherff will discuss his involvement in Commonwealth v. Mattis, which held that a sentence of life without the possibility of parole for 18-20-year-olds was a violation of the 8th Amendment.
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The Joshua A. Guberman Lecture
"Law, Policy and the Future of Social Justice: Strengthening Our Commitment to Equal Outcomes"
Dr. Anita Hill, JD
Pokross Professor of Law and Social Policy
Thursday, April 4th
5:30 PM
Zinner Forum, The Heller School, Brandeis University
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Present and Defend - Brandeis ENACT students advocate for Massachusetts legislation
Tuesday, April 16th, 2024
10AM to 11:15AM
Alumni Lounge in Usdan Student Center
Join us Tuesday, April 16 from 10:00-11:15 AM in Alumni Lounge in the Usdan Student Center at Brandeis University for “Present and Defend” and exercise your right to influence public policy! The students of the Brandeis University ENACT course “Advocacy for Policy Change” (LGLS 161b) will try to persuade you to vote for their bills, which are currently being considered by the Massachusetts State Legislature. Bill topics include data privacy, gun violence, immigrant rights, juvenile justice, menstrual equity, mental health education, childhood poverty, pregnancy care, sex education, and water resources management.
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End of Year Legal Studies Gathering
Monday, April 15th, 2024
1PM to 3PM
Skyline Common
All Legal Studies students are invited! Join us for ice cream, games, and pictures!
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Alumni Spotlight: Elana Margolis '97 | | |
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Elana Margolis '97
Elana Margolis '97, a Brandeis Legal Studies Program Alumni, is currently serving as the Senior Director of Government and Regulatory Affairs at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, the largest not-for-profit health plan in the Commonwealth. She plays a pivotal role in shaping the company's stance on a myriad of "policy, legislative, regulatory, and business issues." Before her career at Blue Cross Blue Shield, Elana's role ranged diversely from being the Associate Director at the Greater Boston's Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) to also previously serving "senior positions in the Massachusetts government for nearly a decade, navigating the complexities of four different administrations." She also was the "general counsel and chief of staff for the Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs, and before...
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Unlocking Learning: International Perspectives on Education in Prison
On Thursday, February 15th, the Legal Studies Program, Brandeis Educational Justice Initiative & Brandeis University Press hosted a successful event, presenting "Unlocking Learning: International Perspectives on Education in Prison." The gathering at Rapaporte Treasure Hall was well-attended, featuring enlightening discussions led by editors Justin McDevitt and Mneesha Gellman, along with contributions from Lise Oen Jones. Dr. Tanishia Williams, the Kay Fellow in Education, Racial Justice, and the Carceral State at Brandeis University, skillfully facilitated the conversation. This is the latest book in the Justice Louis D Brandeis Series in Law & Society.
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Brandeis Lawyer Alumni Network Event
On Tuesday, March 12th, the Lawyers Alumni Network hosted "Redrawing Equity: Focusing the Impact of Racial Gerrymandering with cases at the Supreme Court and here in Boston" at SYNK Corporate Headquarters in Boston, MA. The event commenced with a vibrant cocktail reception followed by an engaging panel discussion featuring esteemed speakers including our own Professor Dan Breen, Senator Will Brownsberger, and community organizer Shanique Rodriguez, Executive Director, MA Voter Table.
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Legal Studies Fair & Panel Event
On March 18th, the Legal Studies UDRs and the Brandeis Pre Law Society hosted a successful joint event titled "Legal Studies Fair." Collaborating with various clubs such as Brandeis Law Journal, HIATT Career Center, ENACT, CARE, Mock Trial, and TRII, the event provided a platform for undergraduate students in the legal studies program and pre-law students to engage with various clubs and organizations related to the field. This event transitioned seamlessly into the evening where the event continued with a captivating panel discussion featuring three distinguished panelists: Lisa Locher, JD, Hon. Judge David Frank, and Daniel Jacobson '16, JD. Hosted as an open classroom event with LGLS 89A, the panel took place in the Sherman Function Hall, fostering enriching dialogue and learning experiences for all participants.
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Professor Curi’s Upcoming Courses at Wellesley and Brandeis
This summer, she will teach Public Health in America: Politics & Policy at Wellesley College, her alma mater. If you are looking for a great Fall Course with Prof Curi – you can take American Health Care: Law & Policy here at Brandeis or cross-register for Constitutional Law: Rights, Liberties, & Justice; full-time Brandeis students enjoy cross-registration privileges at Wellesley.
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Service, Culture, and Amazing Food in Rural Honduras
Over Winter Break, Professor Sarah Curi returned to Honduras with Brandeis’ Global Brigades students who shadowed local doctors and community health workers in clinics in under-resourced communities. In the mountains of Honduras, she was delighted to find ice cream with her Spanish nickname. The city of Cantarranas – which means The Singing Frogs - is known for its amazing murals and street art!
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LGLS Course Highlights
Summer 2024
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The Legal Studies Program will be offering three classes during the Summer of 2024. Registration for these summer classes will open in early April. Check the link below for more information about summer school courses.
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LGLS Course Highlights
Fall 2024
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Arts, Culture & Literature
Disability Awareness Month & Women's History Month
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Being Heuman: An Unrepentant Memoir of a Disability Rights Activist
By Judith Heumann with Kristen Joiner
Discover the remarkable story of Judith Heumann, one of the most influential disability rights activists in US history, in "Being Heumann: An Unrepentant Memoir of Disability Rights Activist." Co-authored with Kristen Joiner, this memoir offers an inspiring and deeply personal look into the life of a woman who transformed her struggles into groundbreaking advocacy. From her early days fighting to attend school to leading the historic Section 504 Sit-In and playing a key role in the creation of the Americans with Disabilities Act, Heumann's journey is a testament to resilience, courage, and the relentless pursuit of equality. Celebrate Disability Awareness Month and Women's History Month by reading this essential read that not only chronicles an important chapter in disability history but also embodies the spirit of human perseverance and the fight for a world where everyone belongs!
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This newsletter is created by Christine Kwon. For questions or to highlight your own work, organization, or event, contact christinekwon@brandeis.edu
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