A Switchback toward Progress
For many members of this year’s graduating class, the decision to apply for law school was made during a pivotal time in history. The JDs graduating in May of 2024 were likely starting to decide their next career steps in March of 2020, when the global pandemic began. By May of 2020, racial violence and police brutality had fully ignited the Black Lives Matter movement. The disparities in our society were glaring and drove many to strive to bring systemic change through a legal education.
New Practicum Builds on Antiracism Efforts at BU Law
Caitlin Glass has studied and advocated for racial justice in the criminal legal system for years, most recently as policy program director at the BU Center for Antiracist Research (CAR). While at CAR, she played a critical role in the drafting of several amicus briefs, including in a case in which the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court struck down life without parole sentences (LWOP) for young adults between the ages of 18 and 20.
Reflecting on 2023
While this year presented its fair share of challenges, it also offered opportunities for learning, growth, and connection. The BU Law community repeatedly demonstrated its resilience and proved how the law may work in support of our values.
Jasmine Gonzales Rose Named Associate Dean for Equity, Justice & Engagement
BU Law Professor and Jasmine Gonzales Rose, a leading critical race theorist who has taught evidence, criminal law, civil procedure, and courses on race, racism, and the law and served as acting codirector and chair of policy with the BU Center for Antiracist Research, has been named associate dean for equity, justice & engagement.
A Place for Everyone
Did Assistant Dean Samuel Bennett know, when he welcomed Owen Young into the Class of 1896, that his student would go on to make history? Probably not. It’s hard to know how the future will reflect on the present once it becomes the past.
From Antiracist Research to Antiracist Policy
Jasmine Gonzales Rose holds many titles in her career that she is passionate about—professor at BU Law, critical race scholar, social justice advocate, and, most recently, deputy director of research and policy at the BU Center for Antiracist Research—but the one she loves most is “teacher.”
Jasmine Gonzales Rose Joins BU Law
Professor Gonzales Rose is teaching Evidence, Criminal Law, and a seminar on Latinxs and the Law this year.