Fifty students from the Western New England University School of Law joined law alumni, faculty, and members of the WNE Board of Trustees October 27 at Springfield Symphony Hall to hear Ketanji Brown Jackson, Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court, address a sold-out crowd as part of the Springfield Public Forum’s Justice Talk: A Conversation on Democracy & the Courts.
Presented by Springfield Public Forum and sponsored in part by the Western New England University School of Law’s Institute for Legislative and Government Affairs, the event brought together community members and leaders to reflect on the role of the judiciary in shaping and safeguarding democratic values.
“Justice Jackson is an inspiration to our students and the legal community,” said Dean Zelda Harris of WNE School of Law. “Her career and her words challenge all of us to think deeply about justice, leadership, and the responsibility we share to strengthen our democracy. Having so many students experience this moment together was incredibly meaningful.”
When asked about what she was most look forward to, 3L student Saraiyah Zigler could barely contain her excitement. “Tonight, I am witnessing greatness! Justice Jackson has accomplished so much and reached the pinnacle of judicial practice. She’s just phenomenal.”
WNE School of Law’s Institute for Legislative and Government Affairs support of the Forum reflects its longstanding commitment to civic engagement and public service. Earlier this fall, the Institute hosted a naturalization ceremony on campus, where 51 individuals from 31 countries took the Oath of Allegiance to become U.S. citizens. The ceremony underscored the School’s mission to connect legal education with active civic participation and service.
