The law governing equity in education is shifting rapidly these days. So rapidly that, while completing a legal casebook, you joked recently that it’s hard “to type and delete at the same time.” Fortunately, you’re a multitasker.
In addition to making preK-12 education policy as a public servant and working to strengthen it as a litigator, you’ve devoted much of your career to explaining it.
Not just to law students who read your casebooks. You also communicate with those on the front lines: teachers, principals and everyone else who cares about education.
You’ve written a book on Supreme Court cases every teacher needs to know. Another on the legal principles that education students must understand. As a columnist for a well-regarded education periodical you also provide context and insight on critical issues of the day. These include, just recently, efforts by some states to ban teachers from addressing important topics in the classroom.
All this while working in the courthouses, government and academia to advance equity in education. Among your roles: deputy assistant secretary of the Office for Civil Rights in the Education Department, staff attorney at the American Civil Liberties Union and research fellow at Rutgers University.
Earlier this year, you accepted a new position as executive director of the respected Education Law Center, aiming, in your words, to expand its “unparalleled record of advocacy for public school children across the nation.”
Yes, it’s a good thing for us all that you’re a multitasker.
In recognition of your distinguished achievement in law, government, education and advocacy for children, Williams College is proud to honor you with its Bicentennial Medal.