The Unfinished Work of Thurgood Marshall:
Addressing the Achievement Gap in Education
May 3–5, 2012
Boston University School of Law
Boston, Mass.
ABOUT THE SECTION
Founded in 1966, the American Bar Association Section of Individual
Rights and Responsibilities is dedicated to fostering a greater
appreciation and understanding of the Constitution and the Bill of
Rights, and human rights generally, among members of the bar and
the general public. Through education and advocacy, the Section
expresses the legal profession’s commitment to work to achieve the
American ideals of justice, freedom, and equity for all through the legal
system.
For more information about the Section, contact us at 740 Fifteenth
Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20005; Tel.: 202/662-1030; E-mail:
[email protected]; or visit the website: www.americanbar.org/irr.
CONTINUING LEGAL EDUCATION (CLE) CREDIT
Required special documentation has been forwarded to and credit
requested from MCLE states with general requirements for all
lawyers. Lawyers seeking credit in Pennsylvania must pay fees of
$1.50 per credit hour directly to the PA CLE Board. The ABA covers
applicable fees in other states where the sponsor is required to do so
and in states where a late fee may become applicable. Please be
aware that each state has its own rules and regulations, including its
own definition of “CLE”; therefore, certain programs may not receive
credit in some states. For information on approved credit hours for
your state, contact the ABA Service Center (tel.: 1-800-285-2221).
*Denotes CLE credit offered
May 3–5, 2012
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Boston University School of Law
CONFERENCE OVERVIEW
Over fifty years ago, the U.S. Supreme Court recognized in Brown v. Board of
Education, that education is not only an imperative for every child, but for
the future of our democracy. For many minority children today, the promise
of Brown is being lost in an achievement gap of widening proportions caused
by disparities of resources as well as policy and organizational failures. An
unprecedented number of minority children drop out of school without
graduating from high school. More minority children attend schools which
are effectively segregated by race than ever before in our nation’s history.
From Horace Mann, often called the Father of American Education, to
Thurgood Marshall, lawyers have played a critical role in shaping America’s
educational system. Now more than ever, lawyers must renew their efforts
to ensure that that system serves all children without regard to race or
economic circumstances. Leadership on education reform will require
involvement in the governance of schools, the policy development process,
and as necessary, litigation.
This conference brings together respected experts in the fields of law and
education to establish and strengthen multi-disciplinary partnerships and to
develop strategies to help lawyers identify their appropriate role in making
equal educational opportunity a reality that addresses the achievement
gaps in our public school systems.
May 3–5, 2012
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Boston University School of Law
PROGRAM SCHEDULE
THURSDAY, MAY 3, 2012
9:00 a.m.–Noon
Registration
Boston University School of Law, Lobby, Ground Floor
Noon–12:30 p.m.
Conference Opening
Boston University School of Law, Barristers Hall, Ground Floor
With welcome remarks from Boston University School of Law
Dean Maureen O’Rourke and Section Chair Kay H. Hodge
12:45 p.m.–2:45 p.m.
The Economics of the Achievement Gap: The
Challenge and Price of Failure*
Boston University School of Law, Barristers Hall, Ground Floor
Education is the backbone of our society and a barometer of a country’s
future economic success. Fifty years ago, the U.S. Supreme Court recognized
in Brown v. Board of Education that education is perhaps the most important
function of state and local government, yet the United States continues to fall
short in international education rankings, especially with respect to the most
vulnerable of our students. Nobel Prize winning economist James J. Heckman
and Harvard Law School Professor Charles J. Ogletree will discuss the societal
benefits of early and equal educational opportunities from a moral and
economic perspective.
MODERATOR
 Paul Reville, Massachusetts Secretary of Education; Boston, MA
SPEAKERS
 Professor James J. Heckman, Henry Schultz Distinguished Service Professor of
Economics at the University of Chicago; Nobel Prize Winner in Economics in 2000;
American Bar Foundation Research Professor; Chicago, IL
 Professor Charles J. Ogletree, Jesse Climenko Professor of Law at Harvard Law
School; Director, Charles Hamilton Houston Institute for Race and Justice;
Chairman of the Board, BELL Foundation; Boston, MA
May 3–5, 2012
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Boston University School of Law
PROGRAM SCHEDULE
THURSDAY, MAY 3, 2012 - CONT’D
3:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m.
Education Reform through Legislative and
Government Action*
Boston University School of Law, Barristers Hall, Ground Floor
Panelists will explore various legislative and governmental efforts, such as the
No Child Left Behind Act and the Race to the Top contest, used to address the
achievement gap in education. Hear from government officials, education
specialists, and NGO representatives working to address these important
issues on a local and statewide basis.
SPEAKERS
 Marilyn Chase, Massachusetts Assistant Secretary for Children, Youth and
Families; Boston, MA
 Jonathan Furr, Holland & Knight LLP; Chicago, IL
 Thomas Weber, Massachusetts Undersecretary of Education; Boston, MA
 Paul Weckstein, Center for Law and Education; Washington, DC
6:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m.
Opening Reception
Hotel Commonwealth (500 Commonwealth Avenue), Photo Gallery
FRIDAY, MAY 4, 2012
8:30 a.m.–9:30 a.m.
Continental Breakfast/Registration
Boston University School of Law, Lobby, Ground Floor
9:30 a.m.–11:30 a.m.
Advocating for Change through Policy Reform*
Boston University School of Law, Barristers Hall, Ground Floor
Attorneys and educators will discuss methods of advocating for educational
policy reform including grassroots actions by nonprofits and other entities. A
panel of expert educators, reform specialists, and union representatives will
explore how attorneys use legal strategies to persuade, inspire, and create
educational reform.
MODERATOR
 Stephen Joel Trachtenberg, President Emeritus of The George Washington
University; Washington, DC
SPEAKERS
 Seth Andrew, Founder and Superintendent, Democracy Prep Public Schools and
Democracy Builders; New York, NY
 Paul B. Ash, Ph.D., Superintendent of Schools; Lexington, MA
 Leo Casey, United Federation of Teachers; New York, NY
 Lyle Kirtman, President and Senior Management Consultant, Future Management
Systems, Inc.; Beverly, MA
 Harold Kwalwasser, Former General Counsel for the Los Angeles Unified School
District; Washington, DC
May 3–5, 2012
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Boston University School of Law
PROGRAM SCHEDULE
FRIDAY, MAY 4, 2012 - CONT’D
11:45 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Keynote Luncheon with Arturo J. González
Boston University School of Law, Room 1270, 12th Floor
Attorney Arturo González is a product of the “American Dream.” The son of
Mexican immigrants, Arturo grew up poor in California and was the first in his
family to receive a formal education. In high school, he set his sights on law
school and in 1985 he earned a J.D. from Harvard Law School and later
became the first Latino partner at the law firm of Morrison & Foerster. Mr.
González will discuss his rise in the legal profession, his groundbreaking
litigation in civil rights and education matters, and the importance of closing
the achievement gap in education for minority students.
1:15 p.m.–2:45 p.m.
Lawyers and Judges Making a Difference:
Innovative Methods for Improving Academic
Achievement
Boston University School of Law, Barristers Hall, Ground Floor
MODERATOR
 Adele Rapport, Co-Chair, IRR Public Education Committee; Chicago, IL
SPEAKERS
 Judge Jimmie Edwards, PEOPLE Magazine 2011 Hero of the Year; Founder,
Innovative Concept Academy; St. Louis, MO
 Renee Landers, Big Sister Association of Greater Boston; Professor of Law,
Suffolk University Law School; Boston, MA
 Sherea McKenzie, Harris County Pct. 1; Harris County Community Services;
Houston, TX
2:45 p.m.–3:00 p.m.
Afternoon Break
3:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m.
From Brown to Now: Litigation Strategies to
Address Systemic Change*
Boston University School of Law, Barristers Hall, Ground Floor
Panelists will discuss successful litigation strategies and techniques for
addressing prevailing issues, such as the achievement gap; resource and
funding inequities; use of public information and data analysis in litigation;
and common practice issues encountered in handling systemic litigation. The
panel will provide practical tips and identify available resources and emerging
trends.
MODERATOR
 Jon Greenbaum, Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law; Washington, DC
SPEAKERS
 Art Coleman, Nelson Mullins Riley Scarborough, LLP; EducationCounsel, LLC;
Washington, DC
 Alan J. Rom, Rom Law P.C.; Boston, MA
 Maree Sneed, Hogan & Lovells; Washington, DC
May 3–5, 2012
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Boston University School of Law
PROGRAM SCHEDULE
FRIDAY, MAY 4, 2012 - CONT’D
7:00 p.m.
Boston Red Sox Baseball Game
Red Sox vs. Orioles at Fenway Park
Tickets: $30 – Must be purchased in advance at conference registration desk
SATURDAY, MAY 5, 2012
8:30 a.m.–9:30 a.m.
Continental Breakfast
Boston University School of Law, Lobby, Ground Floor
9:30 a.m.–11:00 a.m.
Running for Public Office: The Importance of
Lawyers in the Public Spectrum
Boston University School of Law, Barristers Hall, Ground Floor
Panelists who have successfully run for school boards and other educationrelated public offices will discuss the groundwork and activities that can
enhance one’s ability to successfully mount a campaign. They will also
discuss their important work as school board members and tips for balancing
school board responsibilities with a busy practice schedule.
MODERATOR
 Carmen Daugherty, Co-Chair, IRR Public Education Committee; Advocates for
Justice and Education; Washington, DC
SPEAKERS
 Patrick Guida, Duffy & Sweeney, LTD; Providence, RI
 Scott W. Lang, Former Mayor of New Bedford; New Bedford, MA
 Suzanne Owayda, Former Member of the Arlington School Committee;
Arlington, MA
 Shirley Brandman, Member, Montgomery County Board of Education;
Bethesda, MD
12:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m.
IRR Council Meeting
Hotel Commonwealth, Commonwealth Room
Buffet lunch provided
May 3–5, 2012
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Boston University School of Law
THE ABA SECTION OF INDIVIDUAL
RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES —
Providing leadership to the legal profession in protecting and
advancing human rights, civil liberties, and social justice.
Officers
Kay H. Hodge, Chair
Stephen J. Wermiel, Chair-elect
Myles V. Lynk, Vice Chair
James R. Silkenat, Secretary
Patrick McGlone, Finance Officer
Estelle H. Rogers, Section Delegate
Richard M. Macias, Section Delegate
Council Members
Barbara Arnwine
Jack Brown
Richard T. Foltin
Kristen M. Galles
Jerry B. Gardner
Roy A. Hammer
Alex J. Hurder
Kirke Kickingbird
Jodi Levine
Wendy Mariner
Robert A. Stein
Glenn Stover
Sheila Y. Thomas
Steven Walther
Kylar W. Broadus, Special Counsel
John Paul “Toby” Graff, Special Counsel
Seth Miller, Special Counsel
Katherine H. O’Neil, Special Counsel
Virginia E. Sloan, Special Counsel
Stephen J. Wermiel, Human Rights Editorial Board Liaison
Mark I. Schickman, Board of Governors Liaison
John K. Uilkema, Senior Lawyers Division Liaison
Stevie N. Phillips, Young Lawyers Division Liaison
Samuel C. Feinson, Law Student Division Liaison
Staff
Tanya N. Terrell, Director
Patrice M. Payne, Associate Director
Michael L. Pates, Project Director (AIDS, Center for Human Rights)
Sarah E. Turberville, Project Director (Moratorium Implementation Project)
Jaime T. Campbell, Section Administrator
Katherine G. Incantalupo, Program Assistant