2019-2020 Diversity Scholar Speaker Series

Event Date Speaker Category Series Details Co-Sponsor(s)
Thursday, October 17, 2019 Gender Diversity

Sophonisba Breckinridge's Academic & Activity Legacy

Professor Anya Jabour shares her research on the Law School’s first women graduate who spearheaded campaigns for women’s suffrage, civil rights, and labor reform before establishing and shaping the School of Social Administration (SSA).

Law Women's Caucus, School of Social Administration
Thursday, November 6, 2019 Sexual Orientation

Trans Awareness 101: Exploring the Transgender Phenomenon 

Vanessa Sheridan is a frequent speaker, transgender awareness trainer, corporate consultant, and a catalyst for transgender equality on a national basis. She is a US military veteran, an accomplished musician, and a frequent media spokesperson on transgender issues while serving as the Director of Gender Equity and Inclusion for Chicago's Center on Halsted. 

OutLaw, Law School Veterans
Wednesday, November 20, 2019 Gender Diversity, Military Veterans

Women in Boots Panel Discussion

Women veterans speak about their military experiences and post-service careers.

Law School Veterans, Office for Military-Affiliated Communities
Thursday, January 9, 2020 Viewpoint

Adam Mortara and Bryan Sells: A Debate on Voting Rights

A member of the American Constitution Society, Bryan L. Sells is an experienced civil rights lawyer specializing in voting rights, election law, and redistricting. Law School alum and lecturer Adam Mortara is a member of the Federalist Society and partner at Bartlit Beck Herman Palenchar & Scott LLP.

The Federalist Society, American Constitution Society 
Thursday, January 23, 2020 Workplace Equity

A Conversation with Valerie Jarrett

Valerie Jarrett, distinguished Senior Fellow at the Law School speaks on gender equity in the workplace and issues around paid family leave. Valerie June Jarrett is an American businesswoman and former government official. She served as the senior advisor to U.S. President Barack Obama and assistant to the president for public engagement and intergovernmental affairs from 2009 to 2017.

Law Women's Caucus, Parents at the Law School
Tuesday, February 4, 2020 Religious Diversity

Rabbi Siegel and Pastor Lee: Advocating from Faith 

The Black Law Students Association and the Jewish Law Students Association present, Advocating from Faith: How a Pastor and a Rabbi Work Together to Combat Hate. Rabbi Michael Siegel, Senior Rabbi of Anshe Emet Synagogue, and Pastor Rob Lee will speak on working across difference to advocate against oppression and inequality.

Black Law Students Association, Jewish Law Students Association

Thank you to Neal, Gerber & Eisenberg LLP, Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz and Weil, Gotshal & Manges for their generous support of the Diversity Scholars Speaker Series.