Drafting Justice: Statutory Language, Public Policy, and Legislative Reform

• In Event: Social Justice in Education Award (2014) Lecture: Michael A. Olivas (#AERASJ)

Abstract

Of all the dimensions of a full life as a professor—the opportunities and rewards of teaching, mentoring, scholarship, consulting, professional service, advising—one small piece has been more deliberate and purposeful. I rarely see this side of service and social justice acknowledged, so I have chosen as my AERA topic "Statutory Language, Public Policy, and Legislative Reform," for my involvement and satisfaction in statutory drafting and legislative reform, including its kissing cousin, regulatory reform and administrative law. If there is an advocacy-gene in me, it is likely one nurtured by experience and my legal training. I discuss my work on the Top Ten Percent Plan, state DREAM Acts, Sec. 529 college prepaid plans, and residency requirements for agricultural migrant workers.

Author

• Michael A. Olivas, University of Houston