Influencing Equality Before the Law: Enhancing the Use of Social Science for the Public Good

Session Type: Invited Speaker Session

Abstract

In a second round of Fisher v. University of Texas, the Supreme Court is set to once again deliberate on the future of affirmative action in higher education. In the tradition of Brown v. Board of Education (1954) and countless other U.S. Supreme Court decisions, Fisher II showcases the important role of public scholarship in promoting diverse democracies. Whether as expert witnesses explaining the current educational landscape, amicus briefs authors informing deliberations, or public intellectuals helping interpret the impact and significance of the Court’s decisions, educational leaders, policy makers, and practitioners are key to educating the Court and the public. In this session, participants will engage in interactive dialogues to understand the challenges and opportunities of influencing legal opinions as well as interpretation and implementation plans and strategies.

Sub Unit

• AERA Presidential Session

Chairs

• Maria C. Ledesma, University of Utah

• Liliana M. Garces, The Pennsylvania State University - University Park

Participants

• Lorelle Espinosa, American Council on Education

• Stella M. Flores, New York University

• Uma Madhure Jayakumar, University of San Francisco

• Julie J. Park, University of Maryland - College Park

• Cecilia Rios Aguilar, University of California - Los Angeles

• Awilda Rodriguez, University of Michigan - Ann Arbor