“ We have to remember that we’re actually all on one team… We’re not Democrats first, we’re not Republicans first, we are Americans first. We’re patriots first….we all go forward with a presumption of good faith in our fellow citizens….” -President Barack Obama, November 9, 2016
“The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.” – Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King
Last week a full classroom of our students, staff, and faculty shared their thoughts about the outcome of the 2016 presidential election. The thoughtful, respectful, and uplifting dialogue prompted me to share some thoughts about C|M|LAW and what I’m thankful for during this week of Thanksgiving.
· I’m especially thankful for the honor to serve as Interim Dean of C|M|Law. I’m thankful for all our past distinguished Deans and Associate Deans, our emeritus and current faculty and staff, and alumni for building an iconic law school with a reputation for excellence and opportunity. We are an enduring, essential piece of the fabric of our city, region, and state.
· I’m thankful for our diverse, talented faculty, students, and staff who come together every day to teach and learn in ways that are collaborative and spirited. For our supportive, respectful, responsive environment in which there can be vigorous debate about the issues that shape our future. For a place where we welcome and celebrate diverse viewpoints but where we share common values. For a place which values the free exchange of ideas and, with it, difficult and necessary conversations among people of good will and good faith.
· I’m thankful for our extraordinary faculty who teach that all lawyers must understand not only their clients’ positions and interests but also the complex motivations and positons of all parties. For fostering an understanding that reconciling differences is as important as winning cases. For teaching that even as we zealously advocate for our clients, lawyers must remain committed to the ethical practice of law and civility. For striving to produce highly competent, deeply compassionate lawyers who see the practice of law as a calling to serve others. For committing to graduate students who are not only successful professionals, but also leaders, change makers, and advocates of justice. For working to fulfill our mission to Learn Law. Live Justice.
We must continue to facilitate free expression and foster a culture where our students learn not only in the classroom but also through honest engagement and respectful discourse and dialogue. So we’ll continue to sponsor events, provide venues for dialogue, and facilitate rational discussion and perspective on a variety of legal and social justice issues in the aftermath of this historic election.
In the meantime, here are some tips on how to have a peaceful post-election Thanksgiving dinner.
Happy Thanksgiving.