Dean Jenkins Joins 156 Other Law Deans in Statement on 2020 Election, Events at U.S. Capitol 

Dean Garry W. Jenkins joined 156 other deans from law schools across the country in issuing a public statement addressing the 2020 election and the events that took place in the U.S. Capitol last week. It is highly unusual for so many law deans to join together to speak with one voice on an issue not directly related legal education.

“The violent attack on the Capitol was an assault on our democracy and the rule of law,” the statement says. “The effort to disrupt the certification of a free and fair election was a betrayal of the core values that undergird our Constitution. Lives were lost, the seat of our democracy was desecrated, and our country was shamed."

The joint statement goes on to reflect upon the roles that lawyers played in recent events and affirm the deans’ commitment to working together to repair the damage to democratic institutions and rebuild faith in the rule of law.

The deans conclude with a call to action.  “As legal educators and lawyers ourselves, we must redouble our efforts to restore faith in the rule of law and the ideals of the legal profession. We have enormous faith in the law’s enduring values and in our students, who will soon lead this profession. We call upon all members of the legal profession to join us in the vital work ahead.”

Full Statement: