Equalizing Access to Justice

This Capstone explores the barriers to justice for people of color. Special attention is given to the U.S. institutional structure and the justice system. Utilizing a progressive approach, students acquire a deeper understanding, awareness and appreciation of existing disparities, leading to design and formulation of proactive solutions. There will be a community partnership with Understanding Racism Foundation (URF), a non-profit organization committed to reduce prejudice and discrimination in our communities through study and personal examination. Created in response to issues identified by the Oregon state Task Force on Racial Ethnic Issues in the Judicial System (Instructor served as the vice chair of that task force), offers numerous dynamic courses to raise the level of awareness concerning racial discrimination. In addition to the regular weekly class meetings, students become engaged in one of URF classes, six weeks long, 90 minutes, once a week.