Northern Illinois University
College of Law

Message from the Dean

We are in the midst of a powerful movement. Breonna Taylor, George Floyd, Sandra Bland, Stephon Clark, Atatiana Jefferson, Philando Castille, Tamir Rice, and Ahmaud Arbery—these names are just a few on a heartbreakingly long list that represents the systemic racism and numerous crimes committed against Black Americans right here in the United States. These Black lives mattered.

The movement to end systemic racism has sparked much-needed conversations about a number of issues including, but not limited to, racial inequality, police brutality, social justice, white privilege, mass incarceration and civil rights. We are committed to making these conversations a priority at NIU Law and I encourage you to explore the variety of resources on this page. We still have much work to do in order to eradicate racism, make justice a reality for all, heal hearts and souls of a traumatized community and bridge economic and social divides.

Please reach out to engage us as we all work to improve the lives and experiences of those who have been victimized for far too long. Together, even in the midst of turmoil, we can and will chart a better future for our community and the world.

Dean Cassandra L. Hill

Resources

• Racial and social justice law library guide (from the David C. Shapiro Memorial Law Library) - articles and resources available to NIU College of Law students, faculty, administration and staff to help foster a legal profession dedicated to upholding racial justice.
• Anti-racism and social justice library guide (from NIU University Libraries) - includes links to themed reading lists, multimedia resources, statistics, organizations and activism, instructor resources and resource lists.
• Diversity, equity and inclusion at NIU - visit this page for additional resources regarding NIU’s commitment to confronting racism and all forms of discrimination.

ABA 21 Day Racial Equity Habit-Building Challenge

NIU Law faculty have answered the call and accepted the American Bar Association’s 21 Day Racial Equity Habit-Building Challenge. The goal of the challenge is to augment our awareness, empathy, compassion and determination to stand for racial equity. Faculty members will be meeting weekly during the month of September to discuss the brief readings assigned as part of the challenge. We encourage you to take the challenge!