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Dear Members of the Northwestern Pritzker Law Community, 

As we shared in November 2023, I have created a working group comprised of members of the Law School’s Senior Leadership Team charged with developing concrete and constructive short- and longer-term programming that will help to increase understanding and combat hate. This working group launched in January 2024 and has been actively brainstorming ideas for programming that are consistent with these goals.  

The working group forms part of our continuing efforts to: (1) identify and support impacted members of our community; (2) develop short-term and longer-term concrete steps; and (3) work to ensure a welcoming and inclusive environment for every member of our community. Please join me in thanking the co-chairs Associate Dean Susie Spies Roth and Interim Associate Dean Samantha Woo and its members Associate Dean Josh Alter, Lecturer and Chief of Staff Mike Burns, Associate Dean Zach Clopton, Associate Dean Scott Hendrickson, Associate Dean Darnell Hines, Vice Dean Emily Kadens, Associate Dean George Langford, Lecturer and Pritzker Legal Research Center Director George Pike, Chief Operating Officer Shericka Pringle, Associate Dean Don Rebstock, and Associate Dean Robin Walker Sterling for their important leadership.   

As mentioned, the work of this group will be grounded in listening to students, faculty, staff, and alumni and in collaboration with our University. To that end, I am including a message from Dean Spies Roth and Dean Woo with an update on their efforts thus far and additional details regarding ways in which the Law School community may suggest ideas for programming and events that build community and align with the goals of the working group. I look forward to our continuing collaboration and concrete next steps. 

Warmly,
Hari Osofsky

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Dear Law School Community, 

We are thrilled to be co-chairing the working group designed to develop concrete and constructive short and longer-term programming that will help to increase understanding and combat hate. Since the beginning of January, we have been collaborating closely with group members to develop initial short-term programming consistent with these goals. You will receive more formal invitations to various events in the coming weeks, but we’re excited to share a brief preview of what you can expect:  

• Panel discussion aimed at celebrating different faith traditions;
• Educational programming focused on the history surrounding the ongoing violence in the Middle East;
• Programs designed to build skills and share information around leadership, communication, and effective conflict resolution;
• Opportunities to support our student affinity organizations in celebrating significant religious holidays; and
• Longer-term programming to offer micro-credentialing, skill building, and fellowship opportunities for students. 

Our work has just begun, and we’re eager to solicit ideas for additional programming from all of you! We have already reached out directly to leaders of various student and staff organizations, as well as members of the faculty. We also will be reaching out soon with additional opportunities to share your ideas during office hours.  

We look forward to hearing your ideas! 

Susie Spies Roth & Samantha Woo

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