Center for Racial and Disability Justice

The Northwestern Pritzker Law Center for Racial and Disability Justice (CRDJ) is a first-of-its-kind center dedicated to promoting justice for people of color, people with disabilities, and individuals at the intersection of race and disability.

The CRDJ focuses on pressing social justice issues affecting the lives of disabled people of color, women with disabilities, LGBTQIA+ disabled people, and low-income disabled people. The Center's work is collaborative and interdisciplinary, drawing connections among departments at Northwestern University and the greater Chicago community.

Tackle Social Problems

While applying an intersectional approach to all research and rams, the CRDJ works to further the goal of racial justice while advancing an agenda that promotes the human and civil rights of all people with disabilities. Currently, we are focusing on three specific areas. 

  1. Mental health crisis care response
  2. Ableism and disability-based discrimination in healthcare settings
  3. Access to courts

Collaborative Approach

We are collaborating with racial and disability justice organizations and advocates to promote and implement transformative change policies and initiatives that address and improve the material and social conditions affecting the lives of people with disabilities. 

To connect with us, send us an email at: crdj@law.northwestern.edu

Build an Ecosystem to Amplify Efforts

The CDRJ will produce research, provide funding, develop policies, host programs, and disseminate communications to advance our mission.

  • Conduct interdisciplinary research on pressing legal issues
  • Provide technical assistance and support for policymakers, legal advocates, and community-based activists interested in pursuing legal strategies or implementing policies that advance the CRDJ's mission
  • Provide research fellowships and fellows-in-residence for senior and junior scholars whose research aligns with the CRDJ's mission
  • Offer programming and events geared towards educating the Northwestern community, as well as the broader public, about issues relating to the CRDJ's mission

The Center for Racial and Disability Justice's innovative and interdisciplinary approach is critical to making progress on these important social justice issues and in helping improve the lives of all people with disabilities. 

When you make a gift to support the Center for Racial and Disability Justice, your philanthropic leadership will help impact this important research and enable Northwestern Pritzker Law to stay at the forefront of this important work.