A Letter From Dean Anita K. Krug
Dear Alumni, I had hoped that by the time the fall issue of this magazine reached you the world would be further along in its recovery from the COVID-19 crisis. Alas, here we are, still socially distancing and living with great uncertainty. I know the scientific community is hard at work developing effective treatments and vaccines. Although we still have many difficult days ahead, I hope that, like me, you will find inspiration in the perseverance of our faculty and students. It’s an academic year like no other, but we’re still here, pressing onward and focused on our mission—and doing what we can to be leaders at this time while creating opportunities for our students. This issue of the magazine spotlights efforts across the Chicago-Kent College of Law community to respond to the pandemic with impactful legal scholarship and legal services. We highlight the work of our COVID-19 Collective, as well as faculty and students who have studied myriad legal issues that have arisen amid the pandemic. We also share the stories of three alumni: Michelle Green ’11, Conor Malloy ’12, and Rachel O’Konis Ruttenberg ’11, who are working tirelessly to serve their clients and address community needs during the crisis. The coronavirus is just one challenge we’re all facing together. Our nation’s ugly disease, racism, is ubiquitous and has gained more widespread public acknowledgment with the tragic recent deaths of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor, among others. I want to reaffirm that Chicago-Kent stands united with all members of our Black community: united in disgust about the horrific treatment of Black communities at the hands of racist officials and other individuals; in outrage that, after years and years, so little has been done to change the pattern of racism and violence against these communities; in grief for the loved ones of those who have died from it and for others who have endured it and the lingering pain it causes; and in regret and frustration that the
anger that recurrent episodes of racism and hatred trigger is sometimes expressed in destructive ways when more peaceful means are perceived not to be effective. There is clearly much work to be done. Chicago-Kent has launched new initiatives for building a more inclusive, equitable, and diverse world, starting within our walls. We are conducting a racial equity audit of our programs, systems, and policies, with a view toward identifying and addressing systemic racism or bias embedded within them. Every relevant law school committee is tasked with analyzing the areas they oversee and will propose changes to promote racial equity and inclusion. It is our hope that this institutionwide initiative will help us address our deficiencies and empower us to find new ways to promote racial equity in our intellectual life and community leadership. I look forward to sharing our findings next year. In this issue of the magazine, we present an op-ed from Assistant Dean Marsha Ross-Jackson on having brave conversations in our workplaces and organizations to advance diversity and inclusion. We also reflect on the history of our Institute for Law and the Workplace as it approaches its 25th anniversary and celebrate Professor Martin H. Malin’s incredible career. I wish you all safety and good health in the days ahead. Thank you for your continuing commitment to and support of Chicago-Kent.
Anita K. Krug Dean and Professor