Chastek Blawg

On the Advent of Intersectionality, by J.A. Simmons, JD Candidate, Class of 2023   “Intersectionality” is a term coined by American civil rights advocate and UCLA School of Law professor Kimberlé Crenshaw. She defines intersectionality as a framework for seeing how multiple social factors (such as race, class, gender, and sexuality) all connect; especially in the context of existing power dynamics and given disadvantages. See Kimberlé W. Crenshaw, On Intersectionality: Essential Writings (2014).   Intersectionality demands an integrated perspective of how identities interweave, and the unique combinations that can occur within people. For example, while one might study race or gender studies, intersectionality seeks to understand the implications of overlapping race and gender identities.   This sort of cross-over analysis is most prominently portrayed in film. For example, Marlon Riggs’ performative documentary “Tongues United” powerfully showcases the plight of gay ...

The Real Dream and Lesser Known MLK Quotes by Sloan Nickel, JD Candidate, Class of 2023 Most people remember Martin Luther King Jr. for his peaceful protests, beautiful sermons about religion and equality, and of course, his dream for what this nation could one day be. However, it would be dismissive to not categorize Dr. King for what he was: a revolutionary inciting quick action. On August 28, 1963, in front of nearly 250,000 people spread across the National Mall in Washington, D.C., the Baptist preacher and civil rights leader delivered his famous “I Have a Dream” speech from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. The speech comes with many quote-able moments, but the more sobering statements he made throughout his life often do not get as much attention, though they speak more to what Dr. King believed about America. For example, Dr. King noted no one was excused from working for justice, saying, "Every man of humane convictions must decide on the protest that...

T he Maintenance of a Free Spirit as a Law Student b y Josh Simmons, J.D. Candidate, Class of 2023 Lawyering as a vocation, and it's necessary education, involves following rules and navigating narrow systems. Our success depends on our ability to adhere. Adhere to the law, adhere to process and procedure, adhere to professors and judges alike… But where is our freedom? Where is our ability to deviate? To go our own way? To disagree, or agree differently? How do we maintain our free spirit as law students? This article does not provide an answer, because I don’t have one. Only guesses. As a law student myself, I have felt stifled in an education focused on rules and regulations. Though I love learning the law, my rebellious side often seeks to escape. Here are some ways I have found relief: 1) getting an early start on practicing law, 2) being spontaneous, and 3) seeking differential associations. Practice affords a greater degree of freedom than being a law student. In ...

This Spring is shaping up to be a fun-filled, student-focused semester of programming and pets!  Here are some of the events to look forward to throughout Spring 2022 (dates and times may change due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic): January     Trivia hosted by the library at Hemmingson - January 20 at 430pm Bluebook Relay - January 21 (time: tbd) February Therapy Dogs in the library from 1130 - 1pm - February 2 and 3 Black History Month Tongues Untied Lunch Film event in collaboration with CCHR - February 23 March   Women's History Month - Ida B. Wells Lunch Film event in collaboration with CCHR - TBD Banks the Pig from noon - 1pm - March 23 April Garland Film event in collaboration with Student Affairs at 730pm - April 7  (PG13+) Petting Zoo on the back lawn - April 13  

If You Aint First, You’re Last by Reanna Hicks, JD Candidate, Class of 2023  Second place is just first loser. If you know me this is clearly a joke. I am a middle of the road student and content with it. The reason I am content with it is that law school is only one aspect of my life. It took me awhile to accept that. I, like most people, came in thinking that I would dedicate myself to law school 100%. I would forsake the rest of my life and what makes me who I am to be a law student, three years is not that long after all. After my 1L year I realized my mistake, three years is a long time. Especially when those three years can be so intense that a poor grade on a midterm worth only 10% of your grade can make you cry. Now I am not saying you can slack, you still have to do all the reading, show up to class and keep up on your outlines, but trust in yourself that you have given it your best shot, maybe not your all, but your best. You might worry because you have not giv...

The library will be closed for Thanksgiving holiday beginning Wednesday, November 24 at 12pm . We will reopen to law students, staff, and faculty on Monday, November 29 at 7am. Finals week hours will be extended starting Saturday, December 4. Hours for finals and Winter Interim will be as follows:     Saturday, December 4: 9am - 12am     Sunday, December 5: 12pm - 12am     Monday, December 6 - Friday, December 10: 7am - 12am     Saturday, December 11: 9am - 12am     Sunday, December 12: 12pm - 12am     Monday, December 13 - Thursday, December 16: 7am - 12am     Friday, December 17: 9am - 4pm     Saturday, December 18 - Sunday, December 26: Closed     Monday, December 27 - Thursday, December 30: 9am - 4pm     Friday, December 31 - Sunday, January 2: Closed

Finding Joy in the Cold: Chicken Soup for the Soul By Sloan Nickel, JD Candidate 2023 November- the time of year to give thanks, slow-down, and appreciate all that we have… Being a law student can make November seem like anything other than the season of thankfulness. With the days getting colder and darker, and finals rapidly approaching, it can be difficult to appreciate a cold November day. But November also marks one of the best times of year, the time where you have every excuse to crank up that heat, put on your best sweatpants, and make yourself as cozy as possible. Yes, it can be hard to be perfectly comfortable when you have 5 readings to do, 20 cases to brief, and a legal memo to write. However, law school has taught me to be especially grateful for one of the simplest joys in life: a great meal. And nothing says cozy, like some comfort food. When law school has me feeling down, and the weather has me feeling blue, I turn to my kitchen for the ultimate cure-all. In th...