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IN THIS ISSUE

Front Page

Letter from the President

Notes on the Right: The Real “Unmentionable Secret”

Poll Shows Californians Think Race Discrimination Still a Problem

Unique Collaboration with Teachers’ Union Addresses Unconscious Bias in the Classroom

Dismantling the Intent Doctrine: an International View

Inequality in the Gene Age

Two New Books Focus on Rights Won and Lost

EJS Welcomes New Members; Motley Fellowship Launch

Staff/Board News & Notes

Newsletter Editors:
Elaine Elinson
Miguel Gavaldon

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EJS Newsletter/Board and Staff Notes

EJS Honored in the Presence of Mayors

California Black Lawyers Honor EJS

The California Association of Black Lawyers (CABL) honored EJS with the David Cunningham Non-Profit Community Service Award at its annual dinner on May 6 in Oakland, Calif.

The award was presented by Jennifer Madden, the President of the Charles Houston Bar Association, who noted that it was unusual for an organization that has only been in existence for a few years to have made such a distinctive mark on the political and social justice landscape.

Others honored at the dinner included Judges Horace A. Wheatley (retired) and Gordon Baranco, both of Alameda County Superior Court and San Francisco District Attorney Kamala Harris. Former San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown gave the keynote address, and called on the largely African American audience to become involved in the campaign for immigrants rights.

Brosnahan Awarded Honorary Doctorate

EJS Board member and senior partner at San Francisco-based Morrison and Foerster, James Brosnahan was awarded an honorary doctor of law degree by California State University. The honor was bestowed on Brosnahan, one of the nation's most respected and recognized trial lawyers, at the commencement ceremony of San Francisco State University by President Robert A. Corrigan.

"James Brosnahan embodies the values of community engagement that we hope to strengthen in our students," Corrigan said. "As exemplified by his long and distinguished legal career, he has been committed to social justice and equity. His mission in life resonates deeply with our own commitment to both civil and human rights with expertise in civil and criminal trial work. Although he has represented some of the largest and most powerful organizations in the nation, he has also devoted himself to serving the poorest and least fortunate Americans."

In 1977, as president of the Bar Association of San Francisco, Brosnahan established the Volunteer Legal Services Program, which provides free legal aid for traditionally underserved Bay Area residents. In 2004 the program provided more than $10 million worth of pro bono legal assistance.

Brosnahan has taken on some of the nation's most controversial cases. In 1992 he served as an associate member of the Office of Independent Counsel, which prosecuted Caspar Weinberger in the Iran-Contra case. Recently Brosnahan stepped forward to represent John Walker Lindh, the young American charged with fighting with the Taliban in Afghanistan. Brosnahan's many awards and accolades include 2001 Trial Lawyer of the Year from the American Board of Trial Advocates.

Brosnahan said, "Coming from such a tremendous school that has contributed so much over the years, this is a great honor that I very much appreciate."

ADL Gives Paterson the Pearlstein Civil Rights Award

The San Francisco Office of the Anti-Defamation League awarded EJS President Eva Paterson with the Pearlstein Civil Rights Award at its Jurisprudence Dinner in May. The award was established in honor of Carl and Virginia Pearlstein, longtime ADL supporters who shared a deep commitment to social justice and civil rights. The award cited Paterson "as an exemplary citizen of the community who has campaigned for civil rights with passion, courage and tenacity for more than three decades."

The keynote address by San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom highlighted the advocacy work of ADL in fighting bigotry and prejudice, noting that "diversity is
the greatest strength of San Francisco."

Ginger Johnson Joins Staff

"Good morning, Equal Justice Society."

These are the first words callers to EJS now hear since Ginger Johnson became the receptionist in March. A Bay Area native and graduate of San Francisco's Galileo High School, Johnson also serves as the administrative assistant.

Johnson worked as a receptionist with Lieff Cabraser Heimann & Bernstein, LLP and as an administrative assistant with the UCSF Family Alcoholism Study where she was responsible for screening and scheduling participants for health research. In addition, Johnson worked at the East Bay Conservation Corps for six years, first as a receptionist and then as a development associate, responsible for producing the agency's weekly newsletter, developing and tracking Corpsmember work progress and assisting with various aspects of program participant selection.

Johnson, the mother of a 13-year-old junior high student, has volunteered with the Omega Boys Club since 1990; she provides violence prevention techniques and life skills to at-risk individuals of all ages.

"We are delighted to have someone of Ginger's professional caliber and commitment to social justice at our front desk," said David Salniker, Director of Finance and Administration. "Her wide range of skills and her efficiency are a great asset as we grow into a more complex organization."

EJS Law Clerks Enhance Legal and Public Policy Programs

As the summer begins, EJS welcomes two new interns: Melyssa Mendoza, who completed her second year at UC Hastings College of the Law, will focus on the implications of the recent change in the composition of the Supreme Court and research on the issues of an independent judiciary, equal opportunity and the intent doctrine. Autumn Engel, who finished her second year at Golden Gate University School of Law, will develop a public education site and a web portal to facilitate future work and information exchanges regarding the intent doctrine.

EJS says goodbye and lauds the contributions of its spring interns. Amber Macaulay, a second year law student at UC Hastings College of the Law, and Marianne Naveran, a third year law student at Golden Gate School of Law. Here are some highlights of the projects Macauly and Naveran worked on:

Amber Macaulay - Law & Public Policy Intern

Macaulay's project was aimed at providing a framework to reignite a discussion on the benefits of a robust public view of the federal government as an entity that exists to provide for the general welfare. She compiled a detailed report that includes general background information about theories of government, the evolution of the United States government over time, the current Bush administration and political climate, and issues of importance to the American public. In compiling this law and policy review, Macaulay analyzed information from a variety of sources, including news articles, public policy reports, law review articles and public polls. Her project also included an assessment of progressive and conservative critiques on each issue discussed.

Marianne Naveran - Legal Intern

Naveran's research compared and analyzed the discrimination laws of other countries (i.e. Ireland, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa) to the intent doctrine in the U.S. Her comparative law research contributed to a law review article as well as EJS' overall strategy to dismantle the Washington v. Davis doctrine. Naveran also educated EJS staff on various bodies of the United Nations, and analyzed the duties of the United States under the International Covenant on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. A brief synopsis of her law findings is included in this EJS Newsletter.

Internships at EJS

The Equal Justice Society is currently accepting applications for a variety of legal, policy, communications and research internship opportunities available during the 2006-2007 academic year. Click here for more information.