2009 Spring Symposium

Hamline Journal of Public Law and Policy

2009 Spring Symposium

Barriers to Justice: Responding to the Needs of America's Low-Income Population

Friday, March 13, 2009 

In commemoration of the centennial anniversary of the founding of Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Service (SMRLS), The Journal of Public Law and Policy at Hamline University School of Law in Saint Paul, Minnesota, will host a symposium entitled “Barriers to Justice:  Responding to the Needs of the Low-Income Population in America.”  The symposium will begin with a reception on Thursday evening, March 12, and continue throughout the day on Friday, March 13, 2009.    

This symposium will gather local and national scholars, law practitioners, policymakers and government officials to address the challenges of providing meaningful legal access for low-income persons and underserved populations.  Accordingly, the symposium seeks to address topics including, but not limited to, issues surrounding equal and fair employment opportunities and practices, welfare reform and access to health and other benefits; domestic abuse, custody and the impact of violence on children; and equal education opportunities and outcomes.

 

Scheduled Speakers:

• Martha Eaves, Attorney, SMRLS

• Lucy A. Williams, Professor, Northeastern University School of Law

• Lindsay Davis, Attorney, SMRLS

• Mary Nelson, Ramsey County Welfare Administration/Leader

• Jon Geffen, Adjunct Professor, Hamline University School of Law

• Joan Truhler, Counselor, Workforce Solutions

• Angela McCaffrey, Professor, Hamline University School of Law

• Loretta Frederick, Former Staff Attorney, SMRLS

• Nancy Ver Steegh, Professor, William Mitchell College of Law

• James Street, Attorney, SMRLS

• Michael Paymar, Minnesota State Legislator (invited)

• The Honorable Tanya Bransford, 4th Judicial District

• Tom Romero, Professor, Hamline University School of Law

• Augustine F. Romero, Ph.D., Director of Student Equity, Tucson Unified School District

• Sean Arce, M.Ed., Director of Mexican American Studies, Tucson Unified School District

• Kevin Brown, Professor, Indiana University School of Law

• Carlos Mariani, Minnesota State Legislator (invited)

Carlos Mariani-Rosa has a dual role as executive director of the Minnesota Minority Education Partnership (MMEP) and state legislator in the Minnesota House of Representatives. Carlos envisions an educational system where all students are prepared and equipped with the necessary tools to participate in Minnesota's workforce as informed and learned citizens.  A graduate of Macalester College, Carlos served as director for the Hispanic Education Program, and as a founding member of the St. Paul Foundation's El Fondo Endowment Committee.  In 1993, he received the Legislator of the Year Award from the Minnesota Alliance for Progressive Action, and was also recognized by the Jobs Now Coalition, receiving their "Courage of Conscience Award" for work on behalf of low-income immigrant communities.  He has also been recognized by Literacy Minnesota for outstanding advocacy as a legislator.

Elected to the Minnesota House of Representatives in 1990, Carlos is one of only two Hispanic people currently serving in the Minnesota Legislature.  He is currently serving his 10th term.  He chairs the K-12 Education Policy & Oversight Committee and is a member of the K-12 Education Finance Committee, Early Childhood Education Policy & Finance Committee, and the Ways and Means Committee.  Carlos also serves on the Legislation Committee to End Poverty. Carlos has focused his legislative efforts on issues affecting the community, including Head Start, better education outcomes for people of color, charter schools, public transit; housing and economic development.

Carlos is married to Maritza Rosario. They have three school age children: Caritza Taina, Carlos Luis and Jeron Aquey. Carlos enjoys gardening, bike riding, tennis, golf, reading and spending time with his family.

• Blong Xiong, Associate Professor, Department of Family Social Science, University of Minnesota

• Lilian Ejebe, Adjunct Professor, Hamline University School of Law and SMRLS /Education Law Advocacy Project Lawyer

• Bruce Beneke, Senior Counsel, SMRLS
  

Questions should be submitted to Amber Mulder, Symposium Editor, via e-mail at publiclaw@gw.hamline.edu or U.S. mail at the address below.  

The Journal of Public Law and Policy

Hamline University School of Law

1536 Hewitt Avenue

Saint Paul, MN 55104