Support for social justice leads to $1M in gifts

The Jones Center, named after one the nation’s most respected jurists, reflects Judge Jones’ impressive career as a champion for justice. Scholars at the Center teach, research and work to combat harassment, violence against women and economic inequalities that target the most vulnerable. The Center’s programs give students real-world experience, whether supporting clients in the domestic-violence clinic or moderating "urgent conversations" about issues of the day.

"Judge Jones is a legend, his name is synonymous with making a difference," Dean Verna Williams said. "The work to move this nation toward eqaulity and liberation is far from over but I think Judge Jones would be pleased abou the impact these gifts will make in moving us forward."

“Judge Jones had a dedication to service, excellence and the pursuit of justice,” said Michael L. Wright, BS ’93, JD ’96. “He was inspirational. He came at a time when it was tough to be a Black man and an attorney and fight for social justice causes.”

Alumnus Bill Morelli, A&S ’74, JD ’78, was also intentional about his donation. He created the Bill Morelli Endowment Fund for the Nathaniel R. Jones Center for Race, Gender and Social Justice.

“At a time when national discussion—often divisive—is taking place on issues of race, gender and justice, it’s important for the legal profession to take the lead in framing issues and developing solutions,” he said. “The Jones Center is at the center of thought leadership in this area and I hope this gift can bring together scholars and practitioners in the field to inspire the next generation of lawyers to shape public policy and help build bridges of understanding in the broader community.”

The fund established by Morelli will be used to establish a practitioner-in-residence program, allowing the College of Law to host a social justice advocate or innovator to teach courses on race, gender and social justice. On alternating years, it will also allow the college to host a conference at which scholars in law and other fields such as philosophy, sociology, political science, or public health, will come together to address, and explore solutions for, issues of race, gender and social justice. On April 8, 2021, the Jones Center hosted the Inaugural Morelli Colloquy on Belonging and Difference: Interdisciplinary Perspectives. Invited speakers in law, the humanities, and social sciences discussed their work on a wide array of topics and framed these issues in terms of belonging and difference. These interdisciplinary conversations opened up new ways of thinking about how to address issues of trenchant inequality and inequity.