Drake University Law School will host “Advocacy in Action: Law, Religion, and Social Justice” on Oct. 8 at 3 p.m., bringing together Drake Law Professor Sally Frank, Rabbi Jonah Dov Pesner and Rita Bettis Austen for a reflection on their unique leadership journeys at the intersection of civil rights, faith and legal reform.
This event is free and open to the public and will be held in the James Albert classroom (213) in Cartwright Hall. Registration is required. Register here: https://host.nxt.blackbaud.com/registration-form/?formId=6559190f-9e0b-44d4-bea1-cf49a8433a15&envId=p-5q02DJVwcU2zacASsSW7Ig&zone=usa
The event will also recognize Frank’s retirement from her 35-year career at Drake Law School. Throughout her career, Frank has served as a teacher, scholar and advocate for justice and civil rights. Princeton University named a campus café in her honor, recognizing her landmark sex discrimination case challenging the university’s all-male eating clubs. She began that fight at just 19 years old as an undergraduate; 13 years later, as a young professor at Drake Law, she saw it through to a precedent-setting victory for gender equity on Princeton’s campus.
Joining Frank for the discussion is Rabbi Jonah Dov Pesner, director of the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism and senior vice president of the Union for Reform Judaism, whose work focuses on bringing communities together to advocate for social justice. Rita Bettis Austen, legal director of the ACLU of Iowa, brings extensive experience in civil rights advocacy, helping to promote and protect the rights and freedoms for all Iowans.
“Professor Frank provided a role model for countless Drake Law students for how to use the law as a force for justice,” Drake Law School Dean Jerry Anderson said. “Her advocacy for the less fortunate was passionate, constant, and effective.”
A reception honoring Frank’s retirement will follow the program from 4 to 5 p.m. in Kern Commons.
About Drake University Law School
Drake Law School was founded in Des Moines in 1865, making it one of the 25 oldest law schools in the country. The Law School was established by Iowa Supreme Court justices George Wright and Chester Cole, who aimed to teach law in proximity to the courts so students could witness the law in action. From the very beginning, Drake Law School focused on real and practical experience. Today the Law School continues to build on that tradition and provide opportunities for service, leadership, and the pursuit of rewarding careers. Learn more about the Drake Law School.
— Taylor Johnson, Law School
