Special “Social Justice Weekend” on Feb. 21-22 spotlights fight for housing justice and highlights work of Santa Clara University School of Law’s Public Interest programs
Santa Clara, CA–Santa Clara University’s School of Law will host an inaugural “Social Justice Weekend” to emphasize the ways different social justice concerns are interconnected, empowering people to help create a more just and equitable society for all.
2024 Benefit for Justice
On Friday, February 21, 2025, Social Justice Weekend kicks off with the School of Law’s annual “Benefit for Justice” event to raise funds for its public interest programs. The benefit provides crucial stipend support to students who dedicate their summers to providing pro-bono legal services to underserved communities.
Further, on Saturday, February 22, the School of Law will host its annual “Law Review Symposium,” focusing on the implications of City of Grants Pass v. Johnson, a Supreme Court decision with profound consequences for unhoused individuals. This timely event will bring together leading legal scholars, advocates, and policymakers to examine the legal, social, and ethical dimensions of criminalizing homelessness.
In City of Grants Pass, the Supreme Court allowed cities to prosecute people for sleeping or camping outdoors on public property, even when shelters are unavailable. This ruling has sparked widespread concern and debate about its impact on already vulnerable populations. The symposium will delve into these critical issues, exploring topics such as:
- The legal arguments and precedents surrounding the City of Grants Pass decision
- The human rights implications of criminalizing homelessness
- The effectiveness of criminalization as a solution to homelessness
- Alternative approaches to addressing homelessness, including housing-first models and supportive services
In combining the Benefit for Justice with the Law Review Symposium, “Social Justice Weekend” aims to emphasize the ways social justice concerns are interconnected while empowering people with knowledge to help create a more equitable society for all.
Social Justice Weekend Event Details:
Benefit for Justice: February 21, 2025, 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm in the Mabie Grand Auditorium in the lobby of Charney Hall located at 500 El Camino Real, Santa Clara, CA 95052. This festive celebration will include food, fun, and the opportunity to win great prizes at our silent and live auctions.Please use this link to purchase tickets: https://law.scu.edu/event/benefit-for-justice-2025.
Law Review Symposium: February 22, 2025, 9:30 am – 5:00 pm in the Panelli Courtroom in Charney Hall located at 500 El Camino Real, Santa Clara, CA 95052. Check-in begins at 9:00 am in the Mabie Grand Auditorium in the lobby of Charney Hall. Participating attorneys are eligible for MCLE credit for attending this event. Register here: https://law.scu.edu/event/santa-clara-law-review-symposium-on-grants-pass/
More information and registration details will be available soon on the Santa Clara University School of Law’s website: https://law.scu.edu.
Media Contact
Jennifer Wooliscroft | Director of Strategic Communication and Outreach | jwooliscroft@scu.edu | 408-551-1763