April 7, 2022

Wayne Law debate aims to encourage Detroit middle schoolers to pursue legal careers

Middle school students from Detroit’s David Ellis Academy will visit Wayne State University Law School Friday to participate in a live debate with the mentorship of lawyers and law students. The debate is part of the hands-on “Be the Change” experience designed by the Black Law Students Association (BLSA) to expose Detroit youth to career opportunities in law.

“‘Be the Change’ is a pivotal early pipeline program that pushes Detroit youth to start thinking about becoming a lawyer at an early age,” said Jamerika Ramsey, BLSA president and a second-year law student. “We want Detroit students to see that lawyers can look like them, too.”

The students will debate the following topics:

  • Should the government limit how much time kids can spend online?
  • When the government legalizes an activity that used to be a crime, should people incarcerated for violating the old law be released?
  • Should Congress pass a law that bans hair discrimination?

WHAT: Live debate featuring middle school students from Detroit’s David Ellis Academy.

WHEN: Friday, April 8, 2022 from 1:15 to 2:15 p.m.

WHERE: Wayne State University Law School, 471 W. Palmer Ave., Detroit, MI 48202.

In addition to the live debate, the students will tour the law school and have a mentorship lunch with lawyers from Michigan law firm Collins Einhorn Farrell P.C., which has partnered with BLSA to organize the “Be the Change” event. Students will also be given t-shirts from the Wayne Law Diversity Coalition (WLDC)’s “Lawyers Look Like Me” campaign.

Members of the media are invited to cover the debate, which takes place from 1:15 to 2:15 p.m. Interview opportunities will be available after the debate.

Contact:
Nikki Taylor-Vargo
Call/Text: 517-881-2718
nikkitv@wayne.edu

 

 

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