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15 DecNews

Bill of Rights Student Essay Contest – Cash Prizes!

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If you could add an amendment to the Bill of Rights, what right would you protect and why?

The U.S. District Court for the District Court of Massachusetts, Discovering Justice, and the Massachusetts Chapter of the Federal Bar Association encourage high school students in Boston, Worcester, and Springfield to participate in their annual Bill of Rights Student Essay Contest.

The essay contest asks Boston, Worcester, and Springfield high school students to answer this question in 550 words or less, “If you could add an amendment to the Bill of Rights, what right would you protect and why?”

A panel of federal judges will select the top essays and award cash prizes totaling $1,000 for first, second, and third place.

The deadline for the essay submission is January 31, 2023. You can submit your essay here. Visit here to find out more details about the contest.

A hybrid (in person/virtual) public event to celebrate the essay finalists and ALL students who participated in this contest will be held in February 2023. All school, family, and community members will be welcome.

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30 NovNews

Students! Know Your Rights!

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The Fourth Amendment protects our rights against unreasonable searches and seizures. Yet, many students are unaware of their rights against these unreasonable searches and seizures in their school.

Discovering Justice’s panel event on November 22nd, Know Your Rights: Student 4th Amendment Privacy in Schools, provided students with the opportunity to learn from legal experts about their rights.

  • Judge Jay Blitzman – Former justice of the Massachusetts Juvenile Court and Public Defender
  • Charity Kruzel – Attorney in Charge for the Committee for Public Counsel Services’ Springfield Youth Advocacy Division
  • Mary Landergan – Adjunct Professor at Northeastern University School of Law 

Panelists discussed the constitutional rights of students in schools as well as explored the issues of over-policing and the school-to-prison pipeline, as it relates to the 4th Amendment.

Many students participating in Discovering Justice’s Mock Trial Program attended the virtual panel and gained valuable information to use as they prepared for their culminating trials through the program.

“This was such an important and timely panel discussion given the cultural climate we face. Information is powerful and students are empowered because they are more informed about their 4th Amendment rights,” said Maureen Hickey, a Brockton middle school teacher and teacher coordinator of the West Middle School Mock Trial Team.

You can watch a recording of the event here.

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30 NovNews

Trial by Jury: Does the American Jury System Bring about Justice?

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America holds 80% of the jury trials in the world, yet less than 5% of cases in the judicial system go to a jury trial. How did we get here? Is having this low percentage of cases where the American judicial system should be?

These were some of the questions panelists took on during Discovering Justice’s November 14th Courthouse event Trial by Jury: Does the American Jury System Bring About Justice?

Moderated by Discovering Justice Executive Director Matt Wilson, the panel hosted Senior United States District Judge, the Honorable William G. Young, Clinical Professor of Law at Harvard Law School Dehlia Umunna, Former Federal Public Defender for Massachusetts, Miriam Conrad, and Assistant United States Attorney Dustin Chao.

Judge Young spoke about the unique and powerful role that jurors play as constitutional officers. Professor Umunna talked about the racial bias in the jury trial process that results in the incarceration rates for black males being more than five times that of white males. Chao and Conrad brought their unique perspectives as federal prosecuting and defense attorneys and the impact that jury trials have on the preparation and presentation of their cases.

“I greatly enjoyed the lively and thoughtful discussion that was generated by hearing different perspectives from a federal judge, a prosecutor, a public defender, and a law professor, all of whom are talented and very passionate about what they do,” commented Jerry Howland, a Boston Public School educator who attended the event.

You can watch a recording of the event here. More Courthouse events are being planned by Discovering Justice and the Moakley Courthouse for the Spring of 2023.

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24 OctNews

Courthouse Tours Help Students and Community Members Explore the Moakley

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With the COVID pandemic waning, Discovering Justice is excited to welcome more community members back to the Moakley Courthouse. Since July, more than 200 people have visited for tours to hear about the architecture, art, and history of the building.

In the hour-long tours, guides explore major themes that examine the tensions inherent in the architecture and workings of the Courthouse such as: transparency vs. security, historical precedence vs. current society, and tradition vs. creativity. In addition, tour guides urge visitors to explore the question, “What is justice and how can I use my voice to advocate for it?”

“Having a civic space like the Moakley is foundational to a democracy and our tours provide the community members with the opportunity to dive deep into the history and workings of the justice system,” said Kiara Batista, Discovering Justice Courthouse Programs Associate.

Hannah Weiser, an adjunct professor at Babson College who brought in a group of business school students to the Moakley remarked, “The court visit provided an opportunity to engage with the law in a unique manner that is unparalleled to the classroom. The students and faculty found the experience to be extremely valuable.”

With more interest in tours, Discovering Justice is adding more volunteer docents to conduct tours. “We want to expand our capacity to give tours and diversify our pool from college students to retirees and to people of all backgrounds,” said Batista.

With the help of our growing set of docents, the organization looks forward to bringing in more than 1,000 adults and students of all ages to the courthouse this year for tours. To schedule a tour for you or your group, fill out this form or email kbatista@discoveringjustice.org.

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21 OctNews

Welcome New Staff to Discovering Justice

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With Discovering Justice Programs serving more participants than ever, the organization continues to grow its staff to meet this increasing demand. In September, Discovering Justice welcomed three new individuals to the team – new staff member, Hassan Chehab and two new fellows, Kate Uluatam and Megan Schneider.

Hassan Chehab – Development and Administrative Associate

Hassan graduated from UMass-Boston with a Masters in International Relations degree. He has a background in data management and social research.

Having experience in Worcester Public Schools administration and healthcare staffing data management, he went on to do work researching COVID-19 vaccine accessibility for countries in the Middle East, as well as building a body of research for energy infrastructure reform in Massachusetts.

“I joined Discovering Justice because programs that educate youth about the justice system are not only inherently useful and helpful, it is so desperately needed.”

As the new Development and Administrative Associate, Hassan will work to support the Discovering Justice team by managing and improving systems and the organization’s operations.

When Hassan is out of the office, he enjoys playing sports, watching movies, and playing board games with friends.

Megan Schneider – Communications Fellow

Megan is a recent graduate from Saint Michael’s College in Vermont where she received her degree in Media Studies, Journalism, and Digital Arts with a minor in Gender Studies.

During her time at school she worked as the photographer at the campus marketing department, was president of the Feminist Club, and was a coordinator for the Center for Women and Gender on campus.

With her passion for social justice and love for telling stories through visual media, she is excited to help broadcast the stories and impacts of Discovering Justice’s programs.

“I’m excited to work with a wonderful staff and learn from them. Combining my skills in visual media with social justice is something I’ve always hoped to be able to do after graduation.”

As the Communications Fellow, Megan will work with Malia Brooks, Discovering Justice’s Outreach and Recruitment Senior Associate, to utilize the organization’s website, social media platforms, and access to media outlets to help broadcast the stories and impacts of Discovering Justice’s programs.

In her free time, Megan likes to do photography, ski, and spend time with friends and family.

Kate Uluatam – Mock Trial Fellow

Kate is currently a junior at Northeastern University pursuing a degree in psychology and criminal justice.

She has always been interested in the justice system and the pursuit of her degree has only deepened this interest.

Her passions lie in equitable education and opportunity. Kate is excited to work with students, teachers, and attorneys to make the Mock Trial Program a success.

“I am thrilled to be a part of Discovering Justice’s team this fall. Being able to invest in my passions for justice and education while learning about nonprofits and the legal system, is a one-of-a-kind experience which I am beyond excited about.”

As the Mock Trial Fellow, Kate will work with Luke Matys, the organization’s Mock Trial, Mock Appeal, and Topics Program Manager, to run the fall Mock Trial Program. She is looking forward to gaining experience working with volunteers and participants, as well as the Discovering Justice team.

When she’s not working with students, teachers, and attorneys to make the Mock Trial Program a success, Kate loves to weight lift and try new foods.

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21 OctNews

Trial By Jury: Does the American Jury System Bring Us Justice?

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Jury trials are rare, yet they are often thought of as the backbone of the nation’s justice system. In addition, they are one of the most critical and meaningful ways for the public to engage in the American judicial system.

On November 14th, in conjunction with the Moakley Courthouse, Discovering Justice will be hosting Trial By Jury: Does the American Jury System Bring Us Justice?

The panel, moderated by Discovering Justice Executive Director Matt Wilson will highlight multiple perspectives on the topic, including the strengths and challenges of the nation’s jury system. Panelists will include:

  • Honorable William G. Young, Federal District Court Judge,
  • Dehlia Umunna, Clinical Professor of Law at Harvard Law School (HLS), and the Faculty Deputy Director of the law school’s Criminal Justice Institute (CJI)
  • Other speakers will be added to the panel

Discovering Justice’s Courthouse Events create civic spaces to discuss current world issues. This panel will be the first of three events over the year. Last year the collaboration between Discovering Justice and the District Court hosted timely discussions on Media and the Courts during COVID and Beyond, Restorative Justice, and the Art of Courtroom Illustrations.

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Alexandra

Alexandra vonBallmoos

Alex has over fifteen years of administrative experience, most recently at Boston Schools Fund. Prior to her time at BSF, she served as an Executive Assistant to the Head of School at Mother Caroline Academy, where she also provided major support to the Development office. Before her time at MCA, Alex served as an assistant at a media firm in Washington, DC.

This role oversees financial operations such as reconciliations, expense tracking, payroll, and donor acknowledgments, while managing organizational systems, employee records, and meeting coordination. It also provides event logistics, Board support, and office management, ensuring efficient processes, accurate recordkeeping, and the successful execution of programs, operations, and special events like the annual Spring Gala.

Rana Suh Kannan

Rana Suh Kannan

Rana Suh Kannan has spent nearly her entire 20+ year career dedicated to providing students with access to high-quality education experiences that lead to strong academic outcomes. She brings extensive and diverse experiences as a teacher, school administrator, funder, and nonprofit professional. Rana is committed to Discovering Justice’s mission to enable students to become well-equipped with the knowledge, skills, and desire to build and sustain an equitable democracy.

Prior to Discovering Justice, Rana spent seven years at Boston Schools Fund, most recently as the Chief Operating Officer. She co-led the development of the organization’s second fund, and ensured its operationalization across the organization. Previously, Rana played pivotal roles at organizations such as Salsify, Phoenix Charter Academy, The Achievement Network, and Roxbury Prep Charter School. Rana graduated from Williams College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in History and Psychology. She earned her Master’s in Education Policy & Management from the Harvard Graduate School of Education.

Mehana Koch

Mehana Koch is a recent graduate of Wellesley College, where she earned a BA in Psychology. She joined Discovering Justice excited to learn about nonprofit operations and support an organization whose mission uplifts and empowers future engaged citizens.

At Discovering Justice, Mehana enjoys supporting both the administrative and fundraising needs of the organization. Her day-to-day work includes processing donations, reconciling accounting information, and maintaining a strong database. She also has played a large role in onboarding new staff and supporting large organization-wide events, such as the Annual Gala.

Bianca Lora

Bianca Lora is passionate about expanding access to civic education, uplifting historically underrepresented voices, and creating spaces where young people can grow as informed and active members of their communities. With a background spanning across organizing, policy, and fundraising, she brings a collaborative spirit to the work.

Prior to this role, she led cross-departmental initiatives for donors at the ACLU of Massachusetts, including its 800-person annual gala. Bianca has also served as a Senior Legislative Assistant for a Councilmember At-Large in Montgomery County, Maryland where she oversaw a legislative portfolio on government operations, economic development, public safety and social justice issues. She also launched an organizing campaign alongside the adjunct faculty at Prince George’s Community College with SEIU.