O ver the last year, demands for social justice in our society, in our state, in our city, in our communities, and in our law school have intensified. People from all walks of life have rallied at demonstrations, voicing alarm at systemic racial injustice, insisting on structural reform to policing. The COVID-19 pandemic has redefined access to our schools, our workplaces and our courts. Core educational protocols have been upended; virtual classrooms have created new roles for parents, caregivers and guardians in educating students. Claims of service industry employees and other low-wage workers for wage theft have been supplanted by claims for unemployment benefits. Efforts to assist asylum seekers and immigrants gain safe, legal entry are stymied as due process protections are continually constricted. These challenges underscore the potency of the Feerick Center’s mission and commitment to promote access to justice. 2018–2020 Our biennial report presents a snapshot of our work since 2018 through the lens of the individuals we served and the people dedicated to serve those in need. The center’s commitment to social justice starts with access—to legal assistance, due process, courts, education, services and benefits —for New Yorkers in need. Our AmeriCorps VISTAs support the New York State Attorney Emeritus Program, the Civil Legal Assistance and Resource Offices, the Legal Economic and Educational Advancement Project and the Feerick Center Veteran Rights Project. The VISTAs work tirelessly to mobilize volunteers to provide assistance and open the door—to the courthouse, to school, to a safe house, to a government agency—for individuals and families confronting potentially life-altering civil legal challenges. Fordham Law’s students, alumni, and deans’ fellows, as well undergraduates, faculty and administrators from throughout the University, have been instrumental to increasing access to justice through these projects. They have devoted themselves to assisting survivors of intimate partner economic abuse and providing guidance to women with children seeking asylum detained in Texas. We pledge to redouble our collective efforts—during this unprecedented moment in our nation’s history—to strengthen our communities as we strive to provide opportunity and access to those in need. ALL
Biennial Report 2018–2020 | 1
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