Kappa Journal Post-Conclave Issue (Fall 2017)

KAPPA NEWS: LAW AND SOCIAL JUSTICE

that they were positioned and effectively applied theory and training received in the classroom to this complicated and ongoing international, human rights issue through their field assignments. Through this experience, and the rela- tionships developed through this project, some of my students have jump started their legal careers by securing presti- gious internships or employment with human rights organizations. Journal: How forthcoming was the government/agencies you worked with in the Dominican Republic about the information you uncovered? Woods: The Dominican Republic Government’s participation in the project was measured, as I expected based on their position regarding the is- sue. There was dialogue. However, the information provided was limited and/or inconclusive. Our fact-finding team had to unearth valuable information through various sources including anecdotal information received by individuals directly impacted by this issue. For example, one of my student/fact-finders lived in the Bateyes (communities that house sugar cane workers where the majority of the Stateless population re- sides) during our stay in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic to gain insight and perspective regarding this issue. The information that this student obtained while living in the Bateyes was invalu- able and provided depth to our findings. Journal: What are the next steps for the organizations being supported by the NBA Resolution? Woods: The significance of the Howard University School of Law Human Rights Investigation and the NBA’s Resolution is that the issue has been recalibrated and international stakeholders have been forced to take definitive steps to address this issue. As a result, I have been in constant communication with members of the Congressional Black Caucus, including Brother Hakeem Jeffries (Congressman, NY-8 th District) who has played a very important role in addressing this issue, as well as CARI-

the Dominican Republic and Haiti. The objectives of this project were to provide (1) a comprehensive assessment of the issue, (2) adequate human resources on the ground in the Dominican Republic which was needed to effectively address this issue, and (3) to provide Howard Law students with practical experience in international law and human rights investigations." While developing and implementing this project, Woods also served in Brother Kevin Judd’s administration at the National Bar Association (NBA) as the Co-Chair for International Partnerships. "Once Brother Judd became fully aware of this issue, through his leadership, we integrated this issue as part of the NBA’s social justice initiatives. Brother Judd as well as NBA officials visited Santo Domingo to assess the issue. Following the delegations’ visits, NBA Resolution 2017-6, calling for the eradication of Statelessness in the Dominican Repub- lic, was passed." Journal: What did the students gain through their participation in the fact- finding mission? Woods: The fact-finding mission was an incredible experience for the students. Prior to departing for the Dominican Republic, the students completed an intensive international law-human rights boot camp. Officials from Amnesty In- ternational, the Organization of Ameri- can States, and a former U.S. Diplomat assisted me in delivering/teaching the boot camp. Once we arrived in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, through field assignments with local and interna- tional organizations such as the United Nations, the students received practi- cal experience in the following areas of human rights investigation: Data collection, interviewing skills, analysis/ assessment, corroborating evidence, and human rights report writing. NBA Involvement in this Project

COM (the Caribbean Community).

A plan of action is in place that consists of Awareness, Advocacy, and Action. I would like to personally thank the Journal for highlighting this issue in that this story will contribute to Awareness efforts. A major hurdle in addressing and resolving this issue is educating the masses, in general, and the diaspora, in particular. This issue is more nuanced than just “Dominicans treating Haitians badly” as this issue is frequently de- scribed. The fundamental issue is that Black Dominicans of Haitian descent have been effectively stripped of their citizenship and deprived of their human rights. Journal: How will you stay involved in this project? Woods: I currently serve as an Advisor to international human rights organiza- tions as well as local grassroots and civil society organizations in the Dominican Republic directly involved in addressing this issue. I will also continue to coordi- nate and lead summer fact-finding mis- sions through Howard University School of Law in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. Each summer the fact-finding team will address a different, specific legal and social justice issue impact- ing this population. Finally, I serve as a “strategic” liaison between international organizations and U.S. based organiza- tions involved in addressing this issue. Journal: How can others get involved in this effort? government, public policy, international non-profits and grassroots organizations, academia, grant making organizations, foundations, think tanks, and the media. However, all Brothers interested should contact me at jwoods@law.howard.edu. There is also space for Kappa Alpha Psi ® to take a leadership role concerning this issue. Ironically, my experience and lifelong relationships built with brothers from Kappa Rho and the Northeastern Woods: There is a specific need for individuals in the following areas:

The students’ experience was unique in

164 |  FALL 2017  THE JOURNAL

Publishing achievement for more than 100 years

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