Projects

The work of the Justice Action Center reflects the interests of its many faculty and student affiliates. Listed below are the projects currently headed by members of the center.

The Education Law Project
Faculty Director: Richard Marsico
Direct Link: www.nyls.edu/elp
The Center’s Education Law Project (ELP) harnesses the unique skillset of law students, legal educators, and practitioners to enhance the educational and career opportunities of students from underserved communities in New York City. Professor Richard Marsico serves as Project Director. In addition to its many volunteer initiatives, the ELP is also spearheading the creation of a Charter High School for Law and Social Justice.

The International Mental Disability Law Reform Project
Faculty Director: Michael L. Perlin
Program Administrator: Liane Bass
The International Mental Disability Law Reform Project promotes a wide range of advocacy initiatives in Europe, South America, Asia, and Africa. It is involved in legislative reform, lawyer and law student training, pro bono legal assistance, and the full range of law reform projects that relate to the practice of mental disability law in other nations. This project is closely related to the online, distance learning Mental Disability Law program that now offers nine separate courses in all aspects of mental disability law to New York Law School students, to students at other domestic law schools, and to practicing lawyers, mental health professionals, advocates, and activists. Sections of these courses have been offered in the past in Nicaragua and Japan, and new partnerships are currently in development to offer other courses in Japan, China, and East Africa.

The Racial Justice Project
Faculty Director: Deborah Archer
Direct Link: www.racialjusticeproject.com or www.nyls.edu/rjp
The Racial Justice Project is a legal advocacy organization dedicated to protecting the constitutional and civil rights of people who have been denied those rights on the basis of race and to increase public awareness of racism and racial injustice in the areas of education, employment, political participation, and criminal justice. The Racial Justice Project’s advocacy includes litigation, training, and public education.

The Safe Passage Immigration Project
Faculty Codirectors: Lenni Benson and Lindsay Curcio
Direct Link: www.nyls.edu/immigration
Each year, thousands of children enter the United States alone, seeking refuge from abuse and maltreatment. Others migrate to the United States with parents who are unable or unwilling to care for them, and end up in foster care. None are entitled to immigration counsel at government expense. Many are eligible for asylum. Others may qualify for Special Immigrant Juvenile status, which allows unaccompanied minors to become permanent residents. The Justice Action Center's Safe Passage Project works with attorneys and law students to provide pro bono services to juveniles.