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Center for Racial Justice and Criminal Justice Reform at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock William H. Bowen School of Law
Founded in 2021, the Center for Racial Justice and Criminal Justice Reform at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock William H. Bowen School of Law was one of the Building Black Communities Fund grantees. The Center’s mission is to advance racial equity, access to justice, and fairness in Arkansas and the region through academic legal research and legal education. We spoke with Professor of Law Anastasia M. Boles about the newly opened Center’s research programs and projects.
What are some exciting projects you’re working on or have recently completed?
We are brand new, having just launched in August 2021, but already have a number of exciting research projects and programs. The Building Black Communities Fund has generously supported the Center’s law student pipeline program. The pipeline program aims to help students from underrepresented communities succeed on the Law School Admission Test (LSAT). We partner with HBCUs in Arkansas to provide an LSAT prep course, mentoring, assistance with applications, and professional development opportunities. We are finishing with our first cohort of students and it has been a great semester.
What people, books, and/or life factors have influenced and impacted you?
I have always cared deeply about racial justice and access to justice. That value has guided my life decisions, and I am exceedingly grateful that God blessed my family with the opportunity to be part of the Arkansas community.
Describe your training, your interests, and/or your hobbies. What do you do when you’re not at the office and why?
When I am not teaching, I am cherishing time with my amazing husband and two sons. We are part of a powerful church community at Mosaic Church of Central Arkansas. I really love gardening, although I am not very good at it!
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