The past year has seen an ongoing emphasis on ‘defending democracy’, particularly within law schools, as underscored by Mark Alexander, the outgoing president of the Association of American Law Schools (AALS). In a recent interview with Law.com, Alexander highlighted the significance of this theme, and its prevalence in numerous in-person and virtual meetings that have taken place throughout the year.
Alexander stressed the necessity of defending democracy, engaging both individuals and collective audiences in discussions on how to play a role in this critical task. This idea was extensively explored in various AALS gatherings, which smoothly transitioned between remote and in-person formats.
In July 2023, a particular noteworthy event focused on the U.S. Supreme Court decision on affirmative action. Alexander reflected on the meeting, outlining that discussions went beyond academic theory and explored the practical implications for law schools moving forward.
In his capacity as the AALS president, Mark Alexander highlighted the vital role that law schools can play in shaping the future of democracy. As he concludes his term, the importance of ‘defending democracy’ continues to be a key talking point within the field of legal education.