Recognizing Roger Williams University's School of Law, School of Justice Studies, and Extension School and Commemorating Rwu Law and Justice Day on April 2, 2026

WHEREAS, Roger Williams University School of Law was founded in 1993 in Bristol and has been accredited by the American Bar Association since 1997 and a member of the Association of American Law Schools since 2006; and

WHEREAS, RWU Law is the only law school in the State of Rhode Island and offers the Juris Doctor (JD) and Master of Studies in Law (MSL) degrees, as well as joint JD-master’s degree programs in conjunction with Roger Williams University and the University of Rhode Island; and

WHEREAS, RWU Law is nationally recognized for its innovative and service-oriented curriculum, including its seven legal clinics, ten legal externship programs, and numerous pro bono programs that provide legal services and improve access to justice for underserved Rhode Islanders, as well as for its groundbreaking coursework and programming on how matters of race have shaped American law; and

WHEREAS, Roger Williams University’s School of Justice Studies offers multiple degree programs related to law and justice, including Criminal Justice, Digital Forensics, Forensic Science, Leadership, Legal Studies, Political Science, and Public Administration, as well as a Public Policy Certificate, thereby serving as a leading provider of essential education and training in these and other critically important fields for Rhode Island; and

WHEREAS, Roger Williams University’s Extension School offers multiple degree and certificate programs related to law and justice, including Community Development, Community Policing, Corrections Agency Administration, Criminal Justice, Cybersecurity, Homeland Security, Police Agency Administration, Policing and Public Safety, Professional Legal Studies, and Public Administration, thereby providing Rhode Islanders with essential educational and career opportunities; and

WHEREAS, All three schools are committed to offering dynamic collaborative programming to improve educational and career opportunities for students and residents in Rhode Island, in order to provide significant pathways to the legal profession and justice-related professions; and

WHEREAS, All three schools hosted RWU Day of Law and Justice on April 2, 2026, to highlight the importance of legal and justice-related professions, promote access to justice, and celebrate their collective contributions to the State of Rhode Island; now, therefore be it

RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island hereby recognizes and commemorates RWU Law and Justice Day on April 2, 2026, and honors Roger Williams University’s School of Law, School of Justice Studies, and Extension School for their important contributions to legal and justice-related professions, public service, and the people of the State of Rhode Island; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to Roger Williams University.