The PBA Civil & Equal Rights Committee, the PBA Young Lawyers Division, and the PBA Law-Related Education Committee are launching an annual essay and video documentary contest for Pennsylvania college students on the importance of state and local policies to the protection of civil and equal rights. The Pennsylvania Bar Foundation will administer the contest funds.
Eligible college students will submit an essay or short video documentary analyzing a Pennsylvania state/local law or lawyer/judge implicating civil rights. Examples of topics include a biography or oral history of a trailblazing individual in the law such as a county's first African-American judge, or an examination of a law, such as a history of the PA ERA law or a current local housing ordinance disproportionately affecting people of color. The top entrants will receive monetary prizes and will have their winning entries posted on the PBA website. They also will present their submissions at a future PBA meeting.
The CERC is seeking additional funds for monetary prizes, winners' travel and other aspects of the contest. Please click here to read more about becoming a contest sponsor.