Thurgood Marshall was the first African American Justice of the U. S. Supreme Court. He was the first African American Solicitor General. But, before he earned these and other accolades, Marshall served as the lead counsel in arguably the most important legal decision of the twentieth century, Brown v Board of Education. Brown led to a new legal and social landscape for all minority racial groups in the United States.
As a Supreme Court Justice, Thurgood Marshall’s opinions reflected a deep commitment to equality and inclusion. He authored numerous opinions that expanded equality and sought access for those who are disadvantaged or disparaged in our society. He joined or authored the dissents in a number of cases where equal protection was sought but not extended, such as San Antonio School District v Rodriguez, Bakke vs U.C. Regents, and Bowers v Harwick. Justice Marshall believed that all attorneys are obliged to work for social justice and equality because “lawyers have a duty to represent the public, to be social reformers.”
The Thurgood Marshall Alumni Scholarship was established as a means of enabling future generations of lawyers to continue the work of Justice Marshall. The scholarship is available to Santa Clara University
Law students who meet the following criteria:
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Entering (first year) student
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Demonstrated academic interest in equality, inclusion and social justice
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A record of community service, with a commitment to eliminating racial, social and economic disadvantage in under-served communities
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Intent to pursue a legal career that advances equality and social justice.
Due to the efforts of the former Dean of the Law School, Mack Player, Nikki Pope, an alumnus, and Assistant Dean John Baldwin the scholarship has now become endowed.
This year there were three recipients of the Thurgood Marshall Scholarship, Braeden Sullivan, Kristin Love and Amanda Alvarez. They will be presented their scholarship awards at Minority Law Day, January 22nd. Last year two Marshall Scholarships were awarded, Maya Perkins and Lisa Chen were the recipients.
