Have you read every word of the U.S. Constitution? No? The newest graduates of the Nancy M. Marsiglia Institute of Justice could likely recite them for you.
The Marsiglia Institute of Justice is a 12-week U.S. Constitution course created by United Way of Southeast Louisiana and Loyola University New Orleans College of Law to reclaim civil discourse. The class brings together a diverse group of community members to explore the Constitution through its articles, Bill of Rights, and amendments; and understand the document’s relevance in modern-day America.
On April 25, participants of the spring 2019 session gathered at Loyola College of Law for their final test - a mock congressional hearing with real judges.
During the hearings – presided over by U.S. District Judge Eldon Fallon, U.S. Circuit Judge Stephen A. Higginson, and former U.S. Circuit Judge and Loyola College of Law Dean Madeleine Landrieu – groups of students presented arguments and answered questions on a constitutional issue. The topics discussed, including immigration reform, state legalization of marijuana, and hate speech, could have easily been found in the day’s headlines, demonstrating the living nature of the Constitution.
After successfully defending their positions, participants received certificates recognizing them as a “Distinguished Fellow of the Nancy M. Marsiglia Institute of Justice.”
Marsiglia Institute spring 2019 graduates include:
- Marguerite Adams
- Todd Battiste
- Kelly Brown
- Rod Caccioppi
- Joseph Chango
- Lisa Ray Diggs
- Carling Dinkler
- Dani DiPietro
- Kisha Laurent Gaudin
- Dr. Eric Griggs
- Glenn Gruber
- Gail Hester Louapre
- Michael Hoarty
- Mithun Kamath
- Dana Keren
- Frederick Kushner
- Marva Lewis
- Erica Martinez
- Ricardo Mesa
- Nancy Olinde
- Sandy Rosenthal
- Tammy Savoie
- Eliana Soto
- LaVerne Saulny Toombs
- Shirley Young
View an album of photos from the event here.
Applications for the fall 2019 class of the Marsiglia Institute of Justice open May 30, 2019. Learn more at UnitedWaySELA.org/Marsiglia-Institute.