Samford University’s Cumberland School of Law and the Office of Diversity and Intercultural Initiatives partnered to host a discussion based on the recent water crisis in Jackson, Mississippi. The event, “Got Water? The Jackson, Mississippi, Water Crisis” was held in the law school’s John L. Carroll Moot Courtroom, Feb. 7, 2023.

 

Cumberland School of Law Dean Blake Hudson, an environmental law expert, led the discussion. Additional panelists, all from Jackson, Mississippi, included Dionne Woody, assistant superintendent of Jackson public schools; Tony Montgomery, pastor of Greater St. James Baptist Church in Jackson; and Delacy Bridges, a Jackson resident.

 

During the discussion, Hudson provided a framework about environmental justice and how it impacts everyday life. Woody, Montgomery and Bridges provided insight into the challenges they faced during the nationally publicized water crisis. As a group, the panelists answered the questions: “What are the causes of the crisis?”, “What are the impacts of the crisis?”, and “What do we do about it?”.

 

Dean Hudson said, “It is important for Cumberland School of Law to be at the center of discussions regarding needed policy responses to environmental problems in our community. Oftentimes, these communities are overlooked and have few advocates. And they bear a disproportionate burden of environmental harm. It really is a way for Cumberland to actively engage with communities in need and teach our students about the importance of law in keeping our communities healthy and safe.”

 

On April 21, 2023, Cumberland School of Law will host its inaugural Symposium on Water Crisis and Environmental Justice. This Continuing Legal Education event will feature keynote speaker Camille Pannu, a professor at Columbia Law School, and other expert panelists.