Where Do We Go From Here? Northeastern Law’s Centers of Excellence Explore the Ramifications of the 2024 Presidential Election

Where Do We Go From Here? Northeastern Law’s Centers of Excellence Explore the Ramifications of the 2024 Presidential Election

11.25.24—Northeastern Law’s five Centers of Excellence co-hosted a panel discussion, Where do we go From Here: Advocacy and Resistance After the 2024 Election, which explored the ramifications of the 2024 presidential election and the potential impact of a Trump Administration on issues like reproductive rights, immigration and racial justice.

The discussion was moderated by Dr. Deborah A. Jackson, managing director for the Center for Law, Equity and Race (CLEAR) and featured Anne Georges, an attorney with Greater Boston Legal Services, Katherine Kraschel, an assistant professor of law and health sciences at Northeastern University, and Rahsaan D. Hall ‘98, attorney and president and CEO of the Urban League of Eastern Massachusetts.

Professor Kraschel kicked-off the discussion by detailing the reproductive and public health implications of the incoming Trump Administration. She shared her insights on the potential loss of Title X funding, enforcement of the Comstock Act, and the ongoing stockpiling of mifepristone -– one of two drugs used in medication abortion regimens – by local governments who fear imminent restrictions on access and distribution of the drug.

“It’s an interesting social justice and reproductive justice question: how much we rely on legal remedies to address those issues, versus legal work arounds to simply get the pills into the hands of the people who need them,” said Kraschel.

Georges, who is also currently serving as interim co-director of Northeastern Law’s Immigrant Justice Clinic, spoke of her concerns regarding US immigration policies. She addressed the likelihood of an “aggressive approach” to interior enforcement and border security, changes to the pathways to legal residency, a reduction in national quotas and the possible renewed interest in public charge (i.e., a determination of eligibility for government-funded support) rules for noncitizens.

“Last time we pulled together, and both legal and non-legal advocates need to come together this time, to unite,” said George. “There’s power in community and an optimism that we will continue to strive under this administration, to be creative with the tools we.”

Hall used his time to highlight the election’s impact on LGBTQIA+ rights, the forthcoming assault on diversity and inclusion initiatives, the resurgence of “reverse discrimination” and concerns about policing and increased police violence. He spoke to what he expects will be the dismantling of policies designed to help increase the economic prosperity of communities of color, including procurement strategies and home ownership programs.

“The pendulum of history continues to swing back and forth, and this time it has swung back a little bit too far,” said Hall. “But we must fight.”

The panel discussed  ways to overcome these concerns over the next four years, including intentional and strategic engagement with state and local governments, outreach to and collaboration with local Attorney General offices “so that day one, they can fill the gaps,” said Kraschel. Panelists also spoke on the importance of community, coalition building and self-education in the fight against misinformation.

Northeastern University School of Law’s five Centers of Excellence are the Center for Global Law and Justice, the Center for Health Policy and Law, the Center for Law, Information and Creativity, the Center for Law, Equity and Race and the Center for Public Interest Advocacy and Collaboration. They extend gratitude for the panelists and attendees who took part, in-person and virtually, in the timely and thought-provoking discussion.

About Northeastern University School of Law

The nation’s leader in experiential legal education since 1968, Northeastern University School of Law offers the longest-running, most extensive experience-based legal education program in the country. Northeastern guarantees its students unparalleled practical legal work experiences through its signature Cooperative Legal Education Program. More than 1,100 employers in a wide range of legal, government, nonprofit and business organizations participate in the program. With a focus on social justice and innovation, Northeastern University School of Law blends theory and practice, providing students with a unique set of skills and experiences to successfully practice law.

For more information, contact d.feldman@northeastern.edu.