Date: Thursday, May 6, 2021 Time: 4:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m. ET
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Join us for a multipart program on the critical topic of fair and impartial courts. We begin with a brief primer on the role of the judicial branch, created by the American College of Trial Lawyers and the National Association of Women Judges. The second half of the hour will bring into stark relief the many assaults on judicial independence and diversity today.

This event is produced in partnership with the Center for Brooklyn History.

Speakers: Brennan Center Democracy Program Managing Director Alicia Bannon; Brennan Center Democracy Program Fellow and Counsel Patrick Berry; Kathryn Personette, Deputy Director, Campaigns, Pennsylvania Budget and Policy Center; Moderator: Eric Lesh, Executive Director, The LGBT Bar Association and Foundation of Greater New York (LeGaL)

Date: Wednesdays, April 28–May 26 Time: 5:00 p.m.–6:30 p.m ET
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This series of virtual forums will gather thought leaders from across the country to discuss the impact of white supremacy and state-backed racism on America today. Examining systemic racism in relation to voting rights, artificial intelligence and genetic data, journalism, antiracism, and cultural narrative, the events will focus on strategies and solidarity, with an understanding of history and eyes toward the future.

This event is produced in partnership with the WNET Group, parent to America’s flagship PBS station.

Speakers: Dr. Rumman Chowdhury, Founder, CEO, Parity; Dr. Nicole Martinez-Martin, Assistant Professor, Stanford Center for Biomedical Ethics, Dept. of Pediatrics; Mutale Nkonde, Founder, AI For the People; Roya Pakzad, Founder, Director, Taraaz; Dr. Kim TallBear, Associate Professor, Faculty of Native Studies, University of Alberta; Moderator: Karen Hao, Senior AI Editor, MIT Technology Review

Date: Tuesday, May 18, 2021 Time: 5:30 p.m.–6:45 p.m. ET
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Politics have never been far from the Supreme Court. Now, as in other historical moments, the character of SCOTUS is being challenged. Gaining momentum is a broader push to ensure fair representation for the nation’s larger and more diverse electorate across all branches of government, including the Court. Are there dangers in changing traditions of the highest court, or has the time for reform arrived?

The panel will explore questions such as: Are nine justices serving for life – or until they choose to retire – the best construct for the Court? Why is reform being called for now and what are the merits of the various proposals being put forth? Is retaining the fixed structure of the Court essential to sustaining its legitimacy?

This event is produced in partnership with the National Parks of New York Harbor Conservancy at Federal Hall.

Speakers: Brennan Center Democracy Program Managing Director Alicia Bannon; Aaron Tang, Professor of Law, University of California, Davis, School of Law; Franita Tolson, Vice Dean for Faculty and Academic Affairs, Professor of Law, University of Southern California Gould School of Law; Moderator: Emily Bazelon, Staff Writer, New York Times Magazine