Law School Makes History in Adopting Name of Black Attorney

St. Thomas University College of Law is now officially renamed the Benjamin L. Crump College of Law—becoming the first law school in the country named after a practicing Black attorney. The law school implemented the change on Wednesday, February 8. The only other law school in the country named after a Black person is Thurgood Marshall School of Law, which is named after Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall.

“The naming of the Benjamin L. Crump College of Law at St. Thomas University is the latest step in an effort to encourage bridge-building among the legal profession, law enforcement, and our communities,” David A. Armstrong, J.D., President of St. Thomas University, says in a press release.

Attorney Ben Crump says he chose to partner with St. Thomas University in part because the law school is located in Miami, a city that is ethnically and racially diverse.

“It is a privilege to be a part of the St. Thomas University legacy through the Benjamin L. Crump College of Law. We have come such a long way in the journey to equality, but we are not there yet,” Attorney Crump says. “The future changemakers and civil justice leaders that will matriculate from St. Thomas will soon be passed the torch from today’s civil rights icons and I have every confidence that they will meet the moment.”

A COMMITMENT TOWARD THE UNDERREPRESENTED

St. Thomas University has a strong commitment to serving “the poor and the most vulnerable.” The law school is home to a number of pro bono immigration and tax clinics, as well as its globally renowned John J. Brunetti Human Trafficking Institute.

Additionally, 83% of the school’s graduates are employed or pursue an advanced degree within 10 months following graduation.

In their partnership with Attorney Crump, St. Thomas University says they’re confident in driving change through the power of education.

“Ben and I couldn’t be more different politically, but we share a passion for justice, and the hope that by working together, we can continue to drive meaningful change,” Armstrong says. “Our faith in God, and our belief in the tenets laid out by our founding fathers in the US Constitution, enable us to go beyond race and politics, and focus on the work necessary to truly make the United States the home of the free, and the brave.”

Sources: St. Thomas University, Reuters