2026 -- H 8398

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LC006275

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2026

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H O U S E   R E S O L U T I O N

RECOGNIZING ROGER WILLIAMS UNIVERSITY'S SCHOOL OF LAW, SCHOOL OF

JUSTICE STUDIES, AND EXTENSION SCHOOL AND COMMEMORATING RWU LAW

AND JUSTICE DAY ON APRIL 2, 2026

     Introduced By: Representatives Speakman, Shekarchi, Blazejewski, Chippendale,
Donovan, Kennedy, Ajello, Fellela, Shallcross Smith, and Serpa

     Date Introduced: April 02, 2026

     Referred To: House read and passed

     WHEREAS, Roger Williams University School of Law was founded in 1993 in Bristol

and has been accredited by the American Bar Association since 1997 and a member of the

Association of American Law Schools since 2006; and

     WHEREAS, RWU Law is the only law school in the State of Rhode Island and offers the

Juris Doctor (JD) and Master of Studies in Law (MSL) degrees, as well as joint JD-master’s

degree programs in conjunction with Roger Williams University and the University of Rhode

Island; and

     WHEREAS, RWU Law is nationally recognized for its innovative and service-oriented

curriculum, including its seven legal clinics, ten legal externship programs, and numerous pro

bono programs that provide legal services and improve access to justice for underserved Rhode

Islanders, as well as for its groundbreaking coursework and programming on how matters of race

have shaped American law; and

     WHEREAS, Roger Williams University’s School of Justice Studies offers multiple

degree programs related to law and justice, including Criminal Justice, Digital Forensics,

Forensic Science, Leadership, Legal Studies, Political Science, and Public Administration, as well

as a Public Policy Certificate, thereby serving as a leading provider of essential education and

training in these and other critically important fields for Rhode Island; and

     WHEREAS, Roger Williams University’s Extension School offers multiple degree and

certificate programs related to law and justice, including Community Development, Community

Policing, Corrections Agency Administration, Criminal Justice, Cybersecurity, Homeland

Security, Police Agency Administration, Policing and Public Safety, Professional Legal Studies,

and Public Administration, thereby providing Rhode Islanders with essential educational and

career opportunities; and

     WHEREAS, All three schools are committed to offering dynamic collaborative

programming to improve educational and career opportunities for students and residents in Rhode

Island, in order to provide significant pathways to the legal profession and justice-related

professions; and

     WHEREAS, All three schools hosted RWU Day of Law and Justice on April 2, 2026, to

highlight the importance of legal and justice-related professions, promote access to justice, and

celebrate their collective contributions to the State of Rhode Island; now, therefore be it

     RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island hereby

recognizes and commemorates RWU Law and Justice Day on April 2, 2026, and honors Roger

Williams University’s School of Law, School of Justice Studies, and Extension School for their

important contributions to legal and justice-related professions, public service, and the people of

the State of Rhode Island; and be it further

     RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to

transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to Roger Williams University.

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LC006275

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