HOUSE RESOLUTION 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

H8398

2026 -- H 8398
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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
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WHEREAS, Roger Williams University School of Law was founded in 1993 in Bristol
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and has been accredited by the American Bar Association since 1997 and a member of the
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Association of American Law Schools since 2006; and
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WHEREAS, RWU Law is the only law school in the State of Rhode Island and offers the
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Juris Doctor (JD) and Master of Studies in Law (MSL) degrees, as well as joint JD-master’s
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degree programs in conjunction with Roger Williams University and the University of Rhode
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Island; and
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WHEREAS, RWU Law is nationally recognized for its innovative and service-oriented
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curriculum, including its seven legal clinics, ten legal externship programs, and numerous pro
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bono programs that provide legal services and improve access to justice for underserved Rhode
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Islanders, as well as for its groundbreaking coursework and programming on how matters of race
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have shaped American law; and
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WHEREAS, Roger Williams University’s School of Justice Studies offers multiple
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degree programs related to law and justice, including Criminal Justice, Digital Forensics,
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Forensic Science, Leadership, Legal Studies, Political Science, and Public Administration, as well
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as a Public Policy Certificate, thereby serving as a leading provider of essential education and
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training in these and other critically important fields for Rhode Island; and
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WHEREAS, Roger Williams University’s Extension School offers multiple degree and
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certificate programs related to law and justice, including Community Development, Community

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Policing, Corrections Agency Administration, Criminal Justice, Cybersecurity, Homeland
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Security, Police Agency Administration, Policing and Public Safety, Professional Legal Studies,
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and Public Administration, thereby providing Rhode Islanders with essential educational and
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career opportunities; and
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WHEREAS, All three schools are committed to offering dynamic collaborative
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programming to improve educational and career opportunities for students and residents in Rhode
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Island, in order to provide significant pathways to the legal profession and justice-related
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professions; and
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WHEREAS, All three schools hosted RWU Day of Law and Justice on April 2, 2026, to
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highlight the importance of legal and justice-related professions, promote access to justice, and
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celebrate their collective contributions to the State of Rhode Island; now, therefore be it
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RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island hereby
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recognizes and commemorates RWU Law and Justice Day on April 2, 2026, and honors Roger
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Williams University’s School of Law, School of Justice Studies, and Extension School for their
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important contributions to legal and justice-related professions, public service, and the people of
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the State of Rhode Island; and be it further
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RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to
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transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to Roger Williams University.
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