As LGBTQIA+ rights face renewed political pressure at the federal level, law schools across the country are stepping up to educate, organize, and advocate. Through high-profile symposia, expert panels, and revamped curricula, legal education institutions are becoming increasingly visible in the national discourse around civil rights. These efforts not only serve to support marginalized communities but also prepare the next generation of lawyers to face an uncertain legal landscape.
Two recent events—one at Western New England University School of Law (WNE Law) in Massachusetts and another at Fordham Law School in New York—offer a snapshot of how law schools are responding to current threats and leveraging their platforms to advance campus belonging.
At WNE Law, Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell partnered with the school’s Center for Social Justice on April 16 to host a public discussion titled “Equality for All: A Community Conversation About Initiatives to Protect LGBTQ+ Rights.” The event, held at the Blake Law Center, gathered legal experts, advocates, and members of the public to explore both the challenges and protections that currently define the LGBTQ+ rights landscape.
“Sadly, despite Massachusetts’ strong legal protections, LGBTQ+ individuals still experience hate, discrimination, and other harms across our state,” Campbell said during the discussion. “In the face of the Trump administration’s increasing attacks on transgender rights, my office will continue to serve as a champion for the LGBTQ+ community—enforcing our laws, educating residents on their rights, and supporting legislation to protect them from harm.”
Panelists included Jennifer Levi, professor at WNE Law and senior director of transgender and queer rights at GLAD Law, and Tanya Neslusan, executive director of MassEquality. Together, they emphasized the urgency of legal education in the current climate and praised the collaborative power of state officials, advocacy groups, and academic institutions.
“I am proud to be a part of Western New England University School of Law, which remains dedicated to educating future legal professionals to uphold the rule of law—the foundation upon which justice for all communities, including LGBTQ+ people and families, ultimately depends,” said Levi.
While Massachusetts offers some of the nation’s strongest state-level protections, the event highlighted that legal vigilance and civic engagement are still essential, especially in light of national judicial trends.
At Fordham Law School in New York City, similar themes emerged during a symposium held as part of the school’s 2025 Week of Abolition. Sponsored by Fordham’s LGBTQ+ student group, OUTLaws, the April 8 event focused on “LGBTQ+ Rights in the Trump Era” and brought together students, legal professionals, and activists to confront legal and political threats to queer rights.
“If you think for a moment you’re not doing enough, or that you’re not doing the right thing, I want you to think again,” Fordham Law Dean Joseph Landau told attendees. “You’re doing everything right by preparing for a career in which you advocate, counsel, speak up, and fight.”
Much of the conversation focused on the Supreme Court’s increasingly conservative composition and its implications for LGBTQIA+ rights. Dominic Cigna, a student and event co-chair, warned that “passive existence is not enough” and urged attendees to “actively engage in elections at every level to protect all of us.”
Panelist Alexia Korberg, executive director of Her Justice, was blunt in her assessment: “I think it’s a farce that we’re doing rule of law on constitutional issues,” she said, referring to what she sees as the Court’s declining role in upholding civil rights.
Lauren Zimmerman, a partner at Selendy Gay PLLC, echoed these concerns. “The gloves are off in terms of the reasoning for why books can be removed,” she said, referencing recent court decisions around book bans and educational censorship.
Gabriella Laros of the New York Civil Liberties Union discussed efforts to defend trans athletes’ participation in sports, even in a state with relatively strong LGBTQ+ legal protections. Panelists emphasized that law students must be politically aware and civically engaged if they hope to effect lasting change.
“There’s so much more that we can do,” said Filament Kind, an intern with the New York State Assembly. “Engaging in your community and assisting your community is also incredibly valuable.”
As rights for LGBTQIA+ individuals face escalating challenges in the courts and legislatures, law schools are increasingly seen as both sanctuaries and springboards—training grounds for legal professionals ready to uphold civil liberties in a volatile era. Through dialogue, education, and action, institutions like WNE Law and Fordham Law are reaffirming their commitment to justice while helping shape the next generation of advocates.
