Following up on my post about President Obama in Chapel Hill, I want to talk about Attorney General Eric Holder's graduation speech here on Saturday. I study graduation addresses at southern universities before the Civil War -- and especially at UNC -- as a way of divining something about public constitutional ideas. So it's a particular pleasure to link to General Holder's graduation speech. He linked this school's history to the Civil Rights struggle. Here are some key paragraphs:
This fight – for opportunity, equality, and justice – is the fundamental struggle that has always driven those who enter our profession. From the young attorneys and statesmen who assembled one summer in Philadelphia to draft a Declaration that shook the foundations of an empire, and set in motion the great American experiment that is now our sacred charge; to those who – here in North Carolina – ratified a state constitution calling for “all useful learning” to be “duly encouraged and promoted in one or more universities.” From the women who petitioned this state’s General Assembly in 1868 for the right to vote – and came back again in 1917, in 1919, and finally in 1920, when the Nineteenth Amendment took effect; to the UNC students and faculty members who – in the 1960s – marched down Franklin Street, organized sit-ins, and argued passionately for the civil rights of all.
This is the legacy of progress that our predecessors have established. It represents the inheritance – and the solemn obligation – of every scholar and leader. And – despite the advances that have been made even within my lifetime – make no mistake: the hardest work is far from over.
Today, this work goes on in the efforts of those who, despite setbacks and disappointments over the years, have rallied their fellow citizens – and who will no doubt continue to fight – to ensure that, no matter what you look like or believe; no matter where you’re from or how you worship; no matter who you are – in any sense– your best interests and basic rights will always be protected.
It goes on in the efforts of today’s Justice Department, as we take decisive action to guard against the disenfranchisement of voters; to protect the rights and liberties of every American; to expand access to quality, affordable legal representation for those who cannot afford it themselves; and to ensure the safety of our nation’s most vulnerable people, including children who are exploited or exposed to violence and drugs, the poor, and individuals with disabilities.
It goes on in the aspirations – and, most importantly, in the actions – that will define the journey you begin today; and in your determination to seize the breathtaking opportunities that lie ahead.
There were a few other remarks that personalized the address for the class -- including something about their efforts to keep their appearances in the law revue off youtube. The faculty weren't too successful at that, either! I guess it's no surprise that that video has a few more views than this one.
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