UK Law Symposium Commemorating 50th Anniversary of Kentucky Civil Rights Act

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Jan. 25, 2015) — The Kentucky Civil Rights Act was signed into law on Jan. 27, 1966. Fifty years later, on Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2016, the University of Kentucky College of Law and Kentucky Commission on Human Rights will commemorate the anniversary with a one-day law symposium.

The symposium, taking place at the Law Building, will consist of speakers and panelists including Kentucky’s lieutenant governor, judges, lawyers and activists prominent in the civil rights arena discussing general topics of interest. In addition, students and activists will be asked to participate by posing questions throughout the symposium.

"It is indeed a privilege for UK Law to serve as co-host of this momentous occasion celebrating a pivotal time in the history of the Commonwealth and nation," said UK College of Law Dean David A. Brennen. “This will be more than a day of reflection. Instead, we will engage in dialogue and a collaborative effort to keep our great state at the forefront in advancing equal rights for its vastly diverse citizenry.”

Registration begins at 8 a.m. and the symposium will conclude at 5:00 p.m. A full agenda is available here. Panel discussions will focus on life in Kentucky before the Kentucky Civil Rights Act, the promise of civil rights law and current civil rights issues.

Patricia Timmons-Goodson, vice chair of the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights and nationally recognized scholar and jurist for civil rights, will deliver the keynote address at 11 a.m.

Prior to her appointment to the commission, Timmons-Goodson served as an associate justice on the Supreme Court of North Carolina from 2006 to 2012. She served as an associate judge on the North Carolina Court of Appeals from 1997 to 2005 and a district court judge of the Twelfth Judicial District of North Carolina from 1984 to 1997.

The presentation of the Georgia Davis Powers Legacy Award for Individuals and Agencies Devoted to the Cause of Furthering Human Rights Throughout the Commonwealth will conclude the symposium.

To register, visit http://law.uky.edu/academics/registration-civil-rights-act-symposium. 

MEDIA CONTACT: Whitney Harder, 859-323-2396, whitney.harder@uky.edu