Alumna Joy Parker takes on law school
With the goal of being an effective human rights advocate, alumna Joy Parker (Philosophy; American Indian Studies minor ’18) enrolled in the Indigenous People’s Law and Policy Program at Arizona Law this past fall.
Her first year of law school has largely consisted of standardized, foundational law coursework which does not always present direct links to social justice. However, according to Parker, her professors “have been skilled at facilitating thoughtful discussions and at getting folks out of their comfort zone, which in my mind gets us all closer to social justice. That said, as a participant in the Indigenous People’s Law and Policy certificate program, I have access to distinguished speakers and alumni who have devoted their life’s work to social justice. Beginning next year, with more freedom to choose coursework, I will have many classes to choose from that are expressly aimed at examining social justice issues.”
When Parker chose to major in philosophy at UMD, she did so knowing she wanted to attend law school. With that objective in mind, she focused on taking courses and participating in activities geared toward improving her analytical and composition skills, such as “Philosophy of Law and Punishment” with Dr. Jason Ford, “Philosophy of Race” with Dr. Jeanine Weekes Schroer, and Mock Trial with Professor Nathan LaCoursiere. Beyond philosophy coursework, Parker deliberately registered for classes that would provide an introduction to federal Indian law and policy."
Her choices served her well in bridging her individual life experiences with education and legal knowledge. Parker specifically credits professors and coursework at UMD with helping her “to think and write critically, and to develop a deeper understanding of values and thought underlying our current social and legal systems..I still value and maintain relationships with professors and faculty there who were so generous with their encouragement and advice as I made my way through the law school application process.”
During her time in Arizona, Parker has observed many benefits to studying in the Indigenous People’s Law and Policy program beyond its prestige: “There are endless opportunities to engage with the community at large through student organizations, faculty projects, clinics, and externships. The faculty are open and very approachable, working to foster relationships with students and encourage student projects/ideas. The student body is also very engaged, with many active organizations that not only build community on campus, but provide connections to other local, state, and national organizations as well.”
Ultimately, Parker aims to graduate in May 2021 and pursue her goals of standing up for human rights in general, and indigenous and women’s rights specifically. She is propelling herself toward that ambition by thoroughly learning the law system, developing connections, and enjoying the process, all proficiencies she began honing at UMD.