News and Events
Randall T. Shepard Academy for Law and Social Justice Unveiled
The Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation and EVSC Foundation have announced that area students will now have an opportunity to participate in a unique, integrated program of study in the EVSC. This program -- the Randall T. Shepard Academy for Law and Social Justice -- will integrate social studies and English curriculums for juniors and seniors and provide a wide variety of educational and growth opportunities in the community and throughout the state.
“We are grateful for the Chief Justice’s desire to create this visionary program for high school students,” said EVSC Superintendent Vince Bertram. “The critical analysis students will be introduced to will prepare them for deep introspection and will bring these subjects to life.”
The Academy for Law and Social Justice will be offered to incoming juniors in Fall 2010. The program will offer integrated studies in law and social justice topics prepared by the Harrison High School Social Studies and English departments. It is designed to develop critical analysis in students to prepare them for studies relating to law, social justice, American policy and social values, while simultaneously earning college credit initially at the University of Southern Indiana. Shepard, a Harrison High School alumnus, will provide assistance in the planning and implementation of the program.
"I am grateful for a chance to make a contribution to a project of such high ambition," Shepard said during a news conference announcing the Academy. "I am uplifted by the spirit that has animated this effort." Shepard added that although one may hear laments in the press about the future of public education, projects like this Academy, and the ingenuity and inventiveness in the establishment, ought to be a source of pride. "This academy has the capacity to train a new generation of Americans that will...be better public citizens, regardless of whether they turn out to be a lawyer, or police officer or go into another profession."
Enrollment for the Academy is expected to take place in late December or Early January. Students will be asked to indicate their interest in the two-year program when enrollment begins in the next few months. Application forms will then be distributed by school counselors. Based on the number of students interested in the Academy, both a morning and afternoon block may be offered to allow access for more students. The program may also be opened up to students outside Vanderburgh County, as well.
Juniors enrolled in the Academy will engage in the Socratic Method as they build their knowledge base. The half-day program will immerse students in a dynamic and focused curriculum to prepare them for success in a variety of disciplines in higher education.
Seniors enrolled in the Academy will concentrate on government, the creation of law, and the process of justice. They will also have the opportunity to participate in numerous education and growth opportunities including the law ambassador program in Washington, DC, guest lectures and seminars, State House and state and federal court tours, local law firm internships, Academy Debate Society, and advocacy volunteerism. Students may also publish original research and focus studies on data analysis, cost benefit analysis and related demographic data, research the impact of poverty on legal and educational services, and much more.
The courses that comprise the program all meet graduation requirements for English and Social Studies (Political Science, Civics, Government and Economics). Students will be enrolled half day with the Academy and the remainder with their home school taking other courses needed.
Randall T. Shepard was appointed to the Indiana Supreme Court by Governor Robert D. Orr in 1985 at the age of 38. He became Chief Justice of Indiana in March 1987.
A seventh generation Hoosier, Shepard graduated from Princeton University cum laude and from the Yale Law School. He earned a Master of Laws degree in the judicial process from the University of Virginia.
Shepard was Judge of the Vanderburgh Superior Court from 1980 until his appointment to the Supreme Court in 1985. He was named Chief Justice in 1987. He earlier served as executive assistant to Mayor Russell Lloyd Sr. of Evansville and as special assistant to the Under Secretary of the U.S. Department of Transportation.
Chief Justice Shepard was also Trustee of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. He served as chair of the ABA Appellate Judges Conference and of the Section of Legal Education and Admissions to the Bar. During 2005-06, Shepard served as President of the National Conference of Chief Justices. Chief Justice John Roberts recently appointed him to the U.S. Judicial Conference Advisory Committee on Civil Rules. He teaches periodically at the law schools of NYU and Yale.
Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation
1 S.E. Ninth Street | Evansville, Indiana 47708 | 812-435-8453