UC Law establishes Day of Civic Service

By Andy Cheng

For the first time in its history, the College of Law at the University of Cincinnati will not hold classes on Election Day. Classes have been cancelled to give students, faculty, and staff the opportunity to participate in a Day of Civic Service through volunteering activities on Election Day.

In a statement, College of Law Dean Verna Williams said, “As lawyers, we are guardians of democracy. In that sense, even though classes are cancelled, I expect that students, staff, and faculty alike, will be doing their part to contribute — by voting, poll watching or other means to protect this most important right in our society.”

This year, law students can participate in civic activities on Nov. 3 without the penalty that comes with missing classes. In addition to deepening their knowledge around elections, students will gain practical legal experience while assisting their communities.

The decision to cancel classes, which received a unanimous vote by law faculty, follows the Ohio Supreme Court’s approval of a plan to enlist attorneys to work as volunteer poll workers on Election Day. Law students at UC will receive credit hours for their efforts in voter registration and poll volunteering.

While other law schools like Northwestern University, Columbia University and New York University have previously canceled classes on Election Day, UC becomes the first institution in Ohio to cancel all classes so students can engage in the election process this year.

Featured image at top: istockphoto.com