Our History

Dean David Levi and Professor Guy-Uriel Charles (photo at right) founded the Center on Law, Race & Policy in the fall of 2009. In partnership with other university centers, this multidisciplinary initiative supports research, public engagement, teaching, and programs related to race, law, and politics. Center activities include symposia, conferences, academic workshops, public lectures, and scholarly roundtables. During its first decade, among the Center’s signature achievements were three national conferences on racial justice and the creation of the highly regarded Culp Colloquium and Emerging Scholars Programs.

In 2021, following the departure of Professor Charles to become the Charles J. Ogletree Jr. Professor of Law at Harvard Law School, Professor Trina Jones became director, and the Center was renamed the Center on Law, Race, and Policy to highlight the Center’s ongoing commitment to fostering racial equity by promoting material change in law and public policy.  The Center’s mission was also sharpened to emphasize the Center’s focus on teaching, knowledge production, and community engagement – a focus which aligns with the overall values and mission of Duke University.

Professor Guy-Uriel Charles