NORMAN DORSEN FELLOWSHIP FUND

Thirty-five years ago, Norman Dorsen brought together a group of activist law professors to start the Society of American Law Teachers, dedicated to justice, equality, excellence and academic freedom. Those recruited came from diverse political perspectives, from schools that were elite and modest, young and old, and superstars and worker bees.

In 2001, Norman offered SALT $60,000 to be matched by our contributions to create a fellowship to fund law student work. It was a magnificent gift, which forced us to match not just Norman’s money, but his vision.

We have now matched his money and are about to hire the first Dorsen Fellow. Matching Norman’s vision is a long time challenge.

SALT is only one of the many institutions and communities that Norman has helped shape. As Director of the Arthur Garfield Hays Program, Professor Dorsen has trained and continues to nurture the next generation of civil rights and liberties lawyers as well as those who have made their mark in the past half century.

Norman’s influence in making the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and the concept of civil liberties a major force in the United States and the world cannot be understated.

In 2007, the AALS gave Norman the Award for Lifetime Contributions to the Law and Legal Education, an award that Norman particularly appreciates. The AALS did not commit to make this a regular, annual award.

At the 2008 SALT Annual Dinner, SALT honored Norman Dorsen for this vision, his determination, and his commitment to law, justice, and equality.