The Susan H. Williams Feminism and Constitutions Lecture Series
In her 33 years at the Law School, Professor Susan Williams has made a world of difference. Through the Center for Constitutional Democracy, she’s helped advise ethnic minority groups and women’s organizations in Burma. She’s worked with the Law Reform Commission of Liberia on potential constitutional amendments there. She’s worked closely with Middle Eastern leaders to generate conversation and connection, particularly among their women judges.
And that’s just a glimpse into her international work. Back home in Bloomington Williams has taught generations of students, some of whom have gone on to their own stellar academic careers.
As Williams prepares to retire at the end of this academic year, a group of Indiana Law alumnae have come together to carry on their former teacher’s legacy of leadership and inspiration through the establishment of the Professor Susan H. Williams' Feminism and Constitutions Lecture Series.
The group is trying to raise $100,000 to create an annual lecture in perpetuity.
“This endowed lecture would be the first at the Law School named for a woman,” said Indiana Law Dean Christiana Ochoa, “but more importantly, it will commemorate the indelible contributions Professor Williams has made to the Maurer School of Law and to the world. A ‘Susan H. Williams Lecture’ will add immense value to our entire community for years to come.”
Williams has been a cornerstone of the Indiana Law faculty for more than three decades, during which she’s written, edited, and contributed to dozens of books, book chapters, articles, and more. But for all her contributions as a scholar, Williams might best be remembered for her presence as a teacher.
“As a professor, she was excellent, engaging, and inspiring to me,” said Christina Clark ’10. “What made Professor Williams so remarkable was the care with which she approached her teaching. She didn’t just lecture; she cultivated an environment where ideas were met with curiosity and where every student felt seen.”
Clark is one of several alumnae working to ensure Williams’ legacy is enshrined for generations to come. Clark worked with Williams at the CCD in addition to taking courses from her.
“Prof. Williams made the Law School a lot more welcoming, woman friendly, and collaborative,” Clark said. “I know that her confidence in me gave me the confidence to take on the challenges I’ve faced in my post-academic life. Her impact on my life and career is immeasurable.”
For Williams, the opportunity for the Law School to create an endowed lecture series is about the future students and faculty who will benefit from hearing from some of the world’s leading authorities on feminism, women’s rights, and constitutional design.
“Women are more than half the population, but, in most times and places, they have had very little opportunity to contribute to the creation and interpretation of constitutions,” Williams said. “Bringing women’s perspectives to bear on constitutions is therefore a fundamental issue of justice, and I believe that using a feminist lens to think about constitutions will also lead to better governance structures for all people. I’ve spent my professional life working on these issues and I am so grateful that the CCD alumni are seeking to ensure that the Law School community will benefit from an annual lecture focused on these issues for years to come. I hope the generosity of the CCD alumni will create a legacy that will enrich the education and broaden the vision of generations of future law students.”
