This past semester, the Center For Justice, in an effort led by Jarrell Daniels and Professor Geraldine Downey, inaugurated the first class of Justice Ambassadors. 

During the 8-week-long program, high school students and New York City public officials were paired in a seminar-style workshop to develop policy proposals for the city, primarily in relation to education and criminal justice reform. 

The course was structured to encourage both the high school students and city officials to discuss social change, community change, and personal change over shared readings. In addition to fostering ideas about policy reform, the course also changed the students and their own policy goals. At the beginning, all of the students were reticent to work with law enforcement officials, but at the current stage in the program, several students are involved in reforming police practices. 

On June 11th, students and public officials will gather to present their policy proposals to the public. A reception will follow. We hope that you will join us there.