The Departmentof JusticeEsteemed USSYP alumnus RobertHenry, former chief judge ofthe U.S. Tenth Circuit Court ofAppeals, told the students to “followthe law that has made this countrygreat and the envy of the world.” Aninsider’s view of the law from theExecutive branch was held the nextday, when the group was hosted fora multifaceted educational event atthe Robert F. Kennedy Department ofJustice Building. Seated in the Great Hall,the students first heard from Librarian RobinFoltz, who described the history of the building andthe magnificent Greco Deco artwork and design. She revealed nuances of the massivefrescoes and portraits from the New Deal era depicting great codifiers of the law andallegories of the majesty of justice and perils of lawlessness. Assistant Attorney Generalfor Civil Rights Kristen Clarke spoke next, beginning by stating the department’s mission:to uphold the rule of law, keep the country safe and protect civil rights. A lifelong civil rightslawyer who has spent her entire career in public service, Ms. Clarke relayed several of herongoing priorities including combating hate crime and hate speech and ensuring votingrights so that “every American can cast a ballot free from discrimination and harassment.”She draws strength in her work from great figures in America’s Civil Rights Movementsuch as the late Congressman John Lewis and former UN Secretary General Ban KiMoon, whose words she quoted as inspiration: “Throughout human history, in every greatendeavor, we have learned that it is only through seriousness of purpose and persistencethat you win the day.” A panel discussion with several of the Department’s leading lawyersfrom the Housing and Civil Enforcement, Special Litigation, Criminal, Human Traffickingand Prosecution, and Educational Opportunities sections ensued, with members takingin-depth questions. Following the visit, Ella Duus of Alabama said, “This eye-openingexperience has sparked a newfound interest in civil rights work, and I am now eager toexplore this field during my time in college.”26 | UNITED STATES SENATE YOUTH PROGRAM 2023
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