Hamilton College offered a new class this semester on Law and Justice.
Professor of Law Frank Anechiarico said the interest was three to four times beyond the allowed enrollment. After Anechiarico expanded the role of the class, students will now be part of a two-county, six-college partnership for Racial Justice Reform.
Other colleges involved are Herkimer College, Mohawk Valley Community College, Pratt Munson Williams Proctor, SUNY Polytechnic Institute and Utica College, which offers a similar class to Hamilton’s.
The partnership was introduced last week with ways the public can participate in shaping changes to criminal justice systems in the two counties. A survey and an eight-part lecture series will allow community members to share their thoughts.
Anechiarico, chair of the partnership, called the effort an important cooperative initiative. He thanked entities providing financial support: the Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties, Frontiers Club of the Mohawk Valley, and the United Way of the Mohawk Valley.
Anechiarico said the goal is two-fold. “One is to support and assist local governments as they respond to the governor’s local police reform mandate,’’ he said.
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