Mission Statement
The Center for Institutional and Social Change mission is to advance just and equitable legal and social institutions by anchoring systems change in the full participation of those directly impacted by racism and mass incarceration.
Our Featured Projects & Programs
Media

What Might Be: Navigating Paradox in Creating Microspaces of Justice
What if the institutions we rely on—our workplaces, schools, and legal systems—aren’t built for full participation? And what if real change starts not from the top, but in small, intentional spaces we create ourselves? In this episode of Learning Through Experience, host Heidi Brooks and legal scholar and change-maker Susan Sturm explore the paradoxes of institutional transformation, and how facing uncertainty–rather than seeking to eliminate it–can create new possibilities for participation, collaboration and justice.
You can also listen on Yale Insights, Apple Podcasts, or watch on YouTube.

Paralegal Pathways Initiative: A “Life Changer” for Jailhouse Lawyers
Columbia Law School students collaborate with formerly incarcerated participants to leverage legal experience into employment.

Our Compelling Interests
Susan Sturm’s latest installment of the Our Compelling Interests book series, What Might Be, inspired a panel discussion between the author, Ted Mitchell, and Freeman Hrabowski discuss the importance of creating antiracist spaces as leaders and encouraging full participation from students of all backgrounds. The event took place on March 18th, 2025 at the National Press Club. It was hosted by the University of Michigan’s Center for Social Solutions in partnership with the American Council on Education.
Events
Past Event
What Might Be Panel & Discussion
On Friday, March 7, 2025, Columbia Law School will host a panel discussion and reception to celebrate the launch of What Might Be: Confronting Racism to Transform Our Institutions, the latest book by Professor Susan Sturm, George M. Jaffin…
Past Event
Designing, Implementing, and Refining Evaluation Rubrics
Rubrics are an evidence-based tool for bringing structure, clarity, and fairness to evaluations for admissions, hiring, grading, fellowship and awards. Like all tools, though, how they are designed and put to use matters much for the outcomes that can be expected. As part of developing equity-minded selection systems, this workshop offers an opportunity to delve into best practices for…
Past Event
Reimagining Justice through Abolition
Join faculty, advocates, and alumni for a discussion exploring avenues for students to collaborate on innovative approaches to strengthening communities, practicing anti-racism, and reimagining the justice system.
We will kick off the session with a discussion about the groundbreaking …