Dozens of teachers learn about the 14th Amendment during 2023 Street Law workshop

On March 2, 35 social studies teachers gathered virtually for the 2023 Street Law Professional Development Workshop to learn from legal experts about the equal protection clause under the 14th Amendment and how it applies today, as well as gather materials and activities they can take back to their classrooms.

The 14th Amendment grants citizenship and outlines several citizenship rights, including “equal protection of the laws.” Through presentations from federal court legal experts and case study activities, teachers explored exactly what “equal protection” means and how it is being litigated in courts today.

The teachers also participated in a moot court of a case currently before the U.S. Supreme Court, Students for Fair Admissions v. University of North Carolina. During the moot court, teachers argued various points regarding the constitutionality of affirmative action programs through the lens of the 14th Amendment’s equal protection clause.

“This session is a unique opportunity to learn from experts in the field and to be exposed to a case being considered by the U.S. Supreme Court,” said Dr. Tony Simones, director of The Missouri Bar Citizenship Education Department.

During the session and moot court, the teachers heard from Prof. Allen Rostron, with the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law; Stephanie O’Banion, chief deputy clerk of the federal Court of Appeals; Hon. Gary W. Lynch, retired judge of the Missouri Court of Appeals-Southern District; Hon. Joseph Goff Jr., partner at Armstrong Teasdale and former associate circuit judge for the 24th Judicial Circuit; and Karin Schute, assistant U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Missouri.

The Street Law workshop was hosted by The Missouri Bar Citizenship Education Department, U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri, and The Judicial Learning Center. Click here to learn more about The Missouri Bar’s upcoming Citizenship Education programs or workshops.