USC Gould School of Law has received a $5 million gift from the Gilbert family to establish the Donna and Spencer Gilbert Global Justice and Human Rights Center, a new academic hub designed to train future human rights lawyers and expand experiential learning in international law.
The center will engage students, scholars and practitioners in education, research and policy work focused on advancing respect for human rights worldwide. It will also strengthen USC Gould’s role in global justice advocacy at a time of growing demand for lawyers trained in international criminal law and human rights.
“This marks an exciting new chapter for the law school. The new center will serve as a cornerstone of our global mission, fostering research, advocacy and education that reflect a profound commitment to fairness and human dignity,” said Franita Tolson, dean of USC Gould School of Law.
Under the leadership of Hannah Garry, professor and international criminal law expert and human rights advocate, the center will serve as a focal point for student training and faculty research in human rights law. Its core pillars include the International Human Rights Clinic, founded in 2011, which places students in real-world cases and advocacy efforts, and a new Justice and Accountability Initiative focused on documenting war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide, as well as strategic litigation and policy development.
“Our focus is on preparing tomorrow’s human rights lawyers and leaders, advancing critical thought leadership, and shaping life-changing policies and programs that promote prevention, accountability and transitional justice for impacted individuals and groups worldwide,” Gary said.
Students will also benefit from new programming, including a distinguished lecture series, a human rights fellowship and partnerships with global organizations working in refugee protection and international criminal justice. Among the center’s signature offerings will be a new summer program affiliated with the Howard A. Kaiman “Nuremberg to The Hague” summer abroad program, allowing students to study the Holocaust, the Nuremberg Tribunal and modern international criminal justice at historic sites in Poland and Germany.
Donna Gilbert said the family’s goal is to support students committed to justice-oriented legal careers.
“We are deeply honored to establish a center that will empower future generations of lawyers and scholars to champion human rights around the world,” she said. “Our family’s vision is to make the world better, more peaceful and more just, in every way we can.”
USC Gould leaders say the center will further distinguish the law school as a destination for students seeking careers in international human rights and global justice.
