Two and a half years after renaming its law school after civil rights and trial lawyer Benjamin L. Crump, St. Thomas University College of Law is reverting to its original name and launching an institute for environmental and societal law named after Crump.
Crump donated $1million in 2023 to have the school named after him. It was a historic moment, as it was the first time a law school in the United States had been named for a practicing black attorney. Previously, Thurgood Marshall was the only other black individual with a law school named in his honor.
Crump is widely known for his civil rights and personal injury work. He has represented the families of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, George Floyd and Trayvon Martin. Much of his career has been devoted to advocating for marginalized communities in areas such as healthcare, environmental justice, intellectual property and more.
The decision to restore the law school’s original name was mutual between Crump and the university, according to media platform Florida Politics.
“St. Thomas University remains deeply grateful for Attorney Crump’s partnership and his unwavering dedication to justice,” a statement from the university said. “The creation of the Benjamin L. Crump Institute for Environmental and Societal Law ensures that his legacy will continue to inspire and empower future generations of legal scholars and advocates.”
Programming at the new institute will address societal challenges, advance civil rights and promote justice for all. It will serve as a hub for scholarship, advocacy and community engagement.
