Connecticut Hispanic Bar Association (CHBA) Contact: Marilyn Diaz, Vice President Connecticut Hispanic Bar Association PO Box 230869 Hartford, CT 06123-0869 E-mail: Marilyn_Diaz@hud.gov CHBA Law Day Essay Writing Contest Activity Summary: The Connecticut Hispanic Bar Association sponsored a 500-word essay contest involving students at Bulkeley, Weaver and Hartford Public High Schools in Hartford, Connecticut. With the assistance of teachers at these high schools, we agreed on a topic that focused on the equal protection clause of the Fourteenth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. Awards were made at each of the high schools for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd, place winners. Each winning student received a trophy and an award of a $25 gift certificate at Barnes and Noble. Award presentations were made on May 24th & 25th in conjunction with a discussion panel of attorneys who addressed the subject of the essay. The essay submission deadline was April 26th. Activity Narrative: The CHBA activity effectively provided high school students and their teachers with a venue for discussion about the role of law in our everyday lives. Students and teachers both learned about the existence of active bar associations and the history of Law Day. Most importantly, the students were extremely impressed with the fact that they too can impact the law by standing up as individuals. The theme of our essay contest focused on the 14th Amendment and asked students to ponder the question of whether or not the promise of equal protection under the law has been fulfilled. Through the exploration of case law and application to current events, students advised us that while the promise may not be completely fulfilled, we must acknowledge and rejoice in the freedoms that have been fought for long and hard. Most importantly, the students recognized that one individual can make a difference by speaking up, acknowledging our differences and commonalties and pursuing democracy. Over 180 inner city high schools students were reached as a result of this activity. All of the high schools in the city of Hartford, CT were involved along with principals and teachers. Press releases were issued to all local media announcing the event and winners. As a result of this activity, the CHBA has formed an ongoing partnership with the Hartford school system. We were invited to make presentations to students during the school year for bilingual classes as well as the current existing curriculum. CHBA also provided additional information about the role of lawyers and case law; issues which arose as a result of our panel presentations. Mentoring opportunities with the students were also established. This activity also afforded an enhanced active working relationship with the Connecticut Bar Association and created a partnership with a private insurance company, Mass Insurance Company, in support of law related activities. As expressed by all teachers, our activity demonstrated excellent quality, from awards to actual presentations by the lawyers. Teachers were extremely impressed that we secured their input early (meetings were held in February to discuss the activity), to ensure that the theme of the essay complemented their ongoing curriculum. Students in Hartford were studying for CAP tests, which resulted in many changes to the originally established schedule. CHBA was extremely flexible in adjusting the timeline to accommodate schedules for last-minute testing. Not only were teachers grateful for this accommodation, it also ensured that the maximum number of students had an opportunity to participate. Students also appreciated hearing the application of law from practicing attorneys and learning how their essays addressed this practicality. As discussed with all of the involved teachers, this activity will become a yearly event. Additionally, we have been asked to return to schools during the school year for continued discussions. Participation in a bilingual class was one of our first invitations to show students the role that Latino lawyers play. Sample Programs Home | By Audience | By Location | By Sponsoring Organization