The 2015 David A. Garfinkel Essay Scholarship contest, which is sponsored by the Historical Society of the New York Courts, is underway with the recent announcement of this year’s essay topic:
LGBT: The Road to Equality
How have the New York Courts addressed equal human rights for the LGBT community?
This prestigious competition offers scholarships specifically for students enrolled in SUNY and CUNY community colleges:
NYS Community College Grand Prize — $1,500
SUNY Community College Prize: $1,000
CUNY Community College Prize — $1,000
The New York courts and State Legislature frequently have been at the center of the debate over the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) persons. Judges and legislators have considered these issues as they impact the family, campus life, employment and Criminal Law. The 2015 David A. Garfinkel Essay Contest asks students to explore how the courts and legislature have addressed LGBT rights and the impact of their actions.
Contest entrants select from one of the four topics below and discuss the role and impact of significant cases and legislation on the LGBT community. Analysis should draw on events leading to these cases & laws, who (activists, attorneys and judges) was involved, and how the issues were addressed. Entrants may discuss current and historical events.
- Family Law: How has the law addressed LGBT families? An essay can cover issues including, but not limited to: civil unions & marriage, adoption, spousal benefits and inheritance.
- Educational Law: Discuss anti-discrimination statutes and case law that concern LGBT students on campus.
- Employment Law: What types of discrimination have LGBT individuals faced in the workplace and how have rights in this sphere evolved?
- Criminal Law: Examine events in the evolution of New York’s criminal law that impacted LGBT individuals from the Stonewall Rebellion (1969) to the present. This can include the development of hate crimes legislation.
Fall 2014 deadline: Dec. 12, 2014*
Spring 2015 deadline: Apr. 1, 2015
The competition is open to all SUNY and CUNY Community College students enrolled for the Fall 2014 and/or Spring 2015 semester(s).
More details and complete contest rules are available at http://www.nycourts.gov/history/academic-center/garfinkel-essay-scholarship.html.
http://www.nycourts.gov/history/academic-center/garfinkel-essay-scholarship.html
*Submit your essay by Fall 2014 deadline to be entered in a raffle to win a $25 Starbucks Gift Card.
Published: Thu, 30 Jan 2014 13:00:48 +0000 by d.gardner