Lifelong advocate for justice reform and agriculture policy, a state’s attorney and Vermonter born and raised, Patrick J. Leahy now has his very own building on the Vermont Law and Graduate School campus.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony held today at the school’s South Royalton campus made it official, as President Rodney A. Smolla and fellow leadership welcomed guests and dignitaries.
Leahy, the former Senate president pro tempore and vice-chair of appropriations, is a leader in criminal justice reform and agriculture systems — two major pillars of the VLGS education model.
He played a key role in the creation of the National Center on Restorative Justice, helping secure a $3 million grant from the U.S. Department of Justice.
“The renaming of this building is a “thank-you” to Senator and Marcelle Leahy — they are true champions. Senator Leahy has changed the landscape of opportunity for students at VLGS and for people across the country who work with our graduates and our unique programs and centers,” Stephanie Clark, professor and the former director of VLGS’ Center for Justice Reform and the National Center on Restorative Justice, said.
“Our ability to infuse restorative justice principles and practices in Vermont and throughout the United States through research, education and training is directly attributable to Senator Leahy’s cumulative support during his time in Congress,” she added. “His commitment to humanity, lifting up voices of those who have experienced harm and calling for meaningful accountability for those responsible — maintaining dignity for all involved — is inspiring.”
Leahy, often thought of as the “father” of the national organic standards and labeling program, was a driving force behind state and national policies regarding agriculture and food systems.
“Senator Leahy's legacy is an inspiration to us all, reminding us of the power of perseverance, integrity and compassion in creating a more just and sustainable food system — and world,” Laurie Beyranevand, director of the VLGS Center for Agriculture and Food Systems, said.
The Patrick J. Leahy House, located at 164 Chelsea St. in South Royalton, houses the school’s registrar and offices for business, financial aid and career services.
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About Vermont Law and Graduate School: Vermont Law and Graduate School, a private, independent institution, is home to a Law School that offers fully ABA-accredited residential and online hybrid JD programs and a Graduate School that offers master’s degrees and certificates in multiple disciplines, including programs offered by the School for the Environment, the Center for Justice Reform, and other graduate-level programs emphasizing the intersection of environmental justice, social justice, legal studies and public policy. Both the Law and Graduate Schools strongly feature experiential clinical and field work learning. For more information, visit vermontlaw.edu, Facebook and Instagram.