The Center for Applied Human Rights and the International Law Society at Vermont Law School will present "The Odds of Justice," a talk by American University Professor Mary Gray on the role of statistical analysis in building legal cases and in developing effective strategies to address human rights violations. Gray's talk, at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 23, in Yates Common Room at VLS, is free and open to the public and press.
A statistician and lawyer, Gray has been using statistical analysis to assist Syrian refugees as part of a project funded by the American Bar Association and the U.S. Department of State. She is also engaged in projects on human rights in Iraq.
"Concerned about 'alternative facts'?" asked Professor Stephanie Farrior, director of the Center for Applied Human Rights. "Want to learn what went into developing on-the-ground data collection to help Syrian refugees in Lebanon where there are no government-run refugee camps? Interested in how a lawyer and statistician analyzes data to address race and sex discrimination? And what the author of an article titled 'Lies and Statistics: A Mathematician Reflects on Moral Leadership' has to say?"
"If yes, join us as we welcome Professor Gray to Vermont Law School for a discussion of how she uses statistical analysis in developing effective strategies in the aid of Syrian refugees and in human rights challenges around the world," Farrior said.
According to Gray, having data makes it is easier to bring the perpetrators of human rights violations to justice.
"Without the data all you have is an opinion," Gray said. "If there is data it makes it easier to take action."
Gray earned her doctorate from the University of Kansas and juris doctor (JD) from the Washington College of Law, American University. She has more than 100 publications in the fields of statistics, law, mathematics, economics, and education. She also reviews operas, plays, films and mysteries related to mathematics. Founder of the Association for Women in Mathematics and a fellow of the American Statistical Association, the American Mathematical Society, and the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), Gray is the recipient of a Presidential Award for Excellence in STEM Mentoring and several honorary doctorates. She is chair of the Board of Directors of American Middle East Education (AMIDEAST), past chair of Amnesty International's U.S. section, and former member of Amnesty's international board.
For more information about "The Odds of Justice" with Mary Gray, email Miranda Jensen JD'18, International Law Society communications and fundraising chair, at MirandaJensen@vermontlaw.edu.
The Center for Applied Human Rights at Vermont Law School provides opportunities for research and advocacy training on cutting-edge issues in human rights law and policy. The center's student fellows hone their skills and deepen their understanding of international law as they engage in projects with nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) and intergovernmental organizations (IGOs). The center also serves as a focal point for human rights-related events at the law school. For more information, visit vermontlaw.edu/academics/centers-and-programs/center-for-applied-human-rights.
The International Law Society at Vermont Law School is a student group dedicated to learning and promoting international law, as well as fundraising and raising awareness for important international causes. For more information, follow the ILS on Facebook and Twitter.
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