Get into the discussion at BYU Law with BYU Lawreads, a new program that features a book-of-the-semester meant to reflect on the role of law in human affairs. The primary goal of BYU Lawreads is to initiate deeper reflection on the role of law in human affairs. With that in mind, the book for this semester is Devil in the Grove: Thurgood Marshall, the Groveland Boys, and the Dawn of a New America. To close out this event, a panel of experts will come to host a discussion of the work and the issues it addresses.
Why Devil in the Grove
Various books were considered in this decision; however, after the tragic events that took place in Charlottesville on 12 August 2017, BYU Law felt that this book would be enriching given the current circumstances. The Law School teaches and strongly believes in freedom of thought and conscience, and claims that right in teaching the “laws of men in light of the laws of God.” The freedom of thought and conscience that BYU Law holds dear does not require that students are taught to embrace a moral relativism that cripples them in the face of hate rhetoric and racism.
BYU Law hopes that learning more about the role of lawyers, like Thurgood Marshall, as leaders in solving deeply rooted, complex societal problems will help students engage both intellectually and emotionally with the current crisis of racism and intolerance that has been highlighted by the violence in Charlottesville.
How to Participate
Students who wish to participate should obtain a copy of this book and begin thoughtfully reading it. Feel free to take notes on topics, themes, and rhetoric that you find meaningful. Be sure to share these insights at the discussion panel that will be held November 17 at 12:00 noon. If you have any questions regarding this event, please contact Marie Kulbeth.
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