On Thursday, May 29, 2025, from 4:30 PM to 8:00 PM at the Sherman Function Hall, Hassenfeld Conference Center, The Heller School for Social Policy and Management celebrated its 65th Anniversary. This milestone was commemorated with a speech by University Professor and David R. Porkross Professor of Law and Social Policy, Anita Hill, J.D., who discussed the role of U.S. judges in executive orders implemented by President Trump’s administration—specifically, how policymakers, courts, and institutions can stand against these injustices to prevent a further constitutional crisis.
When we talk about the Constitution, we refer to the supreme law of the land—the document that embodies the people’s ideals, as reflected in the famous opening words of the Preamble: “We the People.” The United States operates under a republican form of government with three branches—executive, legislative, and judicial—each structured with checks and balances to ensure that no branch exceeds its authority. In a democracy, derived from the Greek words demos (people) and kratos (power), meaning “rule of the people,” the government exists to serve its citizens—not the other way around. To exercise our agency and collective power, we must first understand these principles and equip ourselves with the right tools to fight injustice.
Recognizing the power we hold as the people is only possible through education, which now faces challenges under the current administration. The executive order Improving Education Outcomes by Empowering Parents, States, and Communities, signed on March 20, 2025, signals an effort to dismantle the Department of Education. Anita Hill warns, “Knowledge production and the type of knowledge that is being taught in our schools is light-washing our history [as a nation].”
Furthermore, on May 22, 2025, U.S. District Judge Myong Joun issued an injunction, ordering the reinstatement of workers laid off in March—demonstrating the judiciary’s role in mitigating the constitutional crisis. These rulings remind us that the system of checks and balances remains vital in safeguarding democracy.
Hill concluded her speech with a powerful call to action, using Harry Belafonte’s iconic song, The Banana Boat Song (Day-O), as a metaphor. This Jamaican call-and-response work song illustrates the struggle of laborers working overnight to load bananas, longing for daylight so their efforts can be acknowledged and they can return home. Hill framed the song as a symbol of the fight against systemic racism, emphasizing that knowledge remains one of the most powerful tools in advancing social justice.
The night continued with a tribute to interim dean Maria Madison, recognizing her exceptional leadership in guiding Heller through tumultuous times of change and uncertainty with strength and grace. It was heartwarming to hear her predecessor, former dean David Weil, speak about Dean Madison with admiration and appreciation. Before assuming her current role, Madison served as associate dean, implementing anti-discriminatory policies, later becoming the director of the Institute for Economic and Racial Equity. Throughout her career, her kindness, ability to listen, and exceptional leadership skills have shone through, making her a remarkable presence in Heller’s history and an inspiring example for future generations.
Dean Madison will conclude her term on June 30, 2025, beginning a six-month sabbatical after three years of dedicated work and immeasurable achievements.
The evening concluded with a celebratory dinner and opportunities to network with current students, notable alumni, faculty, staff, and former Heller deans, including Lisa Lynch.
Overall, as students striving to be the leaders of tomorrow, it is inspiring to hear from those shaping the world today. Opportunities like this do not come often, making it crucial to embrace them—because moments like these may spark experiences that shape our future and inspire change.