For Immediate Release May 18, 2005

For More Information Contact: Jonna MacDougall, 317-274-1908 jkane1@iupui.edu

IU Law School Installs Portraits of Judges Marshall and Hastie

Law Professor Susanah Mead is shown with painting of Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall.

INDIANAPOLIS - Portraits of U.S. Circuit Judge William Henry Hastie and United States Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall were unveiled recently and hung on walls of the IU School of Law-Indianapolis.

Hastie was the first African American appointed as a federal judge. Marshall, the first African American appointed to the Supreme Court, successfully argued the Brown vs. Board of Education case which led to the integration of American public schools.

Professor Susanah Mead, who in June will take over as interim dean of the IU School of Law-Indianapolis, presided over the unveiling held last month at Inlow Hall on the Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis campus.

The portraits of Hastie and Marshall were chosen by a committee of faculty, staff and alumni who made recommendations of distinguished members of the legal community from underrepresented groups in the legal profession, in particular women and people of color.

"We are delighted to display these portraits of two great African American jurists. These are the first of several pictures of inspiring legal figures we plan to hang on our walls," Mead said. "It is extremely important that students and the community at large see diverse examples of successful legal professionals."

The portraits were placed on the third floor outside the Hall Render Killian Heath & Lyman Classroom, Room 385, and Barnes & Thornburg Classroom, Room 375. An official unveiling celebration will be held this fall. ###