Since I was young, I’ve always been ‘political’, if strongly believing that everyone is entitled to basic human rights is deemed as such. Initially, my interest was only in criminology, with a focus on dismantling and reforming the criminal (in)justice system to be more rehabilitative rather than punitive. However, while exploring the history of our (in)justice system, I realized the changes necessary go beyond the system itself. Education, housing, affordability, trauma, these impact the increasing incarceration rates. I recognized that the best way to properly address all systemic issues was through policy. Since then, I have been tailoring my education and career path towards civil rights law and legislative work, particularly through the lens of racial justice. In each of the areas I mentioned above, racial minorities have been and remained historically disadvantaged and it’s gone on far too long. I want to end these disparities and provide opportunity and justice for all.

At ten years old, I moved across the world without knowing a word of English. It was a true sink-or-swim moment, compelling me to adapt quickly. Within a couple of months, I'd not only taught myself the language but was also navigating society's expectations about who I should be, what friends to have, and how to act. These experiences were incredibly formative, revealing how often systems aren't built with people like me in mind, and how easily marginalized voices can get lost. After graduating college, I knew I wanted to pursue legal work specifically to help close those gaps. Social inequities aren't just theoretical; they're painfully real in every courtroom and every client interaction.

I’ve been passionate about exploring how racism within policy has affected people throughout history since learning about the many communities today still impacted by racist policies within local and higher governments. I hold on to the American belief of liberty and justice for all, and I hope I’m able to help make a dent in the current actions taken by our government towards minority groups. Discussing these issues with others from different and similar backgrounds is something I am looking forward to. I expect to gain new perspectives and ideas from my peers in this program, as well as making many new connections. Currently, I’m a humanities major with a minor in political science, and I hope this program allows me to navigate those subjects with grace. This opportunity to get involved is something I have been waiting for, and I’m looking forward to this experience.

I think that if I have the ability and passion to make a difference, then that is my duty. As a Middle Eastern woman attending law school in the United States, I make a choice every day regarding my identity. I choose to be outspoken. For me, education was the key. During my undergraduate studies, I took a class in race, ethnicity, and inequality. This course built my confidence and showed me that racial inequality, domestic and international, runs deep. Since then, I have decided to engage in work that humanizes communities that face discrimination and work that displays the richness and beauty of diversity firsthand.

Zion Lampley is a second-year, first generation law student at Stetson University College of Law. His interest in racial justice work is shaped by lived experience and a personal fight to end racial injustice. As someone who has seen firsthand how systemic inequality impacts the Black community, Zion is committed to using his voice and legal education to advocate for meaningful change. He has participated in several community events centered on civic engagement and previously served on a social justice panel discussing solutions for advancing equity, including one alongside Dr. Cornel West. Zion believes racial justice work is not just important, it’s necessary and he hopes to be part of a generation of advocates who challenge systems of oppression through law and policy.