Steven M. Polan Fellowship in Constitutional Law and History! Apply Now!
The Brennan Center for Justice at NYU School of Law is a nonpartisan law and policy institute that seeks to improve the systems of democracy and justice in the United States. We work to hold our political institutions and laws accountable to the American ideals of democracy and equal justice for all. Among our core priorities, we fight to protect voting rights, end mass incarceration, strengthen checks and balances, and preserve constitutional protection in the fight against terrorism. Part think tank, part advocacy group, part cutting-edge communications hub, we start with rigorous research. We craft innovative policies. And we fight for them — in Congress and the states, the courts, and in the court of public opinion.
The Center will launch a new fellowship program in 2024 aimed at enhancing public understanding and appreciation of the meaning and promise of the United States Constitution. The Steven M. Polan Fellowship in Constitutional Law and History will support outstanding individuals – including legal practitioners, advocates, scholars, and other experts in constitutional law and history – to spur urgently needed debate over the proper understanding of our Constitution at this crucial moment, when new approaches to constitutional interpretation including originalism, incubated by the conservative legal movement over the past half century, have gained traction in the courts. These projects may include conducting legal and historical research, publishing original writing, crafting amicus briefs, organizing symposia and public events, spearheading public education projects, and other activities as appropriate.
Selection Criteria and Application Process
The Steven M. Polan Fellowship is open both to experienced individuals with a proven track record of achievement and expertise and to people at earlier stages of their careers who demonstrate the potential to develop into leaders in their field.
Each year, the Brennan Center will appoint up to four Steven M. Polan Fellows, dedicated to educating the public and advancing new thinking on issues of constitutional law and history, animated by the Constitution’s enduring core values.
Candidates for the Fellowship will propose projects related to one or more of the following program goals:
- Advancing a vision of constitutional law and history based on a principled historical account of the Constitution’s evolution over time, rooted in its promise of democratic self-governance with justice and equality for all.
- Critiquing the use of originalism as a method of constitutional interpretation and countering the selective use and misuse of history in originalist arguments, including its application in specific cases and issue areas.
- Identifying and evaluating alternative theories of interpretation that are better suited to advancing the Constitution’s fundamental purposes: strengthening democracy, upholding the rule of law, guaranteeing liberty and equality, providing effective governance, and ensuring the continuity of our basic law over time. Proposals may also focus on state courts and constitutions as laboratories for the advancement of better approaches to constitutional interpretation and adjudication.
- Developing compelling historical narratives that can enhance public understanding of the story of the Constitution, from its initial framing as a profoundly visionary yet deeply flawed plan of government through its progressive evolution, including by amendments, that made it more democratic, more inclusive, and better suited to the needs of a changing country.
We are keenly interested in projects that include advocacy components that contribute to efforts to build a truly inclusive, multiracial democracy. We also welcome projects related to the upcoming 250th anniversaries of the Declaration of Independence, Articles of Confederation, and early state constitutions.
These nonresident, part-time fellowships will be one year in duration, beginning in 2024 on a date to be determined. Fellows will be awarded compensation in the form of stipends ranging from $30,000 to $60,000 per year, depending on the scope of the project. For the duration of their fellowships, the Steven M. Polan Fellows will have access to the Brennan Center’s institutional resources and opportunities to collaborate with staff and leadership to advance the organization’s strategic priorities, including ongoing projects related to jurisprudential development and court reform.
The Brennan Center is committed to advancing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the workplace. We continuously work with our staff to find new ways to increase diversity and to build and cultivate an inclusive and equitable work environment, where everyone can be their true self and feel a strong sense of belonging. As such, we seek to hire employees who have a commitment to and/or experience with diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Proposals are due by February 15, 2024. To apply, please visit >>HERE<< and upload a copy of your cover letter, resume, and proposal, which should be a short description of your potential project (no more than 5 pages). We prefer applications to be submitted through our website. If you have difficulty uploading these items, e-mail them to [email protected] with “Steven M. Polan Fellowship in Constitutional Law and History” in the subject line.
To apply and for more details, refer here
