Three judges to discuss justice and affirmative action Sept. 27

Federal Judges Joseph Tauro and Bruce Selya and Rhode Island Superior Court Judge Rogeriee Thompson will share views on affirmative action during "Justice for All: Affirmative Action and the American Ideal," a panel discussion taking place at 5 p.m. Monday, Sept. 27, 1999, in Starr Auditorium.

PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- A panel of distinguished judges will voice their opinions on one of America's most divisive issues - affirmative action. "Justice for All: Affirmative Action and the American Ideal" will feature Federal Judges Joseph Tauro and Bruce Selya along with Judge Rogeriee Thompson of the Rhode Island Superior Court sharing their views at 5 p.m. Monday, Sept. 27, 1999, in the Starr Auditorium of MacMillan Hall.

Tauro and Seyla have both ruled on the controversial Boston Latin School case, in which racial preference was considered for admission. They will talk about the philosophies and concepts behind their rulings, and Thompson, the first black female appointed to the Rhode Island Superior Court and a well-known advocate for educational and community improvement, also will voice her opinions.

Leading the discussion will be Nancy Rosenblum, professor of political science and director of the Robert Initiative for the Study of Values. The forum is free and open to the public, and is sponsored by the Campus Minority Affairs Committee.

Tauro (Class of 1953) was appointed judge for the U.S. District Court in 1972 and was chief judge from 1992 until January of this year. He has also been U.S. attorney for Massachusetts and chief legal counsel to the governor of Massachusetts.

A jurist of the U.S. Court of Appeals, First Circuit, since 1986, Selya also has served as an U.S. district judge for the District of Rhode Island. Additionally, he has served as chairman of the board of directors for Lifespan Health System and as a trustee of Bryant College.

Thompson (Class of 1973) is an associate justice with the Rhode Island Superior Court. She is currently on the board of the Rhode Island Children's Crusade and the Providence YMCA. In addition, she has served on the Attorney General's task force on domestic violence and as an honorary trustee of Bryant College.