On February 2, 2026, Burns Chair Kristen Clarke hosted Elie Mystal, lawyer, advocate, and journalist, for a spirited discussion of his book Bad Law: Ten Popular Laws That Are Ruining America, examining how voting laws, immigration statutes, and constitutional doctrine structure inequality in the United States at CUNY School of Law.
Their discussion unpacked why voter registration laws impede inclusive democracy, how immigration law has become a “Kafkaesque administrative system” built to exclude, and the role of journalists and lawyers in naming how “bad laws” don’t fail by accident—they succeed by design. For students, alumni, faculty, staff, and special guests in the room, the conversation made clear that speaking truth to power, whether from the courtroom or the press, requires accuracy, accountability, and accepting risk.
The event was followed by a book signing with Elie Mystal, with free copies gof his book given to students and alumni.
The program was facilitated by this year’s new Faculty Co-Chairs, Professors Marbré Stahly-Butts and John Whitlow, and generously made possible through support from Senator Jamaal T. Bailey ’12, Assemblymember Rebecca Seawright ’92, the New York State Legislature, as well as the contributions of family, friends, and CUNY Law community members who first established the program. Their support ensures CUNY Law can bring distinguished voices to the community and continue to highlight critical civil and human rights issues.