The case was Emory v. Nash, and the men in question were Henry L. Bowden 32C 34L 59H and Ben F. Johnson Jr. 36C 40L 05H. The conflicting tax code issue at the heart of the case would rise to the Georgia Supreme Court, and in offering possible solutions, Bowden and Johnson would provide the court an opportunity to quietly integrate private education in Georgia.

It is a powerful example of how the law can lead to social change. Following the decision, African American students were allowed to enroll and graduate from Emory University.

Emory Law has a distinguished national reputation for helping change the face of legal education and the profession. It is a legacy we are proud to continue.

We consistently rank among the most diverse law schools in the country. Nearly one third of our student body is made up of students from under represented groups. Two years ago, Emory Law created the Office of Diversity and Community Initiatives and appointed our first chief diversity officer.

Today, we continue to help our students build community and embrace the strength of their differences, and explore how those differences can bridge divides among races, nationalities, sexual orientation and financial circumstances. As dean, I am proud of the history and tradition left to us by our insightful and courageous leaders.

As the legal market continues to adapt to the challenges of this new economy, our students face uncertain prospects. We must prepare them for more than practice; we must prepare them to graduate and make an immediate impact in whatever career path they choose.

We must ensure that an outstanding Emory legal education is attainable for all qualified students; that we continue to recruit an outstanding and diverse class each year and that we give our students the tools they need to become successful lawyers.

This is the enduring legacy of Henry L. Bowden and Dean Ben Johnson, and it is our challenge today.

David F. Partlett
Dean and Asa Griggs Candler Professor of Law