Law – Center for Law, Engagement, and Politics

SHAIP Recognized during the 88th Texas Legislative Session

As Sine Die 88th Texas Legislative Session comes to close, SHAIP interns began to reflect on the end of their internships. Interns from Sam Houston State University have enjoyed the past five months in Austin working for legislators around the state. To commemorate their great work, SHAIP students were recognized on the House of Representatives and Senate floors by the Texas Legislature.

There was a bit of waiting around at the beginning…

…as the House appeared slow to rouse. But this gave us time for important conversations and work…

Rep. Armando “Mando” Martinez began the proceedings by introducing the House Resolution highlighting SHSU students’ “outstanding service to the Texas Legislature during this 88th legislative session.”

On a personal note, Rep. Martinez highlighted SHSU student Jayelynn Bordeaux as the intern working in his office.

The other representatives that attended were able to thank their interns personally as well. Rep. Will Metcalf took the opportunity to thank Yvette Mendoza for her hard work and following his support, offered an exultant “Go Bearkats.” (He is an SHSU alum!) Rep. Rafael Anchia…

…thanked Amor Sheffield and expressed how “proud [he is] of her service to our office and the state of Texas” while also noting how excited he was for her bright future.

Rep. Martinez finished the resolution by bringing to attention the work that Ashlyn Parker and Morgan Dawson are doing for Rep. J.M. Lozano and Rep. Senfronia Thompson, respectively.

With all the students enjoying some recognition in the end.

Afterward, students hustled to the Senate Gallery, where Senator Schwertner and Senator Hughes presented a resolution to recognize the Sam Houston Austin Internship Program.

Sen. Schwertner began the resolution by providing background on the SHAIP program and stating that “[e]ach of these students should be commended for their hard work and service to the State of Texas.”

He informed the Senate that three of the nine students had been working in Senator’s offices, five have been working in the House, and one student, Breanna Demyers, has been working for the Texas Association of Counties. Jesicca Cuevas and Morgan Robertson were highlighted by the Senator, as they have been working in his office during the session.

Sen. Schwertner emphasized their hard work and professionalism, thanking them profusely.

Senator Hughes then took the floor to extol the virtues of Ingrid Cuero. After noting that Ingrid was his “first SHSU intern,” he emphatically noted, “We want more!” He praised her for her kindness, work-ethic, and smile.

This summer, Ingrid will be continuing her education in politics working with US Congressman Sessions.

The recognition process can be lengthy, and it cuts into the work that the legislators can do, so we are very grateful to the House and Senate for taking time to recognize the hard work of SHSU students and the merits of the SHAIP Program.

We are also very grateful for our students, who are putting late hours for 140 days, about six weeks longer than a regular semester!

The LEAP Center would like to thank Scott Jenkines, Chief of Staff for Armando “Mando” Martinez. Mr. Jenkines has been a great mentor to dozens of interns, and he has helped place SHSU interns since the program’s inception.

Covering the World with Ioan Grillo (and the World Affairs Council)

By Michelle Cardenas

LEAP students enjoyed another amazing World Affairs Council event, this one featuring author and journalist: Ioan Grillo. During this event, SHSU students and alumni had the opportunity to learn about Grillo and his most recent book titled “Blood, Gun, Money”.

Specializing in crime and drug cartels in Mexico, Grillo delivered an informative and thought-provoking run-down of the drug war the United States is currently battling.

After a brief introduction by Jahan Jafarpour…

…Ioan Grillo and moderator Ronan O’Malley took the stage. The conversation began with a striking question about the fentanyl crisis and its effect on Americans. Grillo explained how fentanyl is one of the deadliest synthetic drugs on the market, and how its potency can be fatal at minuscule doses. Due to its cheap production costs and easy transportation across the border, fentanyl has become extremely accessible and profitable.

Grillo went on to explain how America is experiencing a revolution of illegal drugs that’s killing thousands of people. He compares the current drug revolution to the crack epidemic that took place in the late 1980’s. According to Grillo’s data, the number of current overdoses on Fentanyl is 21 times higher than the number of overdoses on record for 1988, the peak of the crack epidemic. He then discussed the multi-faceted conditions that allow such a crisis, such as corruption in Mexican officials and the strong presence of organized crime.

Ioan Grillo spent much of time discussing the Mexican cartel and its impact on civilians and the United States. A concerning point in this discussion was the amount of heavy weaponry transported to Mexico from the United States. According to Grillo, many gun traffickers have easy access to weapons here in the United States, which they purchase without a paper trail. Due to the violence and cartel wars that have erupted, the journalist mentioned the possibility of naming the different Mexican cartels as foreign terrorist organizations. However, many issues could arise, one of which is the justification of asylum on the border. He concluded by assuring us that the war on drugs and violence is just now beginning, and that the only way to stop this war is government involvement and strict policies.

The conversation then moved on to a Q&A session, where many interesting topics were discussed. Olivia, a fellow LEAP Ambassador, asked a question about the media’s role in raising awareness of drug crises.

We each then had the pleasure to speak to Ioan Grillo after the event and get our books signed…

…as well as learn a little more about his approach to reaching a resolution to end this drug epidemic we are witnessing.

To fit the theme of tonight’s event and the region primarily discussed, we headed to Ninfa’s; a restaurant specializing in Mexican cuisine. We all enjoyed traditional Mexican dishes, including tacos al pastor, mole, and enchiladas de carnitas. Everyone was extremely satisfied with their dishes and enjoyed their flavorful entrees.

This was a great opportunity to get to know SHSU alumni (Victoria McClendon-Leggett and Bianca Saldierna), meet with new students who haven’t done many LEAP events, as well as learn more about the pressing issues affecting our country’s health.

Closing out the Semester with Pre-Law

By McKenna Nonnenmann

For the last meeting of the 22-23 school year, the Pre-Law Society members had a lot of fun in-store. We put our knowledge and luck to the test and showed our true competitive sides. This week we held a crossword competition regarding our law history and vocabulary. Whoever won would receive $250 scholarships!

The air was tense as we rushed to see who would complete the puzzle first. Questions included: Who is the current Chief Justice of the US Supreme Court? What is a first-year law student called? Which test is required to get into law school?

We all laughed as we guessed on how to spell certain words, and picked our brains for answers. Caleb Carrig, Rylee Smith, Jessica Hernandez, and Natalie Bradford prevailed and each won a scholarship. The puzzle was fun, but showed that we all have a lot left to learn! We should also probably practice our spelling. We even held a drawing for the members for another chance to win another scholarship. Chistina Biello and Cinthia Villarreal won, how lucky!

As it was the last meeting of the 22-23 year, we had to bid our seniors goodbye. Five of our members, Jacelin Daniel, Jessica Hernandez, Daniela Hernandez and Jesus Ayala received their chords to wear with pride as they walk the stage to graduation. We wish them all well as they move forward on their law school path.

As a final note, we also created a planning committee for the fall, when we hope to have a major speaker come in, as well as an attorney, law-school deans, and an activity of our own!

Clinical Psychology Program Offers Unique Courtroom Simulation

Sam Houston State University professionals in the fields of Law and Forensic Psychology joined together to present an experiential learning experience for Clinical Psychology Ph.D. students enrolled in the Forensic Assessment course taught by Dr. Mary Alice Conroy, Distinguished Professor of Psychology and Director of Clinical Training. In this unique collaboration, Ph.D. students practiced presenting their professional opinions as expert witnesses in a simulated hearing to determine the competency of a criminal defendant to stand trial. Dr. Gene Roberts, Associate Dean of Students and Director of the Student Legal and Mediation Services Center, cross-examined the student expert witnesses.

At the first simulated hearing, Hannah Benemann testified as the forensic expert, while fellow Ph.D. student Hadley McCartin conducted the direct examination. Ms. Benemann began her testimony by explaining the legal standard to determine competency to stand trial. She provided details from her expert report to explain her findings regarding the defendant’s competency. During his cross-examination, Dr. Roberts asked intense questions of the expert in order to provide the Trier of Fact, the Judge, with the most accurate information to make a determination of competency to stand trial.

The process continued with the second simulated hearing in which Alison Concannon was the expert witness and Inneke Vargas handled the direct exam. At the last hearing, the expert witness was Kennedy Anderson, and Sarah Hernandez asked the questions on direct exam. The other three students in the Forensics Psychology course, Brianna Davis, Kayla Spenard, and Aislinn Tansey, will participate in a future simulated hearing.

Dr. Roberts has assisted in this learning experience for the past ten years. At these simulated hearings, Dr. Roberts changes his cross-examination approach for each student so that the entire class is exposed to a gamut of questioning strategies. By both showcasing different techniques to cross-examine an expert witness and providing incisive feedback and advice to each of the Forensic Psychology Ph.D. students, Dr. Roberts hopes to provide the students an idea of what they will experience as an expert witness in forensic psychology.

Many thanks to Dr. Gene Roberts and Dr. Conroy for allowing LEAP students to observe this unique and innovative academic exercise!

Diversifying Perspectives and Learning Leadership

by Olivia Discon

This week, thanks to SHSU’s Luzi Espinoza and Dr. Rachel Valle, we had the privilege to attend the Diversity First Conference & Training, held from April 24th to April 27th. The virtual conference consisted of several presentations from professionals who are committed to improving diversity in the workplace and the conversations surrounding how to responsibly and effectively have these conversations.

There were many courses and workshops on the conduct of an inclusive professional environment, such as Leading With Emotional Intelligence, Anti-Racism 101, and Cultural Competence. Many of these courses emphasized the concepts of allyship, inclusivity, and understanding of other cultures. As students entering the professional domain, we will need a full understanding of the value of diverse voices are and how they contribute to efficient, innovative, and welcoming spaces.

While we thoroughly enjoyed all of the presentations we watched, we particularly enjoyed Empathy 101 by Dr. Aires Davis, and Ally-ship DEI Measurements by Al Sullivan. Both sessions stressed the importance of self awareness and listening to others. They were engaging and initiated thought-provoking discussions throughout their presentations.

On Wednesday morning, we joined Professor Mike Yawn, Stephanie Fors, and Sarah-Hope Carter for a group session regarding microaggressions in the workplace.

Led by Al Sullivan, the course gave an in-depth explanation of what a microaggression may look like and how to respond to one.

In order to make effective change outside of identification, Sullivan provided a feedback model for conversations amongst professional peers. We appreciate the acknowledgement that micro-aggressions, while unintentional, are a natural response from our personal biases; and it is only through a conscious effort to unlearn them that we are able to transcend discriminatory behavior.

We are very grateful to have the opportunity to attend the Diversity First Conference. Through the courses, we have learned (and unlearned) practices to ensure an inclusive environment in the professional scope. Many thanks to Dr. Valle and Ms. Espinoza and SHSU for this opportunity!

Around the World with CIA Director Bill Burns

By Olivia Discon

Following LEAP’s visit last week to the Bush School of Government and Public Service, where current FBI Director Christopher Wray spoke on current affairs, we returned to hear the Director of the CIA, Bill Burns, speak on his perspective on international matters and his efforts in transforming the CIA to meet the constantly shifting challenges in the 21st century.

Bill Burns has a distinguished career in foreign service, having worked for over three decades in the US Department of State. He has served in various diplomatic posts around the world, including as Ambassador to Russia, Jordan, and NATO. Appointed by President Joe Biden in 2021, Bill Burns is highly regarded as an expert in foreign policy and national security.

Hundreds of people gathered in the auditorium of the Annenberg Presidential Conference Center. The audience was filled with students, veterans, A&M alumni, Bush School faculty and staff, and CIA operatives. Former CIA Intelligence Officer (and current Bush School faculty) Greg Vogle was an able moderator, not only creating an open dialogue for candid conversations, but also able to guide the audience into a deeper understanding of CIA operations and their importance.

And, we caught a glimpse of former Chief of Counterintelligence at CIA and Professor of the Practice Emeritus at The Bush School, Jim Olson.

Bill Burns spoke at large about the tensions with other international superpowers, Russia and China, and the key components of the threats to the United States. In a world of ever-evolving technology, the precedents to combat cybersecurity threats are also constantly changing. The CIA is rising to meet these challenges and others by creating new missions centers (one for technology, one with a focus on China, improving private sector partnerships, and attempting to address some of the supply-chain and other global issues affecting us all. He also invited those with a call to public service, a sense of patriotism, to consider the CIA–a career and a family.

To recapitulate: With the support of the United States and other allies, Ukraine has shown Russia that they do not possess the means of strength to dominate NATO, let alone a small neighboring country; For China, that same war has shown the potential consequences of economic sanctions and the strength of international institutions, such as the UN, in resolving conflicts. (China, which has faced its own territorial disputes with neighboring countries, may be increasingly concerned about the potential for similar conflicts to escalate into full-scale wars.) While Burns did not sugarcoat the severity of these issues, he did provide a tone of considerable experience, most likely the greatest form of comfort in matters such as these.

The weight of the international threats facing the United States was palpable, but so was the reassurance that comes from hearing from a man of such distinguished experience. Despite the severity of the issues discussed, Burns’ tone was one of calm and measured consideration. It was a reminder that, even in a world of constant change and shifting threats, there are those who possess the wisdom and experience to help guide us through the challenges ahead, those who are patriots, who do quality work. As the event came to a close, the audience left with a renewed appreciation for the complexities of international affairs and the importance of continued engagement and dialogue in order to ensure our nation’s safety and security.

Texas’s Newest Attorney: Victoria McClendon

Victoria McClendon attended law school in Pennsylvania (Duquesne Law), but her score on the Universal Bar Exam afforded her the opportunity to practice in 40-plus states, and she chose Texas. Following graduation from law school, passing the bar exam, and completing her “character and fitness” paperwork, McClendon asked Judge David Moorman to swear her in, officially marking her passage to full attorney.

With a small crowd of family, friends, a LEAP Ambassador, and Judge Tracy Sorensen on hand, Judge Moorman read the oath to Victoria, who managed to repeat perfectly.

What followed was a slew of photos and many words of encouragement from Judge Moorman. Congratulations Victoria and good luck with the Bruman Law Group!

Former Attorney General and Law School Dean, Alberto Gonzales, Speaks to LEAP Students

Sam Houston State University students were given the opportunity to meet Alberto Gonzales, former Attorney General and White House Counsel for President George W. Bush, thanks to Col. David Yebra, who brings in Gonzales each year as part of a leadership program.

The program began with a video providing an overview of Gonzales’s life and career, which Gonzales then elaborated on in person.

Several themes struck a chord, including Gonzales’s background–his parents, for example, had almost no formal education, a point that resonated with several of our students. Judge Gonzales also passionately described the need for capable people to fill public service jobs. He noted that as a law-school dean, he not only looked for students who would be successful for private firms, but also emerge as leaders in the public sector.

Interestingly, we paused our discussion with Judge Gonzales for him to do an interview with a Canadian broadcasting company; Gonzales was in high demand: former President Trump had just been indicted, and people wanted the former AG’s opinion.

Students asked several questions, ranging from what he took from his upbringing (Michelle C.) to whether Laura Bush was as a sweet as she seemed to be (Sarah-Hope C.).

Judge Gonzales gave Pre-Law students also offered advice to students hoping to go to law school, from what to include on personal statements, the best application strategies, and a bit of information about Belmont Law, where Gonzales serves as Dean.

As thanks for joining us, Professor Yawn gave a copy of High Noon: The Hollywood Blacklist and the Making of an American Classic. Interestingly, the movie, High Noon, has been screened more times than any other film in the White House.

Judge Gonzales was also so kind as to sign a copy of his book True Faith and Allegiance for Samantha Whittaker, a freshman and aspiring attorney.

The event was inspirational and educational, and we offer many thanks to both Col. Yebra and Judge Gonzales for spending time with us.

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