Howard University School of Law Launches Howard Law AI Initiative; Roy L. Austin, Jr. named Director
WASHINGTON D.C.– Howard University School of Law has named Roy L. Austin, Jr. as the inaugural director of its newly established Howard Law Artificial Intelligence Initiative, a groundbreaking initiative focused on ethical AI innovation and civil rights law.
The Initiative is supported by a significant gift to Howard University School of Law and will serve as a technology incubator with a unique mission: to develop artificial intelligence solutions that advance civil and human rights, justice, fairness, and the rule of law. Students, faculty and alumni from the law school and across the university will collaborate to design and incubate AI ventures that address some of today’s most pressing social justice challenges.
“For too long, AI development has happened without meaningful input from those who understand the real-world impact of massive technological change,” said Austin. “The Howard Law AI Initiative will ensure that all communities have a seat at the table to build AI with justice as its North Star.”
Austin, a nationally recognized civil rights attorney and policy leader, brings deep experience at the intersection of law, technology and equity. He served as Deputy Assistant Attorney General in the U.S. Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division, and was later appointed by President Obama as Deputy Assistant to the President for the Domestic Policy Council. Austin also has been a partner at two major law firms and has taught at law schools. As director, he will lead the Initiative’s efforts to ensure AI systems are developed with a focus on civil liberties and equal access to justice.
Dean Roger A. Fairfax, Jr. shared, “The Howard Law Artificial Intelligence Initiative represents a critical step in bridging emerging technologies and the law. Through interdisciplinary collaboration, it will advance Howard University School of Law’s leadership in shaping ethical frameworks for technological innovation. We are thrilled by this investment in Howard Law, and are proud to welcome Roy Austin, a nationally recognized expert in this area, to spearhead this important initiative.”
About Howard University School of Law
Founded in 1869, Howard University School of Law is one of the oldest law schools in the United States and the oldest historically Black law school. The institution has a distinguished legacy of training social engineers who use their skills to advance justice and equality. Howard Law is known for producing legal professionals committed to addressing civil rights, racial justice, and the needs of underserved communities.