Letitia James, who became the New York State attorney general in January 2019 after 15 years as an elected official in New York City, has joined the SIPA faculty for spring 2021 to teach a course on policing and policy.
James’s service as the state’s top lawyer represents several firsts for New York. In November 2018 she became the first woman elected as attorney general and the first Black woman to win statewide office. Upon taking office she became the first Black person to serve as attorney general in New York.
At SIPA, James is the inaugural William S. Beinecke Visiting Professor, a position that was established in December 2020 to support a scholar or practitioner with a focus on public policy.
“We are pleased to welcome Attorney General Letitia James to the SIPA faculty,” said Dean Merit E. Janow. “SIPA has long provided its students with the special insights of both scholars and practitioners. It is exciting to welcome one of New York’s trailblazing public officials to teach on an issue of such vital concern.”
“I am honored to return to SIPA and engage with the next generation of thought leaders in New York,” said Attorney General James who first came to Columbia for SIPA's EMPA program where she will now teach. “Reimagining the role of police in society is one of the most pressing issues we face, and I am eager to continue the work on how best to rebuild trust in our communities and ensure justice is served for everyone.”
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