CELEBRATING THE AUWCL CLASS OF 2026
Congressman Jamie Raskin encouraged graduates to defend democracy, uphold justice and lead with courage
BY KEITH PIERCE
American University Washington College of Law celebrated the Class of 2026
on Saturday, May 16, honoring graduates entering the legal profession at a pivotal moment for democracy, justice and the rule of law.
Delivering the commencement address was U.S. Representative Jamie Raskin, ranking member of the House Judiciary Committee, former AUWCL constitutional law professor, and co- founder of the Marshall-Brennan Constitutional Literacy Project.
Returning to a campus where he taught for 25 years, Raskin reflected on his long
26 THE ADVOCATE FALL 2026
history with AUWCL and challenged graduates to recognize the responsibility they now carry as lawyers.
“Every part of the Constitution just sits there on paper, waiting for a citizen or lawyer to come along and make it real,” Raskin told graduates. “The law in 2026 will only be as strong as your understanding of it, your physical and mental energy to engage with it, and above all, your moral and existential courage to fight for it.”
Throughout his remarks, Raskin emphasized that law is not self-executing and urged graduates to become active defenders of justice, constitutional democracy and freedom.
Interim Dean Heather Hughes reminded graduates that AUWCL was founded by women during the fight for enfranchisement and has spent 130 years preparing advocates committed to justice and the rule of law.
“The rule of law lives in people,” Hughes said. “It is an abstract concept that becomes real through the actions of people committed to law-based values.”
Hughes encouraged graduates to rely on one another throughout their careers and welcomed them into AUWCL’s more than 22,000-member alumni community, emphasizing that the relationships formed at AUWCL would continue to inform and inspire them long aſter graduation.
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