Center to engage students, scholars and practitioners in education, research and projects that promote respect for human rights with a focus on prevention and justice for victims of atrocities as well as refugee rights
In a major step toward advancing justice worldwide, the USC Gould School of Law has received a $5 million gift from noted philanthropists, the Gilbert family, to establish a new academic and advocacy center — focused on training future human rights attorneys and strengthening international laws and institutions for protecting human rights. The Center is named after Donna and Spencer Gilbert, longstanding members of the USC community and parents of five USC alumni.
The Donna and Spencer Gilbert Global Justice and Human Rights Center will engage students, scholars and practitioners in education, research and policy work that promote an enduring respect for human rights. Drawing on the lessons and legacy of the Nuremberg Charter and Tribunal, the Gilbert Center’s projects and programming will operate at the forefront of international law, while preventing the spread of antisemitism, racism and all forms of xenophobia and persecution around the world.
“The Gilbert family’s vision and support will create a lasting legacy, one that advances justice, protects human rights and upholds the rule of law in communities everywhere,” said USC Gould Dean Franita Tolson. “This marks an exciting new chapter for the law school. The new Center will serve as a cornerstone of our global mission, fostering research, advocacy and education that reflect a profound commitment to fairness and human dignity.”
Donna Gilbert noted, “We are deeply honored to establish a Center that will empower future generations of lawyers and scholars to champion human rights around the world. Our family’s vision is to make the world better, more peaceful and more just, in every way we can.”
Inspiring Students, Improving Lives
Under the leadership of Professor Hannah Garry, a renowned international criminal law expert, Fulbright Scholar and human rights advocate, the gift will fund a Center that serves as the focal point for training and research around human rights law, both nationally and internationally.
The Center’s core pillars will be the International Human Rights Clinic, established in 2011 by Garry, to engage student attorneys in real life cases and advocacy, along with the brand-new Justice and Accountability Initiative, whose projects include documenting war crimes, crimes against humanity, genocide and aggression; strategic litigation; and drafting legal instruments for progressive development of international law. The Center also plans to launch a distinguished lecture series and human rights fellowship program, as well as partner with global organizations dedicated to human rights, refugee protection and international criminal justice.
“Advocating for human rights and our shared humanity is not only important but essential in our world today,” Garry said. “Our focus is on preparing tomorrow’s human rights lawyers and leaders, advancing critical thought leadership, and shaping life-changing policies and programs that promote prevention, accountability and transitional justice for impacted individuals and groups worldwide. With the support of the Gilbert family, I look forward to bringing the dynamic vision for this Center to life.”
Among its unique learning opportunities, the Gilbert Center will establish a new summer program in affiliation with the Howard A. Kaiman “Nuremberg to The Hague” summer abroad program, in which participating students will visit key sites in Poland and Germany to learn about the history of the Holocaust, the Nuremberg Tribunal and modern international criminal justice and human rights law. In addition, the Center will engage with institutional partners across USC for inter-disciplinary educational, research and community collaborations.
Trojan Family Values
Both Donna and Spencer Gilbert have deep roots at USC. Donna attended the university, while Spencer, a U.S. military veteran and esteemed medical pathologist, previously served on the faculty at the Keck School of Medicine of USC prior to his passing in 2006. Of their six children, five graduated from USC (Sam Gilbert ’89, Jerry Gilbert ’90, Stacey Gilbert Sharp ’92, Julie R. Gilbert ’94 Stanford, David Gilbert ’98, and Daniel Gilbert ’98). All of their children share Donna’s and Spencer’s passion for improving people’s lives around the globe, especially vulnerable individuals and families facing violence and injustice.
“Through the Gilbert family’s extraordinary commitment to advance human rights, this vital new Center will serve as an academic leader in the pursuit of justice and the rule of law — values that lie at the heart of our law school,” Tolson said.
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