Youth Justice Education Clinic

The Youth Justice Education Clinic (YJEC) at Loyola Law School’s Center for Juvenile Law and
Policy provides client-centered and holistic education advocacy for young people who are
criminalized and pushed out of schools based on race, disability, and/or gender identity. YJEC
works to dismantle the school-prison nexus by advocating for school stability, community-led
accountability, and limiting law enforcement on all school campuses.

YJEC strives to eliminate barriers to an equitable education and to foster community
empowerment. YJEC works to transform our education system so that every young person can
learn in a safe, welcoming, and affirming environment.

Our Stories

YJEC's Advocacy Restores Hope for Student Facing Expulsion Over Zero-Tolerance Policy

YJEC Summer Intern Nicole Abnous on Her Journey into Education Law and Navigating Challenges

Education Justice Coalition Advocates for Education Empowerment for All Youth

Holistic Advocacy: Working to End the School to Prison Pipeline for Crossover Youth

Sarah Lucero ’23 Lands Prestigious Skadden Fellowship

Everychild Integrated Legal & Education Advocacy Project

Student Testimonials

Mateo Rendon Salazar

“YJEC has taught me how to be a better advocate, introduced me to invaluable mentors, and fostered a closely-knit group of classmates that I can call friends.”

Sophia Newhouse Brown

“My YJEC experience has equipped me with tools to become a proficient legal advocate in any setting and has underscored the transformative power of effective advocacy."

Nicholas McKenna

“Working alongside experience attorneys and social workers pushed me outside of my comfort zone, conditioning me to face new challenges with confidence and poise.”

Emily Barish

“YJEC has taught me how to communicate with clients, how to take on challenging work with confidence, and how to be a zealous legal advocate.”

Eden Chang

“YJEC gave me the opportunity to connect with families affected by the violence practices of the education system and amplify their voices.”

Meet Our Team