Boalt’s Center for Social Justice will honor Judge Thelton Henderson ’62 this fall by changing its name to the Honorable Thelton E. Henderson Center for Social Justice. One of Boalt’s most distinguished graduates, Judge Henderson’s contributions to the causes of equality and civil rights are an inspiration to all who work for social justice. The Boalt community, alumni and friends will celebrate this momentous occasion at a gala dinner on September 15.
Judge Henderson is chief judge emeritus of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, where he served since his appointment by President Jimmy Carter in 1980. Henderson retired in 1997. In recent years, he has taken courageous stands in support of prisoner rights and against the constitutionality of Proposition 209, the amendment to California’s constitution which eliminated race- and gender-based affirmative action in public employment, education and contracting. His work has been shaped by his dedication to justice, civil liberties, humanitarianism and his commitment to the law.