Jonas Wang ’16

I decided to attend law school in the first place because, as a social justice advocate, I knew that the law affected us in profound ways and, particularly for minority communities, in ways that could be made better. And so when I was accepted to Yale there was really no question. I knew that this institution would give me the education, the tools, the community, the resources to move forward with what I wanted to do and be the most effective.

I’ve been part of the Outlaws board. Last year we worked on the “Trans at Yale” guide, which is a guide for students who are trans and gender non-conforming as well as for allies at the Law School who want to be more understanding of this community. As someone who is passionate about this area, I realized that coming into law school, there were a number of hurdles that students would have to go through, and this was a guide to help inform that process.

While at the Law School, I’ve been involved with the Liman Project, which is a criminal justice policy practicum. I’ve also been involved with the Veterans Legal Services Clinic, which is an area of law that was completely new to me but provided this fascinating way to be engaged with work that I’m really passionate about, including gender-based violence. That has been a fantastic experience.

What’s really great about studying in this community is that you’re amongst people who are really passionate and engaged on a whole range of issues and in really unique ways. I have someone in my class who has published poems on the effects of the carceral system. I have classmates who are blogging on feminist issues, including campus sexual assault. I have classmates who have founded an asylum seeker organization. Just knowing the types of work that they’re doing and being classmates with them has really enriched the conversation and deepened my involvement on a whole host of issues, and has been a tremendous resource in the kinds of work I’m interested in.