Lafayette College’s government and law major offers a unique education that sets it apart from other programs. According to government and law professor Ilan Peleg, the department is the only one of its kind in the United States. It was established by Fred Morgan Kirby in 1921, who created an endowment for the Kirby Professorship in Civil Rights. The goal of the department was to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of government and law, preparing them for careers as lawyers, business leaders, and politicians.
Helena Silverstein, head of the government and law department, explained that Kirby wanted students to learn about the workings of government and law. The Kirby Hall of Civil Rights, also built by Kirby, has recently been updated to reflect a broader conception of civil rights and liberties.
The major offers a rigorous program in political science that covers American government, comparative politics, and political theories. Over time, it has evolved to include new topics such as law, constitutional law, civil rights, and civil liberties. This broad education helps students understand how these concepts have developed over time. Peleg emphasized that the major’s name is a key part of its identity and history at Lafayette College.
In conclusion, Lafayette College’s government and law major provides students with a unique education that sets it apart from other programs. Its rich history includes being home to the only government and law department in the United States. The major offers a comprehensive program in political science that covers various topics related to government and law while also providing broad education on civil liberties and civil rights.
