U of M Law Professor Will Address National Voting Rights Conference

For release: June 25, 2009
For press information, contact Curt Guenther, 901/678-2843

Steven Mulroy

Mulroy will discuss the ramifications of a case just decided by the U.S. Supreme Court, which involved a suit by an Austin, Texas, utility district seeking an exemption from the advance “preclearance” provisions of the 1965 Voting Rights Act.  The high court’s decision upheld the Texas entity’s right to be exempt, but it did not rule on the constitutionality of the law, as some observers had thought might happen.  Ultimately, the court’s decision upheld the law.

Mulroy is well known in legal circles for his involvement with voting rights, and he has received national recognition for his support of that aspect of the American political system.  He has taught at the University of Memphis since 2000.

The sponsoring organization, Fairvote, is a national, nonprofit organization that provides education, research, and advocacy on election reform issues.  Also speaking at the conference will be other law professors, government officials, and journalists.  The conference will be streamed live for viewing on the Web, and plans also call for it to be covered by c-Span.