CUNY School Of Law And LaGuardia Community College Announce The David Mixner Fellowship Program

Press release from LaGuardia Community College:

June 24, 2021

Long Island City, NY – The CUNY School of Law and LaGuardia Community College jointly announce the David Mixner Fellowship Program that will support, inspire, and prepare the next generation of leaders committed to equality and justice for the LGBTQ2IA+ community.

Mixner Fellows will work for not-for-profit organizations that advance, strengthen, and improve the quality of life of the LGBTQ2IA+ community through education, programs, and resources. LaGuardia students will learn about advocacy work, gain non-profit experience, and build their professional experience. CUNY Law students will advocate for laws and policies to protect LGBTQ2IA+ human rights—gaining experience assisting in all aspects of direct legal services, impact litigation, and policy advocacy.

Each Fellow will receive a $5,000 grant for an eight-week full-time internship or equivalent part-time internship. The grant provides a living wage, recognizing the financial needs of most CUNY students, and the budgetary constraints of non-profits.

“This innovative legal fellowship program is yet another example of the University’s commitment to our LGBTQI+ students, and will enable them to lend their voices and passion for equality and justice to create safer, more inclusive spaces for all,” said CUNY Chancellor Félix V. Matos Rodríguez. “It is also a fine example of the dynamic collaboration that exists at CUNY to the benefit of our students, as well as our city and state. Once again, we would like to thank Mitch Draizin for his support and commitment to the University.”

Eduardo R.C. Capulong ‘91, Interim Dean & Professor of Law of CUNY School of Law said, “The CUNY Law community is a leader on the issues of human rights, including the rights of LGBTQ2IA+ people. By partnering with LaGuardia, our Long Island City neighbor, we will build a stronger pipeline between both colleges and the non-profit sector that stands to benefit from the experience and expertise of our students.”

“The David Mixner Fellowship will foster meaningful connections between social justice-oriented LaGuardia students eager to put their life experiences and classroom learning into practice with advocacy organizations working on behalf of LGBTQ2IA+ New Yorkers,” said LaGuardia Community College President Kenneth Adams. “We are pleased to be partnering with CUNY Law on this initiative.”

The David Mixner Fellowship Program is spearheaded by Mitchell Draizin, President of the CUNY LGBT Advisory Council, along with its 100+ members who aspire to connect CUNY students to New York City’s tremendous resources and opportunities for LGBTQ2IA+ students and their allies. The Fellowship Program is the latest initiative launched by the University to mark Pride Month. It is being funded by generous donors of the CUNY School of Law and the LaGuardia Community College Foundations.

“This Fellowship celebrates and honors David Mixner, a lifelong activist and pioneer who has advanced LGBTQ2IA+ rights. Mixner is an influential voice for non-profits, advocacy organizations, and political candidates fighting for LGBTQ2IA+ rights and has a long history as a HIV/AIDS and civil rights activist. The fellowship program in his name is a fitting tribute to a man who has given so much to the LGBTQ2IA+ community,” stated Mitch Draizin.

This press release was produced by LaGuardia Community College. The views expressed here are the author’s own.