Empowering Justice: Disability Law Courses at UConn Law
UConn Law Library’s July tribute to Disability Pride shifts to focusing on the crucial role of lawyers specializing in disability law as advocates for justice and equality. There is a growing demand for lawyers that have specialized knowledge in the area of disability law. Disability law encompasses a broad spectrum of issues, and navigating these legal landscapes can be daunting for individuals with disabilities and their families. Lawyers that are interested in making a different in the field of disability rights and education are in high demand, thus understanding disability law in contemporary legal practice and highlight the growing demand for specialized knowledge in this area.
If you are passionate about making a difference in the field of disability rights consider enrolling in the following courses at UConn Law to gain in-depth knowledge and practical experience:
Law 7416 – Disability Rights Clinic
In this clinic students will provide legal advocacy for people with disabilities in Connecticut under the supervision of Disability Rights Connecticut (DRCT) attorneys, addressing such issues as disability discrimination in housing, employment, services and activities provided by governmental entities, and public accommodations; access to healthcare; individual rights; civil and criminal mental health law; abuse and neglect; and special education. DRCT’s legal work includes both individual client representation and systemic-reform advocacy. Students will also participate in a weekly seminar in which they will receive training in substantive disability law as well as advocacy skills needed to represent people with disabilities. These skills include client interviewing and counseling; legal research; legal writing; civil litigation; and alternative dispute resolution. Students will also learn to incorporate principles of diversity, equity and inclusion in their legal representation of clients with disabilities, and to identify and resolve potential ethical issues that may arise in the course of representing such clients.
Law 7563 – Life Insurance, Annuities, Disability and Long Term Care Insurance
This course focuses on life insurance, annuities, and disability income insurance, which provide financial protection against risks associated with mortality and morbidity, supplementing Social Security benefits. It covers various insurance types, including whole life, term, universal life, immediate, deferred, and longevity annuities, examining issues like insurable interest, medical underwriting, privacy, and regulatory considerations under tax, ERISA, and securities laws.
Law 7905 – Special Education Law
This seminar will review the evolutionary process by which the civil right to receive a free and appropriate public education has been expanded to include people with disabilities. The class will discuss issues such as the standards used to define “disability,” physical access to schools and other buildings/grounds, appropriate classroom instruction, the provision of ancillary services in the least restrictive environment, and topics such as discipline and safety in the special education setting. The readings and discussions will include cases involving special education, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Individuals with Disabilities Educational Improvement Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, Every Student Succeeds Act, pending legislation, and a review of the international perspective toward special education and related services.
These courses offered through UConn Law are the first step in becoming advocates for justice and equality for all.
Spotlight on Disability Pride Month: Featured Collection
July is Disability Pride Month , the month of passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in July, 1990, a comprehensive civil rights law that prohibits discrimination based on disability.
The ADA stands as a cornerstone of legal protection for people with disabilities in the United States. It mandates equal opportunities in employment, public accommodations, transportation, state and local government services, and telecommunications. Over the years, amendments and legal precedents have strengthened its provisions, ensuring greater accessibility and accommodation. This month serves as a powerful reminder of both progress made and work yet to be done in dismantling ableism across our institutions.
To mark this occasion, UConn Law Library is proud to spotlight a curated collection: Accessibility, Neurodiversity and Ableism collection
This collection features works that examine disability-related issues within the contexts of law, education, and other institutions, with a particular focus on neurodiversity and accessibility. From case law and policy analysis to personal narratives and academic commentary, the selected materials offer critical insights into how legal frameworks can both challenge and reinforce barriers for disabled individuals.
Why This Matters
Law libraries are more than repositories—they are spaces for critical inquiry and community reflection. This month, we encourage you to engage with these resources not only to deepen your understanding of disability rights, but also to consider how legal professionals, scholars, and students can help create more inclusive systems.
Visit the Accessibility, Neurodiversity, and Ableism collection online, stop by the library to check out one of these resources that speak to you. Not sure how to navigate the stacks? The UConn Law Librarians here are always thrilled to take you on a tour!
Let’s use this month to learn, reflect, and advocate—because equity under the law must include everyone.
Independence Day- Happy 4th!
As we approach July 4th, a holiday synonymous with celebrating independence and the principles by which our nation was founded, we want to inform you that UConn Law Library will be closed on July 4th, 2025.
Although our physical doors our closed, many of our resources are available online 24/7. Our digital library catalog, databases, and research guides are accessible remotely, allowing you to continue your legal research and study from anywhere.
As we take July 4th to honor the ideals of freedom and justice that define our nation, we hope you enjoy a safe and festive holiday.
Our regular hours will resume on July 7th and the library staff will be available to assist you with your research and information needs.
New CT Laws July 1: Focus on E-Book Access Legislation
Connecticut’s new fiscal year kicks off with dozens of new laws will go into effect—touching on everything from election security to education policy. While many of these changes are noteworthy, UConn Law Library would like to highlight one particularly important development for libraries and their patrons: Connecticut’s new legislation addressing restrictive e-book and audiobook licensing practices.
Spotlight on E-Book Access: A New Chapter for Connecticut Libraries
Starting July 1, 2025, a new Connecticut law aims to improve how libraries interact with e-book and audiobook publishers—addressing a long-standing concern in the library world over restrictive licensing agreements that limit digital access for patrons.
Under the new law, Connecticut libraries will be prohibited from entering into contracts with publishers that require them to re-purchase digital books after a certain number of checkouts or after a set time period, a common industry practice that many librarians argue is unsustainable and inequitable. These types of contracts often prevent libraries from offering consistent access to high-demand titles and strain already limited acquisition budgets.
However, there’s a catch: the law includes a trigger clause, meaning it will only take effect once at least one or more states with a combined population of 7 million people pass similar legislation. The Connecticut State Librarian is tasked with monitoring this threshold and reporting when it has been met, at which point the law would become active.
Local libraries and library associations have praised the legislation as a necessary step toward protecting public access to digital materials and curbing what they describe as “predatory practices” in the publishing industry. The law reflects a growing national conversation around digital ownership, equity of access, and the role of public libraries in a digital-first era.
As the legal landscape continues to evolve around e-lending and licensing, the law library will be monitoring developments across the country and providing updates as they become available.
While the new e-book licensing law is of special interest to libraries, many other laws are also coming into effect this July. Here’s a quick overview of some significant changes:
Street Takeovers: Municipalities with over 20,000 residents may now adopt ordinances allowing for the destruction of vehicles seized during illegal street takeovers, following a 30-day hold and efforts to notify the owners.
Education Curriculum Changes: Public schools must begin including Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) studies starting in the 2025–26 school year. Schools will also be required to offer courses in civics, media literacy, and financial literacy as part of graduation requirements.
Election Security: Absentee ballot drop boxes must now be monitored by video surveillance from the day ballots are issued until the last are returned. Each voting district must also use a dedicated tabulator for counting votes.
Teacher Certification: Connecticut is removing the provisional certificate level and extending the validity of initial and professional teaching certificates to 10 years, with no master’s degree required for certification.
Sexual Assault Policy Reform: A new advisory council is tasked with creating a statewide model policy for responding to adult sexual assault cases. Law enforcement agencies must adopt a compliant written policy starting in September 2025.
Immigration Enforcement Limits: Schools must designate a staff member to handle communications with ICE or DHS and provide guidance on warrant procedures. Beginning October 1, individuals will be able to sue towns that assist federal immigration enforcement outside of legal requirements.
Higher Education Oversight: The Connecticut State Colleges and Universities system must adopt stronger financial controls and hire a compliance officer, following recent leadership-related fiscal controversies.
As Connecticut ushers in these new laws, July 1 marks not only the start of a new fiscal year but also a wave of policy changes that will impact communities, schools, and public institutions statewide. Whether you’re tracking legislative trends, researching legal impacts, or simply curious about how the law evolves, UConn Law Library is here to help you stay informed and engaged. Visit us for resources, research support, and updates on the legal issues that matter most.
Celebrating Caribbean American Heritage: A Legacy of Culture and Contribution
National Caribbean American Heritage Month (NCAHM) is a celebration of the history, culture, and impact of Caribbean Americans in the United States. In 2024, UConn Law published a previous blog post which featured two UConn Law Students, Toni Ann Gayle and Farah Jean commenting on their experience as students from Jamaica and Haiti respectively.
This year, we focus on the history of this heritage month and travel back to 1999, when the Institute of Caribbean Studies (ICS) took the lead in advocating for national recognition. That same year, history was made with the Caribbean American Community Briefing at the White House, hosted by the Clinton administration—a powerful moment of visibility and pride for the community.
In 2004, ICS launched an official campaign to designate June as National Caribbean American Heritage Month. The movement gained traction quickly: the House of Representatives passed a bill in June 2005, followed by Senate approval in February 2006. Then, on June 5, 2006, President George W. Bush issued the first presidential proclamation, officially establishing the month-long celebration.
Since then, until this year, every June has been marked by presidential proclamations and nationwide observances that highlight the achievements, resilience, and diverse cultural heritage of Caribbean Americans. From music and food to politics, science, and the arts, this community continues to enrich the American story in countless ways.
There are several resources to assist with researching the area of Caribbean:
Available at UConn Law Library!
Legal research methods for the English-speaking Caribbean
Identifies the sources of legal information for the English-speaking Caribbean and provides unique coverage of the independent states and overseas territories in this jurisdiction with a shared history of British colonialism.
Traces Caribbean legal thought and its development across many areas of law. Issues of administrative, constitutional, corporate and commercial, international, and labour law are explored in the context of the analyses of the Privy Council, the transnational dimensions of law and within the purview of the intrusive role of international law in domestic law.
Online Resources
Yemisa Dina, Caribbean Law Research Globalex (Nov./Dec. 2024)
The Commonwealth Caribbean describes all Caribbean countries geographically located in the West Indies. The region is made up of dependent and independent states. Caribbean legal literature has evolved rapidly in the last decade. This guide provides information on available resources for conducting legal research for the following English-speaking Caribbean countries: Anguilla, Antigua & Barbuda, The Bahamas, Barbados, Bermuda, Belize, British Virgin Islands (BVI), Cayman Islands, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Montserrat, St. Kitts & Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent & the Grenadines, Trinidad & Tobago, and Turks & Caicos.
Guide to Law Online: Nations of the World
Links to free online legal materials & pertinent resources in the LOC catalog, pick your country of research.
Caribbean Law Project – Common LII
The Caribbean Law Project is a free‐access resource that makes it easier to find legal information from all Caribbean jurisdictions. Located on the Commonwealth Legal Information Institute (CommonLII), operated by AustLII in conjunction with other free access Legal Information Institutes across the Commonwealth. The Project covers 16 countries and British Territories.
Caribbean-American Heritage Month Official 2025 Book List
Book Bankra – List of thirty books released between 2023 and 2025; Caribbean literature written by Caribbean-connected authors with Caribbean themes. The list includes literary work, horror, mystery, romance, poetry, non-fiction, children, all in one.
As we celebrate this month, we honor the legacy of those who made it possible—and look forward to a future shaped by the vibrant Caribbean American spirit.
Juneteenth: Recognizing Freedom and Equality
Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day, is the oldest known celebration commemorating the end of slavery in the United States. While the Emancipation Proclamation became effective on January 1, 1863, the news took time to make its way around the country. As such, it was not until June 19, 1865, when the Union army brought word of the proclamation to enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, making them among the last to be freed, thus Juneteenth commemorates the day in 1865 when federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas to take control of the state and ensure that all enslaved people be freed.
On February 25, 2021, H.R. 1320 and S. 475 were both introduced to establish Juneteenth as a federal holiday. S. 475 was signed into law on June 17, 2021 and Juneteenth National Independence Day became a Federal holiday. All 50 states and the District of Columbia recognize Juneteenth as a holiday or observance, and many states have designated Juneteenth as a legal holiday.
Juneteenth became a legal state holiday in Connecticut through Public Act 22-128, which Governor Lamont signed into law in 2022. It requires every June 19 to be observed as Juneteenth Independence Day beginning in 2023. If June 19 falls on a Saturday, the legal state holiday will be on the prior Friday, and if it falls on a Sunday, the legal state holiday will be on the following Monday.
Governor Ned Lamont noted the significance of Juneteenth his press release of June 14, 2023:
For far too long, Juneteenth and the end of slavery have not been truly appreciated as a major part of United States history to the extent that they should…embracing this history is an important component of educating everyone about how our nation was built and the significance of what this day means. When we ignore the impact of slavery, we ignore who we are as Americans and the extraordinary injustice that it created. Making Juneteenth a legal state holiday does not erase the cruelty of slavery, however it makes it clear that Connecticut acknowledges this gross injustice in our collective history and recognizes its impact.
HeinOnline’s database Slavery in America and the World: History, Culture and Law is available through the UConn Law Library. This database brings together all known legal materials on slavery in the United States and the English-speaking world. Read more about this database in the HeinOnline Blog.
Learn more about Juneteenth with the following sources:
- Congressional Research Service Fact Sheet: Juneteenth: Fact Sheet
- National Archives News: Juneteenth
- Check out On Juneteenth in the UConn Law Library DEIAJ collection
UConn Law Library will be open on Juneteenth from 9-5. You can check out which offices are closed in Connecticut on Juneteenth as well as Juneteenth celebrations across our Nutmeg state.
Juneteenth stands as a testament to the resilience and determination of the African American community in the face of oppression and injustice. Its significance underscores the enduring struggle for freedom and equality in America. As we commemorate Juneteenth, let us not only celebrate how far we’ve come but also recommit ourselves to the ongoing pursuit of justice and equality for all.
UConn Law Library + Summer = B-I-N-G-O!
Mark Off Summer Fun with “Summer Law Bingo”!
Summer is here — and while some people are grabbing beach reads and heading for the lake, we’ve got something just as exciting for our fellow legal minds: Summer Law Bingo!
That’s right! We’re mixing sunshine with statutes, and inviting you to explore the quirkier, lesser-known corners of the law while enjoying a bit of summer fun. Whether you’re a student brushing up on niche legal areas or a practicing attorney looking for an offbeat refresher, our bingo card is designed to match your summer experiences that align with the subject matter featured in the books on display!
What’s on the Summer Law Bingo Card?
Each square on our bingo card is tied to a legal topic that’s as summery as sunscreen — with books ready for you to check out (literally and figuratively). Here’s just a sampling:
- Boating Law – Learn about regulations on the high seas (or your local lake). Perfect reading before your weekend on the water.
- Golf Law – Explore liability for stray golf balls, loss of consortium (?!) Yes, there’s a body of law for that perfect swing.
- Recreation & Tourism Law – From amusement park liability to hotel safety standards, learn how the law keeps your summer vacations safe, fun, and well-regulated.
- Legal Issues in Professional Baseball – From antitrust exemptions and player contracts to collective bargaining agreements and stadium liability, America’s favorite pastime has a legal backstory as rich as its history. Great for fans and future sports lawyers alike!
- Barbecue Law – Whether you’re attending a community BBQ or running a smoker at a festival, dive into the legalities of outdoor cooking.
How It Works 
- Scan the QR Code! – The QR code will link you with a Bingo card.
- Read & Explore – Match your summer experiences with the square that corresponds with each topic. Bonus, check out a book that corresponds to each topic. Really interested? Ask the librarians for more suggestions!
- Mark It Off – As you complete each square, mark it off!
- Get a Bingo? – Let us know!
Whether you’re interning at a firm, studying for the bar, or just enjoying some downtime, we invite you to take part. Swing by the library to browse the curated display of summer law reads, and let the summer legal adventures begin!
Happy summer!
Celebrating Diversity: Pride Month 2025 at UConn Law Library
Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month 2025
Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, (AANHPI) is celebrated throughout the month of May. It originated in 1978 when Congress passed a joint resolution that became Pub. L. 95-419. This law directed the President to issue a proclamation designating the week beginning on May 4, 1979 as Asian/Pacific American Heritage Week. Pub. L. 95-419 was amended in 1990 by Pub. L. 101-283 which expanded the observance of Asian/Pacific American Heritage week to the month of May in 1990. Finally, in 1992, Congress passed Pub. L. 102-450 which permanently designated May of each year as “Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month.”
This informative CRS Report Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month Speech Resources: Fact Sheet provides excellent summary of both Public Laws and Proclamations pertaining to Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month. Although May is the designated month to commemorate Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month, it is not meant to be the only time of year. Find resources to learn, teach, experience, and reflect on AANHPI history and heritage beyond May.
Memorial Day 2025- In Honor of the Fallen
UConn Law Library will be closed Monday, May 26th, in observance of Memorial Day. Memorial day became a federal holiday in 1971 , and is intended to honor those who have died during the performance of their military duties. Connecticut General Statutes Section 1-4 designates the last Monday in May as Memorial Day or Decoration Day.
Memorial Day, originally known as Decoration Day, was first celebrated after the Civil War, to commemorate both the Confederate and Union soldiers who fought and died in the war. Over the years, as Decoration Day became Memorial Day, it came to include American military personnel who perished in all wars.
President Lyndon Johnson proclaimed Waterloo, New York as the Birthplace of Memorial Day. This proclamation noted that the patriotic tradition of observing Memorial Day began one hundred years ago in Waterloo, New York. Boalsburg, Pennsylvania also claims to have held the first observance, dating back to October 1864. Several other towns also declare they were the first to hold an observance.
Curious to see when exactly Connecticut first declared Decoration Day a legal holiday. I turned to HeinOnline’s Session Laws Library.
Narrowing the jurisdiction to Connecticut, I searched for “Decoration Day” in italics, and found the answer in the index: Decoration Day- Made a Legal Holiday. From here, I found the Public Act quickly after this search. The answer? 1874!
For more information on Memorial Day, check out this blog from In Custodia Legis from the Library of Congress, as well as this blog from UConn Today, Memorial Day and UConn: War and Peace Through the Decades showing a University of Connecticut’s connection to the holiday
Memorial Day is commemorated in many ways in Connecticut, ranging from community parades to backyard cook-outs, fireworks and formal ceremonies. No matter how you spend this day, remember those who’ve lost their lives to preserve our freedom. It bears mentioning that this blog and the freedom to publish it would likely not be possible without the sacrifices of those who died fighting for our country.