The Color of Justice Speaker Series: Implicit Bias at the University of Saint Joseph in West Hartford

CT Chief Justice Robinson Kicks Off 2022 USJ Speaker Series with Implicit Bias Presentation  

The University of Saint Joseph Criminal Justice and Restorative Justice program presents the 2022 Speaker Series, “The Color of Justice,” starting on April 12. This event will feature Connecticut State Supreme Court Justice Richard Robinson discussing implicit bias. Joining the chief justice will be journalist Karen Florin of The Day of New London and attorney James Bergenn, Partner with the Hartford law firm Shipman & Goodwin. Florin, a reporter for 25 years, focused most recently on the court system. She was a longtime member, and co-chair, of Connecticut's Judicial-Media Committee. Attorney James Bergenn is an experienced trial lawyer with a record of handling high-stakes criminal and civil cases in state and federal courts, in and outside of Connecticut, and was recognized as a 2021 Connecticut Super Lawyer.  

The public is invited to attend this free event in the University's Crystal Room located in Mercy Hall, beginning with a reception at 6:15 p.m. followed by the guest speakers at 7 p.m.  

USJ President Rhona Free said, “USJ’s Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and Restorative Justice program is unique in providing students with knowledge in law enforcement, corrections, and the judicial systems but also the theories and practice of restorative justice. Bringing experts, like the speakers in this series, to campus reflects the university’s commitment to ensuring that students hear from people who have been most directly affected by and who play important roles in the criminal justice system.”   

A second session is planned for April 19 and will feature case histories showing treatment of people of color by the justice system. Panelists will be Ken Barone, manager of the Connecticut Racial Profiling Prohibition Project; State Senator Gary Winfield; Bloomfield High School state champion football coach Tylon Outlaw; Hartford City Councilor Tiana Hercules; Assistant to State Police Commissioner/Former Hartford Deputy Police Chief Brian Foley; and Hartford civil rights attorney Ken Krayeske. Moderator Andy Thibault is the Speaker Series coordinator and a member of the University’s Digital Media and Communication Advisory Board. The public is invited to attend this free event on April 19 in the University's Crystal Room in Mercy Hall, beginning with a reception at 6:15 p.m. followed by the guest speakers at 7 p.m.  

These in-person events are free and open to the public. Seats will be limited, and masks will be required. Registration is required: usj.edu/colorofjustice.  

Learn more about USJ’s Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and Restorative Justice here.