Lia Epperson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Lia Beth Epperson
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| Born | 1971 or 72 |
| Nationality | American |
| Other names | Lia Epperson Jealous |
| Citizenship | American |
| Education |
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| Occupation | Professor of Law |
| Spouse(s) | |
| Children | 2 |
| Parent(s) | David E. Epperson and Cecelia T. Epperson |
| Relatives |
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| Scientific career | |
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Lia Beth Epperson (born in 1971 or 1972) is an American lawyer. She works to protect civil rights for everyone. Ms. Epperson is also a professor of law at American University Washington College of Law. She used to be a senior leader at that law school.
From 2001 to 2005, Ms. Epperson worked for the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund. She helped lead their work on education lawsuits and policies. Her studies often focus on how federal courts and education rules affect different races. She has also written important legal papers for the Supreme Court of the United States. These papers were about affirmative action and education law.
Contents
Her Early Life and School
Lia Epperson grew up in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Her sister, Sharon Epperson, is a well-known journalist. Their father, Dr. David E. Epperson, was a dean at the University of Pittsburgh. He was the first African-American dean at the school. Her mother was a first-grade teacher.
Ms. Epperson went to Harvard University. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in sociology. She graduated with high honors. At Harvard, she joined Alpha Kappa Alpha. This was the first sorority for African-American women. Her sister, Sharon, was also a member.
Later, Ms. Epperson studied law at Stanford University School of Law. She earned her law degree in 1998. While at Stanford, she helped edit important law journals. Before graduating, she worked at the Children's Defense Fund. This group helps children.
Her Work as a Lawyer and Professor
After law school, Ms. Epperson worked for a judge named Timothy K. Lewis. She then worked as a lawyer at Morrison & Foerster. There, she handled cases about business and civil rights. She also helped Big Brothers Big Sisters, a group that helps kids.
From 2001 to 2005, Ms. Epperson was a director at the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund. She focused on education cases and policies. This work helped make sure everyone had fair access to education.
In 2005, Ms. Epperson started teaching law. She was a professor at Santa Clara University School of Law. She taught about constitutional law. She also worked with the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). This group protects people's rights.
From 2008 to 2010, she was a senior fellow at the Center for American Progress. She researched how federal civil rights laws were used in schools. In 2010, she began teaching at American University Washington College of Law. She has held important leadership roles there.
Ms. Epperson has also appeared on C-SPAN. She has discussed important Supreme Court cases and how public schools can be more integrated.
Her Family Life
Lia Epperson married Benjamin Jealous in 2002. He used to be the head of the NAACP. They met in 1993 when they were both interns at the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund.
Ms. Epperson and Mr. Jealous have two children together. They divorced in 2015. However, they remain friends and work together to raise their children. Her sister, Sharon Epperson, is a reporter for CNBC.
Honors and Awards
In 2013, Lia Epperson was the Honorary Chair for the Women in NAACP program. This was at the NAACP National Convention.
See also
- NAACP Legal Defense and Education Fund
