Programs and scholarships funded by The University of Baltimore Foundation
STRENGTHEN UBALT’S COMMITMENT TO
DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION

The University of Baltimore’s Center for Criminal Justice Reform (CCJR) supports community-driven efforts to improve public safety and address the harm and inequity caused by the criminal legal system, bringing together diverse voices and decision-makers to examine how the criminal legal system currently functions, and to collaborate on strategies that promote justice throughout the country and in Baltimore.

The Center and its companion Criminal Defense and Advocacy Clinic were made possible through a $2 million donation in FY2021 from Baltimore Law alumnus Samuel G. Rose, LL.B. ‘62, who currently serves on The University of Baltimore’s President’s Council.

In FY2023, Rose followed up his previous contribution with an additional $1 million toward an endowment that will continue to grow and provide lasting support for the Center. Funds from the spendable FY2021 gift were earmarked for salaries for the Center’s executive director, Heather Warnken, and Clinic director, Assistant Professor Katie Kronik, as well as provide a stipend for the Center’s faculty director, Professor David Jaros, so that the team was able to immediately begin making an impact in the community.

Warnken wasn’t a stranger to criminal justice reform (or to the University of Baltimore’s School of Law, being the daughter of beloved Professor Emeritus Byron J. Warnken, J.D. ’77) when she joined as director in 2022. Prior to coming to the University of Baltimore, her work at both the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and Berkeley’s Warren Institute was focused on addressing the harm caused by the criminal legal system and promoting healing in marginalized communities.

As a visiting fellow at DOJ, co-affiliated with the Bureau of Justice Statistics and the Office for Victims of Crime, Warnken served in the first-ever position dedicated to bridging the gap between research, policy and practice to improve the response to individuals and communities impacted by crime victimization. Through this role, she facilitated collaboration across federal, state and local government partners, practitioners, and researchers and directly impacted communities in the implementation of equitable, data-driven policies and programs nationwide. Her efforts also included working on the design and launch of the first-ever national Victim Services Statistical Research Program.

Achieving equity for those impacted by violence and the criminal justice system has been one of the hallmarks of Warnken’s career, that includes leading an assessment for the City of Baltimore on victim services, focused on the response to Black and brown victims of gun violence.

Backed by the Rose fund, several of Warnken’s accomplishments during FY2023 spoke directly to the CCJR’s commitment to equity:

• Playing a key role in numerous legislative reforms, including working with the Attorney General’s Office on a bill which established authority for the Maryland Attorney General to prosecute cases of police violence

• Co-authoring the publication, “Racial Equity Framework for Community Violence Intervention,” as well as the reports “Equity Across a Continuum in Public Safety Grants Administration” (on advancing equity and reducing disparities in the criminal justice system) and “Realizing the Promise of Crime Victim Compensation: Recommendations to Help Community Violence Victims” (recommends reforms to address inequities and improve the effectiveness of crime victim compensation throughout the country)

• Hosting numerous public events at the law school including a forum on policing in the aftermath of the Gun Trace Task Force tragedy, and presenting her work at numerous national conferences on behalf of the Center, including the Center for American Progress 8th Annual Gun Violence Prevention Summit

LEGACIES AT WORK: MEMORIAL FUNDS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF BALTIMORE

Established in both the memory and name of the former dean of the Merrick School of Business, the John D. Hatfield Memorial Fund provides additional financial support to international students who are enrolled in a degree-granting program in the business school to cover the costs of textbooks and other materials required for course completion in their program.

Hunger is often not a food problem—it’s a logistics problem. The University of Baltimore Campus Pantry strives to immediately provide food and necessities, ensuring that participants’ basic needs are met, and their family’s are as well. Providing an environment free of stigma is one of the core values of the Pantry. The staff and volunteers ensure that justice, equity, diversity and inclusion are at the forefront of their services. The Campus Pantry upholds its mission by providing nutritious, culturally-relevant foods and ensuring accessibility for all members of the UBalt community. By actively listening, learning, supporting and appreciating the worth and diverse needs of each person, the Pantry has become a valuable resource and has addressed social determinants of health.

As an AmeriCorps Volunteer in Service to America and UBalt student, my goal is to create education and advocacy programs that lead toward self-sufficiency and sustainability for all community members. Thank you for your incredibly generous support for the Campus Pantry, and for helping to provide an impactful opportunity for me to grow as a professional.”

– LA’TEYA BURROWS, B.A. ‘19, M.S. ‘21
TRANSFORM MID-ATLANTIC AMERICORPS VISTA / CAMPUS PANTRY ORGANIZER