Using the Courts to Create Systemic Change

Impact Litigation, an example of a new and different route philanthropy can take in the advocacy arena. The example in today’s blog post on Exponent Philanthropy (10/1/19) illustrates the efforts of Victoria Hewlett to not only bring awareness to the issue of sexual assault on college campuses (in this case Utah State University) but to change their policies around prevention, response, and how the issue is addressed.

The blog states, “impact litigation groups like Public Justice partner with legal clients to turn often traumatic experiences into opportunities for positive change.” Impact litigation goes beyond financial awards for clients by working to bring about lasting solutions. Such is the case with Hewlett and USU. Hewlett has a seat at the table in influencing future policies around sexual assault and brings with her the first-hand knowledge of a survivor.