Student Spotlight: Santana V. Jackson ’21

Santana Jackson

AnBryce Scholar 
Student Fellow, Policing Project

What has been the best surprise about your law school experience? 

I came into law school interested in working in the criminal justice reform space. However, I was really unsure about what my career would look like or what career options were available.

During my 2L year, I went to a discussion on campus about surveillance technology and I was engrossed with the discussion. Just as there were major advancements in criminal justice reform, there was also a simultaneous turning towards surveillance technology, automated decision making, AI, etc. which were all being branded as neutral and objective tools but in reality, they reinforced many, if not all, of the systemic injustices that the criminal justice system imposes. I have been surprised by how I could find my passion during my 2L year, gain practical in-depth experiences during my final two years of law school, and upon graduation start a career in this area. 

What unique opportunities have your fellowships provided? 

I am incredibly concerned about the proliferation of surveillance technology being used by police and being used in society in general. Working with the Policing Project has given me exposure to some of the most problematic technology being used, the legal and policy resources currently available to reduce the harms of these technologies, and the problems that society is and will continue to be faced with when trying to work against this proliferation. 

What do you like about going to law school in New York City? 

Everything! The energy of the city, the food, and the people are unmatched. During 1L when we were drowning in law school, it was such a blessing to have the city and the plethora of free activities there to help balance things. Also, the clinic opportunities that are available to us due to our proximity in NYC to so many organizations has been invaluable.

What’s the last book you read and loved? Algorithms of Oppression by Safiya Noble and We Have Been Harmonized: Life in China's Surveillance State by Kai Strittmatter

Posted April 26, 2021