Olatunde Johnson

Public Lecture Title: Environmental Sacrifice Zones and the Limits of Civil Rights Enforcement

Thursday, October 2, 2025, at 5:15 pm, Stackhouse Theater

Known for her distinguished scholarship in civil procedure, legislation, and anti-discrimination law, Olatunde Johnson is equally committed to cultivating the next generation of civic-minded lawyers. In the classroom, Johnson draws on her background in legal practice and government service to illustrate how social change can be affected through litigation as well as problem-solving outside the courtroom. 

Johnson’s research has helped shape the national conversation on modern civil rights legislation, anti-discrimination, fair housing, congressional power, and innovations to address discrimination and inequality. Her recent work examines state and local governments’ efforts to enhance opportunities for historically excluded groups as well as the conflicts that arise when states preempt local efforts to address discrimination and promote wage increases and affordable housing. Together with a group of students, Johnson produced Through the Gale, the 2022 podcast that explored the role of lawyers in the struggle for multiracial democracy.