The University of Maryland School of Public Policy and the Maryland Democracy Initiative welcome Professor Aziz Rana for a moderated discussion with Dean Gustavo Flores-Macías exploring the role of legally trained professionals in safeguarding the Constitution amid rising political polarization, institutional strain and challenges to democratic norms. As a UMD First Year Book event, the conversation will examine how lawyers, scholars and public servants can help uphold the rule of law, strengthen democratic institutions and navigate moments of crisis with integrity and clarity.
About the Speaker
Aziz Rana is the J. Donald Monan, S.J., University Professor of Law and Government at Boston College, previously a professor at Cornell Law School. His work focuses on American constitutional law and political development, especially how ideas of race, citizenship, and empire have shaped U.S. identity.
He is the author of The Two Faces of American Freedom (2014) and The Constitutional Bind (2024), which examine the links between constitutionalism, power, and political culture. Rana has written widely for major publications and academic journals, serves on several editorial boards, and is affiliated with organizations including the Council on Foreign Relations and the Quincy Institute.
He holds degrees from Harvard (AB, PhD) and Yale Law School (JD).