Deborah N. Archer

Deborah N. Archer is Associate Dean for Experiential Education and Clinical Programs, the Margaret B. Hoppin Professor of Clinical Law, and Faculty Director of the Community Equity Initiative. Deborah is also the President of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and a leading expert in civil rights, civil liberties, and racial justice. She is an award-winning teacher and legal scholar whose articles have appeared in leading law reviews. Deborah has also offered commentary for numerous media outlets, including MSNBC, National Public Radio, CBS, Monocle, The Atlantic, and The New York Times.

Deborah is a graduate of Yale Law School, where she was awarded the Charles G. Albom Prize, and Smith College. She previously worked as an attorney with the ACLU and the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Inc., where she litigated in the areas of voting rights, employment discrimination, and school desegregation. Deborah is also a former chair of the American Association of Law School's Section on Civil Rights and the Section on Minority Groups. She previously served as Chair of the New York City Civilian Complaint Review Board, the nation’s oldest and largest police oversight agency. Deborah currently serves as a Trustee of Smith College and was awarded the Smith College Medal, the highest honor the College gives to an alum. She is also an elected member of the American Law Institute.

Deborah has been honored by numerous organizations and legal institutions for her social justice advocacy, legal scholarship, and teaching.