History
The Modern American began in April 2004 with the collective financing of the diverse student organizations at WCL. Since that time, The Modern American has become its own student organization that receives monies from the SBA and produces 2-3 issues a year.
Our staff has grown in numbers since the beginning and continues to be the most diverse staff on any publication at American University Washington College of Law. It conveys the message that many people experience America differently based on many factors and, although labeled as minorities, their experience is no less patriotic, typical, or American. In a time of modern Americans, our publication expresses the distinct perspectives of our generation, while conveying the sense of pride we have as Americans for our history and hope for the future.
Today, The Modern American has grown immensely. This year we will host our fourth annual spring symposium, focusing on Civil Rights as we enter 2008. Additionally, last year we produced an expanded issue featuring articles commemorating the Tenth Annual Hispanic Law Conference.
As we increase our presence, our goal is to continue expanding within and outside of the WCL community. This year, our publication will reach readers in over 100 countries around the world. We are currently available on LexisNexis and v.lex.us, both of which are well-known legal databases. We receive weekly submissions from law students attending institutions like Georgetown, George Washington, Cornell, Harvard, Penn State, Washington and Lee, Georgia State University, and University of Houston Law Center. We also receive subscription requests from law libraries, minority organizations, and individuals throughout the U.S. who are supportive of our publication’s mission. One of our most significant accolades to date came during the summer of 2006 when we were awarded first runner-up for the Henry J. Ramsey, Jr. Diversity Award from the American Bar Association.
