Siegel Fund to Combat Antisemitism established at Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law

Thanks to a generous $250,000 contribution by Howard J. (BA ’90) and Alexis L. Siegel, the Siegel Fund to Combat Antisemitism (The Siegel Fund) has been established at Northwestern Pritzker School of Law. The Siegel Fund supports Northwestern Pritzker Law Bluhm Legal Clinic’s education, advocacy, and community-based efforts to combat antisemitism both in Chicago and around the country. The Siegels’ support is more than an expression of their longstanding appreciation of and connection to Northwestern University; it is a heartfelt response supporting the Clinic’s work to provide leadership in legal academia surrounding this issue.

The Siegel Fund: An Initiative for Change

The Siegel Fund will support the advocacy efforts of the Bluhm Legal Clinic’s Complex Litigation Center and Social Work Advocacy Project. Utilizing the fund, the Clinic will hire a dedicated staff attorney who will engage in matters related to combating antisemitism including at primary and secondary educational levels around the country. As Alexis emphasizes, “Education is where a lot of this starts. If we can teach tolerance and understanding at the K-12 level, we can make a difference.”

In collaboration with the Brandeis Center for Legal Innovation, the Complex Litigation Center has recently completed a special research project: a survey of state laws against antisemitism and an overview of various appellate court decisions concerning the same. Some of the long-term goals include becoming active in litigating cases related to such activities in elementary and high schools, connecting K-12 students who have experienced antisemitism to counseling and other resources, and creating and presenting “know your rights” presentations.

While the Siegels’ contribution provides an incredible foundation for this work, Howard elaborates on the broader implications of their gift — setting a positive tone and trajectory for other potential supporters to follow.

“We want to demonstrate our faith in Northwestern to pursue this path toward justice,” Howard says. “We hope to encourage others to join this important work. This initiative is about showing that there are alumni who believe in Northwestern’s commitment enough to support the fight against hate,” Howard says.

He adds, “Our collective goal is to show that Northwestern cares about the Jewish community and is taking steps to address antisemitism.”

Alexis echoes this sentiment. “We believe it’s important to combat hatred in all of its forms,” she explains. “Antisemitism is just one form of hate, but addressing it can help foster a more inclusive environment for all students.”

Together, Howard and Alexis hope The Siegel Fund will not only provide legal support but also foster understanding among students of all backgrounds.

Passing on a Family Legacy

While Howard and Alexis both hold JDs from peer institutions, Howard received his undergraduate degree from Northwestern University. He says his ties run deep and he has always felt a strong bond with the University.

“I graduated in 1990 and had an amazing experience, remaining connected to my friends and the community since then,” he says. Howard adds that his love for the University extends to his family, as the Siegels’ son Zack currently attends Northwestern as an undergraduate student.

Alexis, while not an alumna, says she has embraced the Northwestern spirit wholeheartedly.

“I’ve become an adopted Northwestern fan,” she says, highlighting the family’s unity in supporting the institution. “Together, we have always been longtime fans of the Wildcats!”

Fostering Collaboration and Community Engagement

Both Howard and Alexis shared that they have enjoyed reconnecting with their fondness for the University through their son Zack’s current experience. In the same vein, they are also aware that college campuses across the country are facing tensions that reflect those in our current societal climate — antisemitism being one such critical issue. Northwestern University, like its institutional peers, is not immune to the challenges facing higher education.

“The Bluhm Legal Clinic’s mission is to train skilled, ethical, and public-spirited lawyers who value and promote justice,” said Robin Walker Sterling, associate dean of clinical education and director of the Bluhm Legal Clinic. “Thanks to the establishment of the Siegel Fund, we are able to include work to combat antisemitism in that mission in a way that will lead to greater understanding among law student attorneys, K-12 students and educators, and community partners across the country.”

At Northwestern Pritzker Law, the Complex Litigation Center and Social Work Advocacy Project are excited for this opportunity to engage in interdisciplinary advocacy. “Those we have met at the Bluhm Legal Clinic so far really understand and appreciate the academic, social and emotional components of the issue that we hope to address,” Alexis says. “We are really excited about this collaboration.”

A Legacy of Hope

Through the establishment of the Siegel Fund to Combat Antisemitism, Howard and Alexis Siegel are setting an example of believing in Northwestern Pritzker Law and in the possibility of education, litigation, advocacy, and holistic service to create lasting change. “At Northwestern Pritzker School of Law, we are incredibly grateful for the Siegels and their passion for this important work,” said Zachary D. Clopton, dean of the Law School. “The Siegel Fund represents a vital step toward educating future generations and combating antisemitism.”