Leah Watson: ACLU Senior Staff Attorney, Racial Justice Program

In this powerful multigenerational conversation, we are honored to welcome our dear friend and civil rights attorney Leah Watson, whose work at the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) places her at the forefront of defending constitutional rights and advancing racial justice across the United States. Leah’s advocacy focuses on protecting freedom in education, challenging classroom censorship, and confronting systemic inequities embedded within our legal and social systems.

Leah’s path to this work reflects both excellence and intention. After studying at Vanderbilt University and earning her law degree from Harvard Law School, she began her career in corporate litigation before making the decision to dedicate her legal expertise to public interest law. Her work now addresses some of the most urgent civil rights issues of our time, including anti-DEI legislation, racial disparities in education and healthcare, and the protection of free expression.

This conversation also explores the personal experiences that shape Leah’s commitment to justice. Raised by two physicians and deeply influenced by family, mentorship, and lived experience, Leah brings both intellectual rigor and profound humanity to her work. Her integrity, clarity of purpose, and unwavering dedication to justice have been a meaningful source of inspiration in my own life.

This conversation offers both timely insight and enduring perspective on the ongoing struggle for civil rights. Leah’s story reminds us that the work of justice is carried forward through personal commitment and grows through collective action.

Show Notes

This episode was recorded in 2025, and we encourage listeners to support the ACLU’s ongoing work defending fundamental rights. You can learn more and donate here: ACLU Donate Page

Show Transcript PDF: available here

Books, Articles, and Academic References

• Leah Watson: “The Anti-‘Critical Race Theory’ Campaign: Classroom Censorship and Racial Backlash by Another Name”

• Leah Watson: “We Have to Reclaim Race and Racism” (ACLU)

• Deborah Archer: President of the ACLU, her book, Dividing Lines: How Transportation Infrastructure Reinforces Racial Inequality

• Aryeh Neier: Taking Liberties: Four Decades in the Struggle for Human Rights

• New Kid by Jerry Craft

• Paul Castle, author and illustrator

• Pringle & Finn (The Pengrooms) by Paul Castle

• Human Rights Quarterly (HRQ) — A leading academic journal focused on human rights law, policy, and practice worldwide

People and Organizations Mentioned

• James McClure: South African journalist and novelist (1939–2006) best known for his Kramer and Zondi detective series, which examined the realities of apartheid-era South Africa through crime fiction and explored themes of race, justice, and inequality. Author page: https://sohopress.com/authors/james-mcclure/