John McNeill, III,
Editor in Chief
J.D. Candidate 2026
University of Kentucky J. David Rosenberg College of Law

I am very honored to serve as this year’s Editor-in-Chief of the Southern Journal of Policy and Justice. I am excited about the issues that will be discussed in this year’s volume, as they address the current framework of what America looks like now and how the framework will change over time to mirror the current state of executive, legislative, and judicial decisions. The issues discussed in this year’s volume are timely, interesting, and groundbreaking. Volume XX’s theme will be “America making good on its promissory: Is it reasonable to expect America to truly be the land of opportunity with its new immigration laws, restrictive voting laws, and banning of DEI programs?”

 

This theme will speak to some of the most pressing issues of recent years and the change of administration, which involve immigration laws, voting laws, and the halt on DEI programs, and their impacts on marginalized groups. The discussion in Volume XX will be deeply intriguing and thought-provoking. The solutions proposed will likely create new conversations within the legal, election, immigration, and business sectors that can bring about systemic change.

 

I am an avid supporter of BLSA, and especially, SRBLSA. Malala Yousafzai once said, “When the whole world is silent, even one voice becomes powerful.” I believe it is important for us to use our voices to create the change that we wish to see, but even more powerful to use the added gift of being legal scholars to create change in a unique way through the use of our pen. I look forward to publishing Volume XX and discussing its groundbreaking implications at our annual Symposium. I cannot wait to see you there!

With gratitude and in service,

John McNeill III
Editor-in-Chief | Southern Journal of Policy and Justice, Vol XX

Southern Region Black Law Students Association​​​