SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 659

	WHEREAS, John C. Brittain, professor of law and former dean 
of Texas Southern University Thurgood Marshall School of Law, is 
an outstanding Texan who has rendered immeasurable service to the 
citizens of Texas; and
	WHEREAS, In August of 1999, Professor Brittain accepted 
the position of Dean of Thurgood Marshall School of Law; with 
that appointment, he immediately recognized the tremendous 
opportunity to help shape the future of this proud historically 
black law school; Professor Brittain boldly rose to the 
challenge, and to date, the bar passage rate has increased and 
the admission standards have risen as a result of his leadership; 
and
	WHEREAS, During his tenure as dean, Professor Brittain 
restored stability after the school had been served for four and 
a half years by interim deans, was instrumental in increasing the 
admissions profile of entering students, and raised nearly 
three-quarters of a million dollars for educational programs; 
and
	WHEREAS, John C. Brittain, as counsel in the 1996 landmark 
civil rights case Sheff v. O'Neil, challenged the racial, 
economic, and educational segregation between Hartford and the 
surrounding school districts, stating segregation was a denial 
of a student's fundamental right to an equal education under the 
Connecticut Constitution; he was an integral force in gaining 
equal rights for youths, and he continues his dedication to equal 
rights in the areas of voting, fair and affordable housing, 
affirmative action, police misconduct, and the death penalty by 
using the law and education as a vehicle for change; and
	WHEREAS, In 2002, he resigned as dean, but he elected to 
continue his service to the law school as a tenured professor of 
law, teaching administrative law, torts, civil procedure, and 
civil and political rights; as a professor of law for more than
30 years, John Brittain has made a special impact on the lives of 
countless aspiring law practitioners; and
	WHEREAS, Professor Brittain has shared his expertise on 
housing, education, and civil liberties with a number of state 
and national organizations, including the National Lawyers 
Guild, the National Board of the American Civil Liberties Union, 
the American Leadership Forum, the Teach for America-Houston 
Advisory Board, and numerous nonprofit boards; and
	WHEREAS, Professor Brittain will continue his public 
service as the chief counsel and deputy director of the Lawyers' 
Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, a 41-year-old civil rights 
and public interest legal organization; and
	WHEREAS, John C. Brittain is described by his students at 
Texas Southern University Thurgood Marshall School of Law as a 
distinguished gentleman of great integrity, intellect, and 
compassion; Professor Brittain has worked tirelessly during his 
tenure as dean and professor to bring about social awareness 
through intellectual stimulation, and he has inspired students 
to commit to making the world a better place; Professor Brittain 
has demonstrated a strong commitment to improving the lives of 
all Americans and truly represents the very best in public 
service; now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas,
79th Legislature, hereby recognize Professor John C. Brittain, 
former dean of Texas Southern University Thurgood Marshall 
School of Law, for his innumerable contributions to the people of 
this state and nation and extend to him sincere best wishes for 
continued success with his important work; and, be it further
	RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for 
Professor Brittain as an expression of high regard from the 
Texas Senate.
                                                                           Ellis




________________________________ 
    President of the Senate
 
    I hereby certify that the 
above Resolution was adopted by 
the Senate on April 20, 2005.



________________________________ 
    Secretary of the Senate



________________________________ 
     Member, Texas Senate