UCLA School of Law has received a $5.5 million gift from philanthropist Charles R. "Chuck" Williams to support the leadership of the Williams Institute — the only law school initiative dedicated to the study of sexual orientation and gender identity law and public policy — and to foster the institute's growth.
Since its founding in 2001 with an inaugural $2.5 million gift from Williams, the institute has gained national renown as an academic research center dedicated to conducting rigorous, independent research on sexual orientation and gender identity law and public policy.
"We are honored by the ongoing philanthropic investment of Chuck Williams," said Rachel F. Moran, dean of the law school. "With this generous gift, he continues to play a transformative role in helping the Williams Institute expand knowledge at the intersection of sexual orientation and gender identity law and policy."
To date, Williams has committed more than $15 million to help establish the institute as a preeminent source of high-quality research in this area, with real-world relevance for judges, legislators, policymakers, media and the public. Williams Institute experts have authored dozens of public policy studies and law review articles; filed amicus briefs in key court cases; provided expert testimony at legislative hearings; been widely cited in the national media; and trained more than 3,000 judges in the area of sexual orientation law.
"In a relatively short period of time, the Williams Institute has made enormous strides in enriching the dialog about equality in this country and around the world," said Williams, who received a B.A. and M.B.A. from UCLA and is the president of Williams and Associates. "I am very proud of what has been accomplished so far, and I know that going forward, the institute is poised to address issues that make a real difference in people's lives."
