Buford Middle School Teamed Up With The Virginia Bar Association Rule of Law Project

October 14, 2009

On October 14, 2009 Buford Middle School celebrated Rule of Law Day with all 8th grade Civics classes. The VBA Rule of Law Project, developed by The Virginia Bar Association in 2008, is a unique educational initiative intended to inspire middle school students to become active and engaged citizens by helping them appreciate the rights and responsibilities we all share as American citizens. The goal is to have the VBA Rule of Law Project become an integral part of the middle school curriculum in Virginia.

Working directly with teachers in the classroom, Bar Association members James Cox, president of the Charlottesville/Albemarle Bar Association (below), and Bryan Slaughter (right) from MichieHamlett and Jonathan Wren and Robert Byrne from Martin Wren effectively explained that we are a nation of laws, not of people. In America, citizens make the laws and agree to obey them. As Teddy Roosevelt said, "No one is above the law, and no one is below it." Every citizen should be treated fairly and equally under the law, regardless of circumstances or status, and if the law is not obeyed, there are consequences to protect the common good. This is the message of the VBA Rule of Law Project.

Bar associations throughout Virginia celebrated Rule of Law Day on October 14th, 2009 by matching volunteer lawyers and judges with local educators. Lawyers and judges are particularly able to teach the rule of law, and this project provides an opportunity to make a significant difference in the lives of middle school students. The curriculum is consistent with and satisfies the requirements of the Virginia Standards of Learning.

For more information, visit the VBA Rule of Law Project website: www.ruleoflaw-vba.org

For additional information, Contact Maggie Pearson, MichieHamlett, 434.951.7265 or by Email

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