Virginia State Bar

RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, on January 16, 2002, the Appalachian School of Law, Virginia's youngest law school, suffered a great loss when the dean of the school, a professor, and a student were killed in an act of violence, and three other students were wounded; and

WHEREAS, those who were killed made vital contributions to the law school. Dean L. Anthony Sutin and Professor Blackwell were distinguished men who came to the law school from prominent legal positions and became pioneers in the establishment of the school. Angela Dales, the student who was killed, was determined to be a lawyer and was also involved in founding the law school, having worked in the Admissions Office for two years prior to entering law school; and

WHEREAS, one of the principles on which the law school was founded was that of peaceful and successful resolution of conflicts through alternative dispute resolution as a better means of resolving conflicts, and another foundational principle was to increase awareness of the importance of ethics.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Council of the Virginia State Bar is saddened by the tragedy at the law school and expresses its sympathy and condolences. The Council recognizes the significant contributions of those who died and were wounded. The Council hopes the school will carry on with its great mission of encouraging alternative dispute resolution, and that it will not be deterred by the very kind of act it aims to prevent. The act of violence carried out in Grundy underscores the great need for us all to seek a better understanding and appreciation of our fellow man and the Rule of Law.

Michael A. Glasser
President
Virginia State Bar

Thomas A. Edmonds
Executive Director/Chief Operating Officer
Virginia State Bar