The Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University has dedicated the Kenneth Chamberlain Sr. Social Justice Reading Room in a ceremony attended by New York State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins and other officials. The dedication took place during the university’s sixth annual Social Justice Week, with students, faculty, elected leaders, and community members reflecting on Chamberlain’s legacy.
Kenneth Chamberlain Sr., a retired Marine and Westchester County corrections officer, was fatally shot by police in his White Plains home in 2011 after his medical alert device was accidentally triggered. Despite informing officers he did not need help, he was killed—a case that drew national attention and prompted calls for changes in policing and mental health crisis response.
The reading room is located within the Gerber Glass Law Center and is intended as a permanent space for research and dialogue about justice, equity, and civil rights. It contains a curated selection of books and legal resources as well as commemorative displays.
Senate Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins secured $300,000 in state funding to establish the reading room. “We’ll never replace Kenneth Chamberlain Sr., but each of us can help move justice forward — through education, compassion, and practical solutions,” said Stewart-Cousins at the event. Addressing Kenneth Chamberlain Jr., she added: “Your father’s name will not be forgotten. This room ensures that his legacy lives on — in purpose.”
Chamberlain Jr., who has advocated for justice following his father’s death, spoke about transforming grief into advocacy: “Justice is the vision. Accountability is the work,” he said. “Let this story break your heart—but let it also give you courage. Behind every statute is a human life that matters. This space isn’t just for my father — it’s for every family impacted by police violence.”
Professors Randolph McLaughlin and Debra Cohen from Haub Law led the federal civil case related to Chamberlain’s death along with alumni Mayo Bartlett and Wali Muhammad. In 2020, an appeals court reinstated claims of excessive force; in 2023, White Plains settled with the Chamberlain family for $5 million.
Pace University President Marvin Krislov highlighted how the dedication fits within the school’s mission: “Today’s dedication is about telling a story,” Krislov said. “And it is a story that must be told… The story of Kenneth Chamberlain Sr. is not just a tragic one, it is a call to conscience.” Dean Horace E. Anderson Jr., reflected on how far-reaching Chamberlain’s impact has been: “As we open the new Kenneth Chamberlain Sr. Social Justice Reading Room, we are approaching the 14th anniversary of his tragic death… But the impact of his death has resonated far beyond just our community.”
Other attendees included New York State Senator Shelley Mayer—who serves on Haub Law’s Board of Visitors—New York State Assemblymember Chris Burdick (who presented an Assembly Citation), White Plains Mayor Tom Roach, Westchester County Legislator Jewel Williams Johnson, and Council Member Justin Brasch.
Senator Mayer remarked: “Having lawyers who understand the fight for social justice is critical… This law school is committed to preparing students to look up, see those words — justice and equity — and go out into the world ready to fight for them.” Assemblymember Burdick called attention to those advocating on behalf of Chamberlain: “This room is a powerful tribute to Kenneth Chamberlain Sr.—and also to the tireless efforts of those who fought for justice in his name.”
Professor McLaughlin added: “The death of Kenneth Chamberlain was a tragedy — but from that tragedy, a movement was born… Ken Chamberlain Jr. turned pain into purpose… This space will teach, inspire, and remind future generations of what justice requires.”
Pace University offers undergraduate through doctoral degrees across several schools including its nationally ranked environmental law program at Elisabeth Haub School of Law.
