Montgomery, AL

Hometowns Program

Civics Education / Hometowns Program / Montgomery, AL

Summer 2025

Summary of the Program

In July, 28 students from Alabama (and Georgia) gathered in Montgomery at the historic Frank M. Johnson Jr. federal courthouse to immerse themselves in the study of the Judicial Branch through the lens of the local landmark Supreme Court case Frontiero v. Richardson. Together with the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Alabama and the Frank M. Johnson Jr. Institute, the Society conducted a deep dive into the federal court system, allowing students to deepen their understanding of the government and their role as active citizens. Over the course of the program, the Hometowns scholars learned from and engaged with:

  • Sharron (Frontiero) Cohen, named plaintiff, and her attorney, Joe Levin
  • The Honorable Keith Watkins and the Honorable Myron Thompson
  • Local experts and historians, including Lt Col Rachel Seablom ASAF, Professor Mike Deboer, and Professor and Society Member Steve Brown
  • Members of the Federal Defender, U.S. Attorney, and Federal Probation Offices
  • Law Clerks and local Attorneys
  • Johnson Institute Educators and Staff, including Thomas Rains and Debbie Long

One of the highlights of the program was a student-led civil discourse session on equal rights and the Constitution. By the end of the program, the scholars were knowledgeably discussing rational basis v. strict scrutiny, the Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments, and the federal court system.

To showcase the depth of their new learning, the Hometowns scholars produced a five-panel museum exhibit, which will be displayed in the federal courthouse. The exhibit explores the federal judicial system, the historical context of the case, the trial and appeal, as well as a panel on the notable legal figures of the case: Joe Levin, Judge Frank M. Johnson Jr., and then professor, Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. The exhibit opening is planned for late autumn of this year. 

I appreciated the passion behind the individuals leading the program. I was very impressed by the drive and ambition that so many speakers, lawyers, and professors had and it really advanced the validity and success of the program. Most importantly the panel debate about controversial topics helps establish better morale and respect about civil discourse and difficult decisions.
AJ M.
Yes I would recommend Hometowns! The information I learned was not only useful to me as someone who wants to practice law in the future but as someone living in the United States. I think that anyone…should get the opportunity to participate in these programs and learn about their rights.
Heesoo C.
The most valuable pieces of knowledge I learned were the deeper meanings of the 5th and 14th Amendments. Before, I felt like I had only scratched the surface on what those amendments really mean, and now I truly understand all parts of them.
Abby A.
I loved learning about the intricate details about federal courts like rational basis vs. strict scrutiny. Getting the opportunity to learn more about what a judge does and what a case looks like in real life was also very interesting.
Maryam K.
I would definitely recommend this program to my friends and/or classmates because even for people not interested in pursuing a career in law, the program provides an excellent introduction and explanation of civics.
Joshua K.

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