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The BeyGOOD Foundation, established by Beyoncé Knowles-Carter, has donated $100,000 to the University of Houston Law Center's Criminal Justice Clinic. This contribution aims to support the clinic in providing pro bono legal services and enhancing its criminal law and justice programs.
Leonard Baynes, dean of the UH Law Center, expressed his gratitude for the donation: “I am delighted that the BeyGOOD Foundation has made this very generous gift to the UH Law Center.” He emphasized that the funding will help establish a full-time criminal justice clinic.
Eloise Brice, vice president for advancement and alumni at UH, also acknowledged the foundation's support: “We are so appreciative to the BeyGOOD Foundation for this impactful gift.” She noted that students would gain practical experience while serving community members in need.
The funding will enable the clinic to have a full-time faculty and director, increasing student enrollment opportunities. It will also boost community outreach efforts aimed at educating underserved communities near the university.
J. Anna Cabot, clinical associate professor and assistant dean of clinical programs at UHLC, highlighted the educational benefits: "The clinic provides a unique and valuable training experience for our students in how to navigate and work within the criminal justice system."
Knowles-Carter founded BeyGOOD in 2013 with a mission to transform communities through well-being, economic prosperity, generosity, and justice. The donation aligns with her vision of supporting effective legal representation.
Statistics indicate that highly trained attorneys lead to better outcomes for criminal defendants. The U.S. Sentencing Commission reports disparities in outcomes between defendants of color and white defendants.
Dean Baynes reiterated their shared vision: “At UH Law, we envision a legal profession where ‘everyone has the opportunity to prosper’, as BeyGOOD envisions.”