Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell visited Brandeis University on Monday, Oct. 21 to speak about her experience as the first Black female Attorney General in Massachusetts and to answer questions regarding her tenure and aims for her re-election campaign. The event was held at the Carl J. Shapiro Campus Center Theater and was a part of the Justice Brandeis Practitioner in Residence Program. There were over 250 attendees including students, faculty and local officials. Hosted by COMPACT and the ENACT program, the event took the form of a fireside chat moderated by Prof. Melissa Stimmel (LGLS), the director for ENACT. Local political leaders including the State Representative Thomas Stanley, Waltham City Councilor Paul Kates and former State Representative Jake Hoffman were in attendance, emphasizing the community-wide interest in Campbell’s message about justice, equity and democracy. 

Campbell reflected on her journey to become the first Black woman to serve as Attorney General in Massachusetts. Raised in the Boston public housing system, she described growing up in poverty, experiencing family incarceration and suffering the death of her twin brother while he was in state custody. She said, “I share my story because our testimonies give us power,” and stated that her background helps her relate and mitigate problems in the Massachusetts system. She said, “I use the tools of the government to bring about positive outcomes for families like mine.” Her tone, personable but firm, blended her biography with a broader message about leadership rooted in empathy and faith. Campbell credited her perseverance to her Christian faith and her community’s support. “I’m protected by the God I serve,” she said. She continued to say, “When you know your purpose, when you know you’re serving something bigger than yourself, you stay grounded.”

Throughout the conversation, Campbell emphasized that democratic institutions are being tested by polarization, misinformation and declining public trust. When a student asked her about the United States Supreme Court’s recent rulings weakening civil rights protections, Campbell provided a direct answer, “It’s deeply disappointing to see the court dismantle hard-fought progress, if we aren’t careful, we risk aligning with a fascist society.” Nonetheless, she maintained faith in democracy itself and in potential for reform through civic action. She explained that Americans have the power to shape who sits in their courts, legislatures and local offices, and they cannot give up on that power. Campbell further said that democracy is not self-executing but rather requires vigilance and participation. 

Campbell also touched upon her office’s work to defend civil rights and immigrant communities. She condemned what she described as “cruel” and “egregious” enforcement action by federal agencies such as the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement, which she said have sown fear and distrust in immigrant neighborhoods across Massachusetts. Nonetheless, she also stated that the arrests being made by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement department, whether publicly liked or not, are valid. However, she does not negate that the implications have led to fear of these federal agencies in the minds of every immigrant. Campbell stated that the Attorney General office has filed active litigation and expanded the “know your rights” initiatives to ensure immigrant residents and international students understand their legal protections. She stated, “Immigrants are not criminals, they are workers, students and families which strengthen the state every day. Our job is to protect them.” She also encouraged students to take part in civic participation beyond voting, including community organization and public service careers. 

Campbell also addressed the ongoing battle over reproductive rights, reaffirming Massachusetts’ position as a national leader in healthcare access following the Supreme Court 2022 Dobbs v. Jackson decision which overturned Roe v. Wade. She highlighted the state’s Shield Laws 1.0 and 2.0, which protect abortion providers and patients from out-of-state prosecution. “Reproductive healthcare is a personal choice, Massachusetts will continue to step up and protect that right,” Campbell said. She described the story of one woman who was forced to carry a nonviable pregnancy due to legal barriers in the state of Texas. She emphasized the disproportionate impact these laws have on low-income women of color. 

In one of the event’s most forward-looking segments, Campbell discussed the intersection of technology, civil rights and regulation, particularly regarding Artificial Intelligence and surveillance. She cautioned that algorithms used in hiring, policing and social media can replicate human bias if left unchecked. “AI can discriminate just like a human can,” she warned. Campbell and her office must hold technology to the same legal and ethical standards as any other decision-maker. To that end, Campbell’s office recently issued an advisory, affirming that state anti-discrimination laws apply equally to AI-driven systems, a move she suggests is a game changer for civil rights in the digital era. 

When a student asked how young people can engage meaningfully in politics, Campbell responded, “Run for office,” adding that the Attorney General’s Office needs greater diversity and youth perspective in Massachusetts. Echoing her words, “Don’t wait to be asked, lead.” She also pointed to her office’s youth advisory council, a group that focuses on issues affecting the youth workers including fair pay and safe working conditions. Campbell said the initiative helps ensure that the voices of young people are not just heard but acted upon. She added to this notion, saying youth workers are essential to the U.S. economy and deserve to be treated fairly. Campbell also urged students to align their academic and professional choices with their values. “You can’t monetize purpose,” she stated. “Whatever you do, make sure it connects to something meaningful because that’s what will keep you going when it's rough.”

Throughout the conversation, Campbell combined faith and representation stating, “When I walk into a courtroom or a meeting and see people who never imagined someone who looks like them in this position, that’s change.” Prof. Stimmel praised Campbell’s candor and her willingness to engage with students’ questions. She said, “Andrea embodies what it means to lead with integrity and purpose.” 

In her closing remarks, Campbell called on the audience to connect their local actions to national challenges reminding everyone that “we are living in a test of our values, but every generation has a chance to renew them, that includes yours” The event highlighted the University’s mission to foster ethical leadership and social responsibility. In an age of division, Campbell’s message struck a hopeful note: Democracy endures not through institutions alone, but through people who believe in their power to shape it.