Public Employee Press

PAL director completes Harvard program

DC 37 Political Action and Legislation Director Wanda Williams joined 40 students from around the world for two months of intense study in the Harvard University Law School Trade Union Program on the university's campus in Cambridge, Mass. They graduated Feb. 17 after completing a curriculum that featured sessions on labor law, negotiations, arbitration, organizational structure and international labor relations.

"It was the most fascinating educational experience I have ever had," said Williams, who was one of three students from DC 37's national union, the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees. They participated in the high-level course with assistance from the Jerry Wurf Scholarship Fund, named for the former DC 37 executive director and AFSCME president.

"What made it so special was that we had access to great classes and professors and the amazing resources of Harvard's libraries," explained Williams. The distinguished Harvard law professor Charles Ogletree taught one of her courses.

Several DC 37 local presidents and staffers and AFSCME leaders, including President Gerald McEntee, have graduated from the program.