NASHVILLE, April 8, 2026 – A U.S. District Court in Tennessee denied the Department of Children’s Services’ (“DCS”) attempt to stop a lawsuit brought by foster children. The lawsuit, Keira M. v Quin (No. 3:25-cv-00566), which was filed last May by 19 foster children on behalf of the roughly 9,000 Tennessee children in foster care, claims that DCS fails to keep foster children safe. The decision, written by Judge Aleta A. Trauger, allows the children to continue fighting for their rights and move forward with their lawsuit.

The Barbara McDowell Social Justice Center Launches Special Impact Litigation Grant Program for Spring 2026. New grants will support the urgent need for high-impact civil rights litigation through funding and hands-on legal partnership.

The Barbara McDowell Social Justice Center celebrated its 15th Anniversary with an inspiring evening at Jones Day in Washington, D.C., highlighted by a dynamic Fireside Chat between Congressman Jamie Raskin (D-Maryland) and independent journalist Terry Moran.

The Barbara McDowell Social Justice Center, in partnership with Disability Rights Montana (DRMT) and co-counsel, has secured a groundbreaking settlement guaranteeing that Montana students with disabilities can remain in school until age 22. This change ends the state’s decades-long practice of cutting off special education services at 18, bringing Montana in line with every other state in the nation. 

The Barbara McDowell Foundation proudly announced its commitment to advancing social justice by awarding grants totaling $125,000 to five deserving nonprofit organizations. The announcement was made at the Foundation's inaugural Annual Awards Presentation and Celebration held in Washington, D.C., attended by dedicated supporters and former grantees.

On November 1, 2022, the announcement of the Barbara McDowell Public Interest Center was featured in Law360 article “Ex-Latham Atty To Head New Impact Litigation Org.” by Ryan Boysen.

Ade Adeniji of Inside Philanthropy highlights the Foundation’s inception and strategic priorities.