Law School Dean Kenneth B. Davis, Jr. has announced that the University of Wisconsin Law School has received a donation to create the Laurie Carlson Progressive Ideas Forum. Formed by his family to honor the memory of the former Progressive Party State Legislator and Dane County Clerk of Court, the Forum will provide support to University programs that present, explore and discuss current progressive issues in law, legal institutions, public policy, and social thought.

While the Forum will initiate its own speakers and programs, it also seeks to encourage and assist learning opportunities suggested by others in different formats, including guest speakers, discussion panels, seminars, workshops, and classroom activities. One goal of the Forum is to promote an exchange of ideas that joins the University community with the local community by, among other things, fostering a discussion of current progressive ideas on campus and encouraging public participation in Forum-sponsored events.

Individuals or groups interested in making suggestions for Forum programs should prepare a description of the program and submit it to Ralph Cagle, Clinical Professor of Law, University of Wisconsin Law School, 975 Bascom Mall, Madison, WI 53706 by mail, or by e-mail at rmcagle@wis.edu, or by phone at (608) 262-7881. Forum programs will be selected by a steering committee comprised of University and public members.

Laurie E. Carlson (1908-1999) was born in Bayfield, Wisconsin. His first political involvement was in 1916 when he and his father traveled Bayfield County in a horse and wagon urging farmers to vote for Bob La Follette for Governor. This experience coupled with later meetings with Bob La Follette left an impression that would stay with Carlson for a lifetime. In 1934, Laurie helped form the State Progressive Party along with La Follette sons, Phil and Bob, Jr. Carlson won election as a Progressive to the State Legislature in 1936 at age 28 and served until 1942. After his legislative service, he began a business career that eventually included athletic field marking equipment, a warehouse rentals business, and the sale of curling equipment. The latter was an outgrowth of Laurie's lifelong commitment to the popular sport. In 1969, the Dane County Democratic Party prevailed on Laurie to run for Clerk of Court. He was elected and served 4 terms before retiring from public office. In 1986, Governor Tony Earl honored Laurie Carlson with a Proclamation declaring him a "state treasure." Laurie died at the age of 91, fighting to the end for the poor, the common people, the rights of labor and the protection of the environment.

Submitted by on October 22, 2003

This article appears in the categories: Articles