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Faculty Experts
Associate Professor of Law
Thomas R. Kline School of Law
Expertise:
law
Contact:
tabatha.abuelhaj@drexel.edu
215.571.4738
Tabatha Abu El-Haj's principal interest is the American political process, including the ways it is structured by constitutional law and the administrative state. With a background in the sociology of law, she is particularly interested in increasing the democratic accountability of political institutions through political participation. Abu El-Haj has written extensively about the right of peaceable assembly, among other things. Currently, her work focuses on the freedom of association. Abu El-Haj's publications include "The Neglected Right of Assembly" in the UCLA Law Review, and “Changing the People: Legal Regulation and American Democracy" in the New York University Law Review.
For news media inquiries, contact Emily Storz at els332@drexel.edu, 215.895.2705 (office) or 609.351.3592 (cell).
City of Detroit Counters Lawsuit From Black Lives Matter Organization
Tabatha Abu El-Haj, JD, an associate professor in the Kline School of Law, was quoted in a Jan. 1 NPR “Morning Edition” segment about First Amendment lawsuits against Detroit police, following Black Lives Matter protests in the city after the death of George Floyd.
Our Best Bet—Legislating a Robust Right to Peaceably Assemble
Tabatha Abu El-Haj, JD, an associate professor in the Kline School of Law, authored two opinion articles on Aug. 11 and Aug. 10 for Balkinization about the necessity to legislate a robust right to peaceably assemble and the search for clarity on protester’s rights in McKesson v Doe.
Mckesson V. Doe—Searching for Clarity on Protesters’ Rights
We’ve Neglected the Freedom of Assembly for Years Before Portland
Tabatha Abu El-Haj, JD, an associate professor in the Kline School of Law, was quoted in a July 29 Slate article about the First Amendment – which protects “the right of the people peaceably to assemble” –and how it is often forgotten, particularly amid the protests in Portland.
What Does the Constitutional Right of Assembly Protect? What Counts as “Peaceable”? And Who Should Decide?
Tabatha Abu El-Haj, JD, an associate professor in the Kline School of Law, authored a June 9 Just Security article about what the constitutional right to assemble protects, what counts as "peaceable" - and who gets to decide it is so?
Birmingham Bans Protests 19 Hours a Day. That’s Likely Unconstitutional, Experts Say
Tabatha Abu El-Haj, JD, an associate professor in the Kline School of Law, was quoted in a June 8 AL.com article about the unconstitutionality of Birmingham banning protests for 19 hours a day.
A Police Officer Sued a Black Lives Matter Protester for Violence He Didn’t Commit. What’s Next Has Free-Speech Advocates Worried.
Tabatha Abu El-Haj, JD, an associate professor in the Kline School of Law, was quoted in a Dec. 13 Washington Post article about the first amendment, violence at protests and efforts to sue protest organizers for the acts of others. The article was picked up by numerous outlets in including MSN News, The Seattle Times and SFGate.
Weathersbee: 'Blacklist' Mirrors Efforts to Stigmatize Dissent
Tabatha Abu El-Haj, PhD, JD, an associate professor in the Kline School of Law, was quoted in a March 10 Commercial Appeal article regarding a recent list of activists banned from Memphis' City Hall and proposed bills with the potential to infringe on persons' First Amendment rights when it comes to peaceful protest.
2016: A Presidential Election Unlike any Other
Tabatha Abu El-Haj, Phd, JD, an associate professor in the Kline School of Law was quoted in a Nov. 6 Philadelphia Inquirer story about voter dissatisfaction and the bipartisan concern that political leaders are not representing their constituents.
The RNC Will Be a First Amendment Disaster
Tabatha Abu El-Haj, PhD, JD, an associate professor in the Kline School of Law, authored an opinion piece for Slate on July 15 about protests planned for the Republican National Convention.
Commentary: Inconvenient Protests Are The Price of Liberty
Tabatha Abu El-Haj, PhD, JD, an associate professor in the Kline School of Law, authored an opinion piece for The Philadelphia Inquirer on July 14 about protests planned for the upcoming Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia.
Roberts' Court on Path to Do Still More Damage to our Democracy
An opinion piece about a case before the Supreme Court on whether compelled union dues violate the first amendment, written by Tabatha Abu El-Hajj, JD, an associate professor in the Kline School of Law, ran on TheHill.com on Jan. 12.
Fundamental right to disrupt
Tabatha Abu El-Haj, JD, PhD, an associate professor in the School of Law, wrote an opinion piece for The Philadelphia Inquirer on Aug. 28 about the value of outdoor assemblies, in light of the protests in Ferguson, Missouri.
Drexel Experts Available to Comment on Democratic National Convention
As Philadelphia prepares to host what is likely to be one of the largest and most historically significant Democratic National Conventions, Drexel experts are available to comment on issues ranging from the logistics of putting together the massive gathering and its historical significance, as well as addressing the biggest political issues that will face presumptive nominee Hillary Clinton.