Allison “Ali” Rubinfeld

The Project

Ali (she/her) works with communities directly impacted by law enforcement violence to advance systems of accountability, challenge unlawful police practices, and address systemic neglect.

For over five decades, disenfranchised communities of color throughout Los Angeles have been targeted by violent and racist policing practices. Families who have lost loved ones to law enforcement violence organize together to leverage their power and work towards meaningful change on the local level. However, these grassroots advocates continuously encounter legal and systemic barriers to accountability and safety for their communities.

Directly impacted community members seek a holistic approach that harnesses community-led litigation, local organizing and advocacy, and public education to address this crisis and build systems of transparency and accountability. Ali is inspired by the directly impacted families and friends she’s worked with who channel their grief into action, the advocates who put their safety and peace on the line, and her own experiences watching those who need mental health assistance and care be forced into our criminal legal system.

Fellowship Plans

During her fellowship, Ali will pursue community-led litigation strategies to yield meaningful reforms. She will create mobile clinics to educate community members on the valuable role of public complaints in decertifying problem law enforcement officers and assist individuals throughout the complaint process. Additionally, Ali will continue to support the advocacy of directly impacted community members through research and by coordinating coalition efforts. She will also build infrastructure for a long-term partnership between the Loyola Anti-Racism Center and community stakeholders to continue law enforcement accountability work for years to come.