Save the SMU Dedman Law Quad - Oppose the Relocation Plan

No on the relocation!!

Please protect our historical campus!!

I would have never chosen to attend SMU Law if the campus was at the intended relocation spot, and I know the vast majority of current students and alumni I've spoken to feel the same. The Law Quad is an integral part of the feeling of "home" we feel at SMU Law. Moving Dedman from the Law Quad will do irreparable damage to the relationship between current students, alumni, future students, and the law school. The side of the most loathsome highway in DFW is no place for an institute of higher learning. PLEASE DON'T DO THIS.

Esteemed academic institutions preserve their historic buildings because they embody institutional identity, continuity, and values built over generations. These structures provide a tangible link to the past, reinforcing tradition and credibility while strengthening alumni and community connection. Preservation also supports stewardship, sustainability, and educational mission—using the campus itself as a living classroom that reflects architectural, cultural, and intellectual heritage. AN OFFICE BUILDING OFF CENTRAL EXPRESSWAY CAN'T DO ANY OF THESE THINGS.

The process and communication failures alone should be enough to doom this plan, regardless of its merits. The Law School’s future success is worth a debate on those merits, and plenty of stakeholders have raised legitimate questions about the downside risks of the planned move.

There will be irreparable damage to the standing of the Law School if the Law Quad is demolished. Please don’t do it.

These beautiful buildings are the reason my daughter chose SMU law!!

I graduated class of 1992. Afterwards I went to Georgetown to get my LLM. As you may know the law school is not where the Georgetown campus is. I don’t think moving the law school to another location may be the best option for our law school

Vehemently oppose relocation of law school. Please invest money in renovating/improving school in its current location!

DO NOT MOVE.

This move would be disastrous for the students and alumni of SMU law, and will lead to us surrendering even more ground to A&M law. The law quad was a quintessential part of the SMU law experience and tradition. If I was a prospective student again, I wouldn’t want to attend law school at this satellite campus that will be divorced from the beautiful, main campus. I add my voice to the chorus crying out against this move.

Class of 2019

This decision is incredibly disappointing but entirely foreseeable. I am glad I decided to go to SMU for law school because it led me to a career now that I truly enjoy. The reason I decided to go to SMU over other schools was because of its unique campus setting. You cannot replace what the current law quad is. It is clear that the overall university sees the law school as a second class part of the university and moving it across 75 will be the nail in the coffin. They say they want a Top 20 law school but you do not get there by building a new soulless campus across the road. A top law school is made by the students and the professors. It astounds me that they decided to do this when not a single student or alumni is on board.

Save our classic learning space—renovating a bit is fine, but the Quad must stay!

I really hope SMU reconsiders.

This move would rip the soul from our law school and provide future students with a shell of the experience SMU should pride themselves in offering.

I am an alumni of SMU Dedman School of Law and an attorney practicing in Dallas. I strongly oppose moving the law school. The law quad is historic, iconic, and irreplaceable. Newer is not better in this case. Texas A&M is already competing with SMU in the DFW legal market, and the contemplated move away from campus will put A&M on top, I fear. Think of it this way: when you make your final decision, do you think A&M, Baylor and UT will be happy with your choice? If you decide to move the school, I assure you that they will.

2019 Alumni

Keep the quad!

I am a SMU JD/MBA graduate and I oppose the demolition and relocation of the SMU Dedman School of Law. I recommend the law quad be renovated the same way the Cox School of Business was renovated.