Submissions

The only Vanderbilt Law journal with an explicit social justice mission, the Vanderbilt Social Justice Reporter (“VSJR”) is envisioned as a national go-to resource for social justice-oriented scholars, practitioners, students, and community members, with content spanning intersectional issues of law and social equity.

Submissions for our journal are currently open.

Vanderbilt Social Justice Reporter (“VSJR”) is pleased to invite scholars, practitioners, organizers, and system-impacted individuals to submit written content to be included in our Fall 2025/Spring 2026 publication cycle.

Submission Guidelines

We invite perspective authors to submit a brief (approx. 300 words) description of the article they are interested in writing (or a first draft of their article, if it’s already written). Please include in your proposal a summary of your research question and/or argument, as well as a description of the type of article you are planning to write (genre, format, approximate length, etc.). Please, see below for our submission guidelines for written pieces. Also, please include a rough estimate of when you'd be able to submit a first draft.

While not required, it is encouraged that along with your submission, a brief written statement (150–300 words) about yourself and/or your submission. While this is optional, the written statement may expand on how your work fits within VSJR’s broader mission.

How to Submit

Proposals and drafts should be emailed to our Journal Email (vls.sjr@vanderbilt.edu) and CC our Executive Articles Editor, Savannah Sparks (savannah.sparks@Vanderbilt.edu). VSJR staff members are happy to meet via zoom to discuss the publication process and/or ideas for articles.

Submit to the Reporter

Deadlines

To be considered for the Fall 2025 publication cycle please submit abstracts by June 30th.
- If selected, Authors should aim to submit their first draft by August 10th.
To be considered for the Spring 2026 Publication cycle, please submit abstracts by August 31st.

Our Mission

VSJR strives to publish scholarship that will challenge the “neutral” tenets of the law by elevating traditionally minimized or excluded stories and empowering readers from all backgrounds to engage in the pursuit of social justice and civil rights.

Organizational Summary

VSJR is a digital-only publication focused on providing a dedicated forum for social justice, civil rights, and public interest scholarship. VSJR aims to bridge scholarship and legal practice by integrating progressive legal organizations and practitioners into its approach to publication development and community outreach. VSJR typically will publish its Fall Publication in November/December and its Spring Publication in late April/ May.

We will prioritize the publication of written work that aligns with VSJR’s values as a social justice journal, both in content and form. We are also committed to elevating voices from beyond the legal academy. While not required, it is encouraged that along with your submission, a brief written statement (150–300 words) about yourself and/or your submission. While this is optional, the written statement may expand on how your work fits within VSJR’s broader mission.