Dr. Udi Ofer

Biography

Udi Ofer is the John L. Weinberg Visiting Professor at the Princeton School of Public and International Affairs and a lecturer on civil rights, policing, and public policy. With over 20 years of experience as a civil rights lawyer and policy advocate, Ofer has worked on issues including criminal justice reform, national security, and racial justice. He has significantly contributed to the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) as Deputy National Political Director, focusing on advocacy at the national level to secure policy victories across multiple states. Ofer played a crucial role in the ACLU's Campaign Smart Justice, which aimed at ending mass incarceration through a comprehensive strategy implemented in over 50 states. His prior leadership as the Executive Director of the ACLU of New Jersey yielded substantial reforms in various areas, such as legalizing marijuana and overhauling the cash bail system. Before his tenure at the ACLU, Ofer founded the New York Bill of Rights Defense Campaign, where he worked extensively on national security issues and challenged controversial practices. He has authored articles for prominent law reviews and his work has been featured in major media outlets, testifying before legislatures on civil rights matters. Ofer holds degrees from Fordham University School of Law and the State University of New York at Buffalo.

Research Interests