Dr. Inbar Peled ’24 (PhD) has been awarded the prestigious York University Dissertation Prize, recognizing her exemplary research. Her thesis, entitled Professionalizing Discrimination has been lauded by the Faculty of Graduate Studies for making a “major contribution” to addressing systemic issues in criminal justice. Each year, the university honours up to three exceptional dissertations defended within that period.
Peled’s dissertation examines why multicultural societies have struggled to prevent discriminatory policing practices, despite the widespread impact of social movements such as the Black Lives Matter. By investigating patterns of racialized policing and the shortcomings in legal responses, Peled’s work provides new insights into entrenched systemic problems. Her research includes in-depth interviews, observations in courtrooms, and doctrinal analysis.
“My research begins with a fundamental question: Why do diverse criminal justice systems consistently fail to address racialized policing?” said Peled. She aims to redefine understanding of the role of criminal justice systems in perpetuating racial bias and envisions new strategies for transformative change.
Peled expressed deep appreciation for her mentors and the examination committee at Osgoode Hall Law School.