Exploring the Future of American Social Safety Net Amid COVID Policy Changes

The University of Houston Law Center is set to host its 30th Annual Frankel Lecture, focusing on the significant shifts in American social policy following the COVID-19 pandemic. On October 10, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., esteemed legal scholar Samuel R. Bagenstos will present a lecture titled "COVID and the Great Retrenchment." This event, taking place in the Danny M. Sheena Courtroom, will also be accessible online, ensuring participation from a wider audience.

Samuel R. Bagenstos, a prominent figure in health, labor, and social policy, serves as the Frank G. Millard Professor of Law at the University of Michigan. His extensive experience includes critical roles in the U.S. government during the pandemic, particularly at the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Bagenstos’s insights are particularly relevant in this time of policy reversals, as he examines how federal programs were expanded during the pandemic and the implications of their subsequent rollback.

Having shaped executive orders and overseen the implementation of COVID relief initiatives, Bagenstos’s breadth of knowledge encompasses the legal, policy, and social consequences of such sweeping changes. His tenure at both the OMB and HHS has positioned him uniquely to navigate the discussions surrounding the future of America’s social safety net.

During his career, he has litigated several important cases before the U.S. Supreme Court, including Young v. United Parcel Service, which established vital protections for pregnant workers, and United States v. Georgia, which upheld the constitutionality of Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Bagenstos is also recognized for his contributions to disability rights law, having published notable works and advocating extensively before Congress on related issues.

The Frankel Lecture promises a rich discussion on the evolving landscape of social safety nets in the aftermath of the pandemic. Commentators for the event will include Andrew Hammond, a Professor of Law at Indiana University, and Abigail R. Moncrieff, an Associate Professor of Law and Political Science at Cleveland State University. Their expertise will complement Bagenstos’s presentation, creating a robust dialogue on the implications of changing policies for vulnerable populations.

Attendees of the lecture will be eligible for two hours of Texas continuing legal education credit, making this event particularly valuable for legal professionals seeking to stay informed about contemporary issues in health and social policy. For those attending in person, complimentary parking and lunch will be provided, enhancing the overall experience of this significant academic gathering.

The Frankel Lecture series has long been a cornerstone of legal education and public discourse, showcasing leading experts and their contributions to the field. As the discussion continues to evolve, Bagenstos's lecture will be crucial in understanding the current state and future of America’s social safety net in light of policy changes prompted by the pandemic.

The University of Houston Law Center, acclaimed for its rigorous academic programs and robust legal community, continues to lead important conversations on health law, civil rights, and the societal implications of legislation. As one of the nation's premier law schools, the UHLC is dedicated to fostering knowledge and advocacy in vital areas of law, making events like the Frankel Lecture instrumental in shaping the future of legal practice and policy.

In a time where the intersection of health, policy, and law is more critical than ever, Bagenstos’s insights will undoubtedly influence future discussions on how America addresses its social safety net in a post-COVID world.