Marlee Gayle Kline (1960 – 2001) joined the law school at UBC as a professor in 1989. Professor Kline was deeply committed to a critical, challenging and engaged study of law and legal institutions. Her work reflected her passionate belief that social justice concerns must play a central role in legal education and law. Her writings on feminist legal theory and critical race theory, child welfare law and policy, the continuing effects of colonialism, and restructuring of the social welfare state are internationally acclaimed.
Professor Kline was a dedicated and inspirational teacher who provided support and extensive feedback to students. She had a significant impact on many students, particularly those marginalized within society or within the law school. Within the Faculty, Professor Kline worked hard to strengthen the First Nations Law Program as well as Feminist Legal Studies. Professor Kline died in 2001 after a lengthy struggle with leukemia, which she fought with the courage, dignity and quiet determination that characterized her life and work.
Professor Kline’s friends and family, in honour of this beloved and compassionate teacher, advocate and scholar, donated to the law school's building project. A room at Allard Hall has been named in honour of Marlee Kline to acknowledge these generous contributions.