Tom I. Romero II

Tom I. Romero II is a Professor of Law at the University of Denver’s Sturm College of Law and affiliated faculty in the Department of History. He directs the Interdisciplinary Research Institute for the Study of Inequality (IRISE) and has held interim roles as Vice Chancellor of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and Associate Provost for DEI Research. His work bridges legal history, race, and environmental policy, with a focus on post-WWII Denver and Latinx communities’ water access issues.

Education:

• PhD in History, University of Michigan, 2004
• JD, University of Michigan, 2000
• MA in History, University of Michigan, 1999
• BA in History/Public Affairs, University of Denver, 1995

Research Interests: Dr. Romero’s scholarship examines the intersection of race, law, and environmental justice. Recent projects include a book manuscript on Denver’s post-WWII legal history and a community-based study on water quality in Denver’s Latinx neighborhoods. He also explores historical parallels between water law and immigration policy in the late 19th/early 20th centuries.

Affiliations:

• Advisory Board Member, History Colorado’s Lost Highways Podcast
• Board Member, Colorado Water Trust and One World One Water Center

DEI Contributions: Over eight years, Dr. Romero has led university-wide DEI initiatives, integrating research, curriculum development, and policy reforms to address systemic inequities.