Erin L. Kelley

Dr. Erin L. Kelley is a Lecturer I at The University of Texas at Dallas in the Harry W. Bass Jr. School of Arts, Humanities, and Technology, and a Professor of Composition and Literature at Dallas College. She teaches courses including "Legal Research and Writing," "Gender & Justice in American Literature," and "Race and Identity in World Literature." With terminal degrees in both literature (PhD) and law (JD), Dr. Kelley bridges the humanities and legal studies in her academic and public work.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Humanities–Literature, The University of Texas at Dallas
• M.A. in Humanities–Literature, The University of Texas at Dallas
• J.D. in Law, Texas Tech University School of Law
• B.A. in English, Texas Tech University

Her research explores the intersections of law, literature, and gender, focusing on how narratives perpetuate victim-blaming in cases of sexual assault, domestic violence, and stalking. She analyzes legal and literary texts to reveal systemic biases against women and marginalized groups. Her 2024 book, Law, Literature, and Violence Against Women: Ending the Victim Blame Game (Routledge), is a central contribution to this field.

Dr. Kelley's recent publications and presentations examine themes such as DARVO (Deny, Attack, Reverse Victim and Offender), the 'freeze response' in acquaintance rape cases, and slut-shaming in literature and law. Her work draws from interdisciplinary perspectives in criminology, psychology, rhetoric, and feminist theory.

Scientific and Teaching Awards:

• Outstanding Woman of Today, Builder of Tomorrow Award – Altrusa International (2024)
• Inspirational Leader Award – LinkedIn (2022)
• Faculty Fellow Award – Dallas College. Global Citizenship Alliance Seminar, Salzburg, Austria (2022)
• Developing Learning Power Teaching Award – Dallas College (2017)

She is an active public speaker, having delivered a TEDx Talk titled "How Law Stigmatizes Rape Victims" and numerous presentations at academic conferences and community events. She has also published poetry and creative works, and is involved in interdisciplinary teaching and advocacy for victims of gender-based violence. Dr. Kelley advises on professional development for therapists and participates in campus and community initiatives on sexual assault awareness.

Research and Advocacy Teams:

• CAASA (Campus Alliance Against Sexual Assault) – Presenter and collaborator
• Global Citizenship Alliance – Faculty Fellow
• Association for the Study of Law, Culture, and the Humanities – Regular presenter