The Impact of Diversity and Inclusion in Law School
Race and Higher Education: Is the LSAT Systemic of Racial Differences in Education Attainment?
Document Type
Issue/Research Brief/Blog
Publication Date
11-2017
Keywords
admission criteria, incoming indicators, law school diversity, standardized test scores, LSAT
Abstract
Law school is the least diverse graduate school program, which translates to the lack of diversity among law professionals. Among America’s national law schools, Caucasians fill eighty-eight percent of the seats. This persistent trend over the years has led researchers to question what barriers of entry might exist that are limiting the diversity. One of the most significant barriers has shown to be the Law School Admissions Test. The LSAT is the highest weighing component on whether an applicant will be accepted or denied from law school. Trends have also revealed that underrepresented minorities statistically have much lower scores on the LSAT. This test score gap translates to the lack of diversity in America’s top law schools. This research paper attempts to answer the question of is the LSAT is systemic of racial differences in higher education attainment. In this research economic barriers will be analyzed for a greater idea on socioeconomic differences among students in law school. Following the analysis of the socioeconomic advantages and disadvantages among applicants, a analysis on the test score gap vs. the knowledge gap will be included. Finally, predictability of the LSAT to measure success on the law bar exam will be reevaluated. This reevaluation will comprehensively include data from test takers with subsequent attempts. This additional data will add a dimension to “success” because the ABA currently measures school’s success rate solely on first attempt takers
