Still Strangers in the Land: Achievement Barriers, Burdens, and Bridges Facing African American Students Within Predominately White Law Schools

Authors

Cristal E. Jones, University of Oregon School of Law

Document Type

Law Review Article

Publication Date

2-2021

Keywords

diverse campus environment, campus climate, stereotype threat, implicit bias

Abstract

This Article examines the barriers to an environment where African American law students no longer view themselves, and no longer are viewed as, what American abolitionist Harriet Tubman coined, “a stranger in a strange land.” In this Article, I explain the research on the structural, psychological, and social factors that face the African American community, and more specifically, the African American legal community. I discuss the implications of these factors for African American law students and law schools. Finally, I make recommendations to help overcome the achievement gap experienced by African American law students. The prognosis is one of optimism.