The Impact of Diversity and Inclusion in Law School
Diversity and Exclusion
Document Type
Issue/Research Brief/Blog
Publication Date
2020
Keywords
law school diversity, diverse campus environment, student diversity impact, sense of belonging
Abstract
Questions of diversity and inclusion have been forefront for many students, staff, faculty, and administrators for decades. The Supreme Court has weighed in on the importance of student body diversity, affirming that it “promotes cross-racial understanding, helps to break down racial stereotypes, and enables students to better understand persons of different races.” Yet previous research has shown that even enrolling a critical mass of students from various backgrounds does not automatically create a robust exchange of ideas or prepare students for future careers interacting with diverse clientele.
Schools have a responsibility to not only admit and provide the resources to enroll a diverse class of students, but to impart the skills these students will need to be effective lawyers. Increasingly, the practice of law requires sensitivity to issues of race/ ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic status.
This year for the first time, LSSSE introduced a set of questions focused on diversity and inclusion that supplement related questions from the primary survey. The Diversity and Inclusiveness Module examines environments, processes, and activities that reflect the engagement and validation of cultural diversity and promote greater understanding of societal differences. Questions explore students’ exposure to inclusive teaching practices and intercultural learning; perceptions of institutional values and commitment regarding diversity; and participation in diversity-related programming and coursework.
In this report, we draw from the Diversity and Inclusiveness Module to present data about how diversity in law school can prepare students for the effective practice of law upon graduation. These begin with a foundational requirement that schools are creating a supportive environment for all students. Without institutional support, students from different backgrounds may not see themselves as valuable partners for building an inclusive community. Equally important, students who feel a strong sense of belonging are more likely to achieve academic and professional success; avoiding identity-based stigma allows students to fully engage and invest in the law school community as their authentic selves. Finally, as part of a broad curriculum that sets up students for their future practice, law schools should teach students diversity skills—a set of skills that facilitate success in our increasingly globalized society, ranging from personal reflection to the tangible tools lawyers can use to combat discrimination. Law schools that succeed at these diversity-related endeavors will be preparing our nation’s newest lawyers to meet the full range of challenges ahead.
