Struggles & Support: Diversity in U.S. Law Schools

Authors

Meera E. Deo, Thomas Jefferson School of LawFollow
Walter R. Allen, University of California-Los AngelesFollow
A. T. Panter, University of North Carolina-Chapel HillFollow
Charles E. Daye, University of North Carolina School of LawFollow
Linda Wightman, University of North Carolina-GreensboroFollow

Document Type

Law Review Article

Publication Date

1-2009

Keywords

student diversity impact, learning outcomes, democracy outcomes, diverse campus environment

Abstract

This article is a reflection on law students and their experiences as students from different racial backgrounds. This study relies on national survey and focus group data to examine the levels of law student support for diversity in law school and sources of support for law students. Both white and minority students express strong support for diversity in the educational setting and suggest that diversity enhances their learning environment. Students suggest that lack of diversity at their law school may put them at a disadvantage. Seventy eight percent of students agreed that law school diversity will improve their future careers. Achieving a critical mass of underrepresented students is important to minority students because it creates a level of peer support.