DIVERSITY, EQUITY, INCLUSION, AND JUSTICE

Administration, faculty, staff, and student leaders worked closely together to implement new initiatives and programming in support of students of color, first-generation college students attending law school, and other traditionally underrepresented student populations.

Over the summer, the Law School’s Directors of Diversity Professor Wendy Ross and Associate Dean Sofia Chapman also conducted student focus groups with six diverse student organizations. The insights gained from these focus groups helped shape programming and other efforts throughout the academic year. Throughout the year, deans met regularly with the student-led Diversity Advisory Board to discuss issues and initiatives.

Student organizations actively partnered with the Office of Student Life and Law School committees such as the Diversity Committee and Gender Equity Committee to host many outstanding events that advanced diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice. Events included a panel discussion on immigration reform in 2021, a presentation by nationally-recognized attorney Ezra Young on gender identity and the law, and three outstanding events during Diversity Week.

Our alumni also joined the effort to increase awareness on issues related to diversity with many serving as guest lecturers and panelists. Bryan Goldberg '07 spoke on the importance of diversity in the National Geospatial Intelligence Agency at a noon lecture hosted by the Black Law Student Association and Professor Jorge Ramirez. The Criminal Law Association hosted a “Women in Criminal Law” panel which provided insight into the challenges and triumphs women experience in the legal field in criminal law and beyond. Four of the six panelists were Texas Tech law alumni, including The Honorable Judge Ann-Marie Carruth '06, Associate Judge Meryl Benham '06, Laurie Key '01, and Andrea Nfodjo '18.

Efforts to foster a welcoming and supportive diverse environment where every student and every other member of our community can thrive and grow are a top priority. We are continually growing and strengthening these efforts. You can learn more about these initiatives on the Law School’s website.