Diversity Statement
The University of Idaho College of Law embraces diversity within the law school community and the legal profession. Our law school protects and fosters an inclusive and respectful learning environment for the discussion of legal principles, concepts, and practical skills. As a preparatory ground for future practitioners of the law, we adhere to the standards of legal professionalism within our classrooms, our offices, our hallways, our student organizations, our gathering places, and our activities. The calling to law is an important one with significant impacts on society, and as a law school we take that significance to the core of our purpose. The law school community values people of diverse cultures, races, ethnicities, genders, physical abilities, lifestyles, opinions, citizenship, philosophies, sexual orientations, religious backgrounds, ages, life experience, and identities. Diversity is an essential component of the University of Idaho College of Law and requires legal professionalism from all sectors of our community to provide an appropriately respectful learning environment.
Diversity in the College of Law
The College of Law’s commitment to inclusiveness and diversity is strong as we strive to foster a community of mutual respect among our students, staff and faculty. Our differences of ethnicity, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender, family status, religion and language make a vibrant community of scholars, lawyers and professionals.
The College of Law's commitment to diversity is supported by our:
- Native Law Program and courses such as Critical Studies and our focus on the legal status, experiences and rights of diverse populations.
- Immigration Clinic, which represents foreign nationals living in the U.S. in proceedings before Immigration Judges, the Board of Immigration Appeals and federal courts.
- Pro Bono Program, which requires all students to perform at least 40 hours of law-related public service, assists the underserved and disadvantaged.
- Career Development Office, which is committed to expanding career opportunities for women and minority students.
Diversity on the Rise
Since the beginning of the decade, the College of Law has seen an increase of more than 20 percent in female students. In 2007, the percentage of female students in the entering class was 49.5 percent.
The representation of racial minority students has also increased. In just eight years, the percentage of minority students in the entering class rose from eight percent to 18 percent. These changes have occurred while the college increased the overall average accepted LSAT scores.
Student Groups Promote Diversity
Students are actively involved in a variety of student groups that promote diversity. One-third of the existing College of Law student organizations take aim at fulfilling the value of diversity in the college.
These organizations include:
If you have questions about diversity in the College of Law, please contact Professor Angelique Townsend EagleWoman, chair of the College of Law Diversity Committee.