Equity, Diversity & Inclusion
Mission Statement
Fostering a diverse community of students, staff, and faculty from different backgrounds and walks of life is essential to WashULaw’s core mission: to train students to succeed in the modern legal profession and serve as a hub of influential research production.
To live up to that commitment, we strongly emphasize the value and importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion across all dimensions of our curriculum, administration, and institution as a whole.
Our Commitment to Equity, Diversity & Inclusion
Achieving our mission requires more than teaching black-letter law. It requires an abiding emphasis on the value of diversity, equity, and inclusion as an integral commitment. Here are some concrete steps we have taken to successfully embody our mission statement:
- Attracting and assembling one of the most diverse student bodies and faculties in our school’s history. Women, for example, make up over 48% of our current student body, while people of color account for almost 25%.
- Mandating bias awareness and sexual harassment training to all in the law school community as part of our efforts to stamp out discrimination on the basis of race, gender, sexual orientation, religious beliefs, socioeconomic background, and more.
- Lending pro bono legal services to a variety of diverse community members in the St. Louis area and beyond, who would not otherwise have access to solid legal representation.
- Hosting diverse speakers from around the nation and world to share, present, and lecture at the law school.
- Establishing a robust offering of student groups, organizations, and resources specifically for diverse students. Please see an outline of these below, with links to their home pages.
- Directing students to the university’s bias reporting form, which may be used to report incidents of experienced or witnessed discriminatory behavior.
WashULaw also has a proud history of valuing diversity. When we opened our doors in 1867, we admitted the first two women in the nation to attend a chartered law school: Phoebe Couzins and Lemma Barkeloo. In 1886, we admitted our first African American student, Walter Moran Farmer.
However, our work from the past and present must strengthen and continue into the future. We are galvanized to continue. Please join us on this important journey.
ANDRÉA CHARLES/ STUDENT
Congratulations to 3L Andréa Charles, who was recently named a Graduate Student Representative to the Washington University Board of Trustees for the 2024-2025 Academic Year.
Each year, the Board appoints a select few students who meet a rigorous criteria to participate in its governance process, offer insights into the on-campus experience and raise concerns as needed. Andréa is one of four to represent the graduate student body this year.
Graduate Student Representative to Board of Trustees
ASHRAKAT HASSAN / STUDENT
Congratulations to 1L Ashrakat Hassan, who received the BLSA Chapter Member of the Year Award at the 2024 BLSA Scholarship Banquet! Ashrakat is pictured with 1L Jaylen Hankins, 2L Avrye King, and 3L Tosin Agunloye.
Equity strengthens our community.
WashULaw Spaces and Resources
Gender Neutral Restrooms
There are a total of 4 gender neutral restrooms in Anheuser Busch Hall. All gender neutral restrooms can be found on the eastside of building, by the staircase on the first and second floor.
Lactation Room
The Office of Student Life (AB Hall, Suite 210) provides a small room with privacy lock, chair, and access to a sink and refrigerator. The Lactation Room is available to nursing mothers, Monday-Friday from 8:00am-5:00pm.
Serenity Room
The Office of Student Life (AB Hall, Suite 210) offers a quiet space dedicated for prayer and meditation. The Serenity Room is available to law students, Monday-Friday from 8:00am-5:00pm.
University Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Resources
Bias Report and Support System
A system for those who have experienced or witnessed incidents of bias, prejudice or discrimination involving a student to report their experiences.
Bias Report and Support System
Center for Diversity and Inclusion
The Center for Diversity and Inclusion supports and advocates for undergraduate, graduate and professional students from underrepresented and/or marginalized populations, creates collaborative partnerships with campus and community partners, and promotes dialogue and social change among all students.
Center for Diversity and Inclusion
Equity and Inclusion Council
The Washington University Equity and Inclusion Council (WUEIC) is a representative body of students, staff, and faculty from across all corners of the university.
Equity and Inclusion Council- Student Affinity Organizations
WashULaw offers many opportunities for students to engage and connect through affinity organizations. These organizations contribute immeasurably to the vitality of our community and provide many students with a place to advocate, serve, and otherwise engage in the larger academic, social, and legal worlds.
Some of our affinity-based student-led organizations include the Asian Pacific American Law Students Association, Black Law Student Association, First Generation Law Society, Jewish Law Society, and Latin American Law Students Association. Click here for full list of law student organizations.
- University Initiatives
- LSAC Diversity Resources – LGBTQIA Applications
LSAC has materials collected and available on its LGBTQIA+ & Law School page for LGBTQIA+ applicants. This page includes a collection of videos featuring applicants and students sharing their experiences:
- Coming Out on Your Application
- Choosing an LGBTQIA+ Friendly Law School
- Being Out in Law School
- Being Transgender in Law School
- Being Out at Work
- LSAC Diversity Resources – Racial and Ethnic Minority Applicants
LSAC has materials collected and available for racial and ethnic minority applicants at DiscoverLaw.org.
Our Leaders
Faculty and Staff Directory
Equity, Diversity & Inclusion
Assistant Dean of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion