Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) are long-standing core values of DePaul College of Law and integral to our social justice mission. These values are reflected in welcoming students from all backgrounds to our community, helping our students realize their full potential, and treating all with dignity and respect. They are also reflected in our efforts that enhance access to legal services and challenge institutions to be fairer and more just.
Our administrators, faculty, staff, students and alumni work collaboratively on a variety of initiatives, from programs and student mentoring, to partnerships with Chicago organizations equally committed to these same core values.
Notable initiatives for Fall 2021-2022 included:
- Expanding a 1L mentoring program for underrespresented students, including students of color, first-generation and undocumented/DACAmented students
- Planning a JD learning outcome related to diversity, equity and inclusion, as well as requiring students to take a course (among a range of choices) related to racial/social justice prior to graduation (beginning with the 2022 entering class)
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Providing full-time faculty members with additional training and resources to support integrating structural racism and other critical perspectives into their classrooms
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Hosting a “Community Conversations” lecture on Asian Americans and the law, and co-hosting other programs.
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Having all 1L students attend a diversity, inclusion and equity professional development program as part of 1L Orientation and the required Preparing to Practice (P2P) course
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Providing additional funds for emergency assistance and bar preparation