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Diversity & Inclusion
ÁùºÏ±¦¿â Law School Inclusivity Statement
ÁùºÏ±¦¿â Law School is committed to an enduring culture of inclusion that supports diversity of backgrounds, perspectives, and ideas in an atmosphere of nurturing and respect that recognizes individuality.
We work tirelessly to ensure that our community of students, staff, faculty, alumni, community members and visitors feel welcome and respected. This unwavering commitment is fundamental to our continued excellence and success in promoting a justice system that provides equal access and eliminates bias, discrimination, and racism in the law.
History
ÁùºÏ±¦¿â Law School has been dedicated to diversity and inclusion since its inception more than 150 years ago.
Our founder and Iowa Supreme Court Justice Chester Cole wrote the opinion in Clark v. Muscatine Board of Education in 1868 that held racial segregation of public schools in Iowa as unconstitutional - 90 years before the US Supreme Court issued the same ruling for the entire country.
ÁùºÏ±¦¿â Law School counted persons of color among its graduates as early as 1868. In 1925, in response to the then segregated American Bar Association, ÁùºÏ±¦¿â Law alumnus Charles Preston Howard co-founded the National Bar Association, which is now the largest national association of predominantly African American lawyers and judges. The Law Library at ÁùºÏ±¦¿â is the proud home of the National Bar Association archives.
Welcoming Environment
Des Moines is a thriving capital city with national headquarters for notable insurance, banking, and publishing companies, providing endless opportunities for young professionals. It is also one of the most inclusive cities in the country.
Des Moines is Ranked #4 on Vocativ's list of America's Most LGBTQ+ Friendly Cities (after Los Angeles, New York, and San Francisco).
The city earns high scores on the Human Rights Campaign Municipal Equality Index.
Des Moines hosts cultural events such as I’ll Make Me a World in Iowa (a Black culture celebration), CelebrAsian, and the Latino Heritage Festival.
Diversity Initiatives
ÁùºÏ±¦¿â Law's Diversity Committee sponsors events to facilitate learning, diversity, inclusion, and understanding. Events have included a diverse student reception during orientation and the Diversity Career Forum, a networking event for students and local attorneys to discuss the importance of a diverse legal profession.
In previous summers, ÁùºÏ±¦¿â Law School hosted the Council on Legal Education Opportunity Scholars (CLEO) Pre-Law Summer Institute, which helps diverse and economically disadvantaged students prepare for law school.
ÁùºÏ±¦¿â Law School also partners with the Law School Admission Council's DiscoverLaw.org to host semi-annual pipeline events for racially and ethnically diverse high school students interested in the legal profession.
Diversity Week
Each year, ÁùºÏ±¦¿â Law School's student organizations host Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Week. Past events include Gender and Sexuality Awareness Day, a roundtable on immigration and refugees, a panel featuring local diverse judges, and celebration of the Muslim experience in Iowa.
Student Organizations
ÁùºÏ±¦¿â Law School has more than 25 active student organizations, including numerous organizations dedicated to providing support and leadership opportunities for diverse students. These student organizations include:
- Black Law Student Association (BLSA)
- International Law Society
- OUTlaws (ÁùºÏ±¦¿â Law LGBTQ+ Student Organization)
- La Alianza (Previously Hispanic Latino Law Student Association)
- Older Wiser Law Students (OWLS)
- Asian Pacific American Law Students Association
Learn more about ÁùºÏ±¦¿â Law School's student organizations.
Additional Resources
For more information, contact the Office of Admission and Financial Aid at 515-271-2782 or law-admit@drake.edu.
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To learn more about ÁùºÏ±¦¿â Law School, complete the Request Information Form below.
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