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Coalition for Racial and Ethnic Diversity in Law School and the Legal Profession

Vernellia R. Randall, University of Dayton School of Law Professor, lets us know of the Stop Crisis in Legal Education coalition, seeking to increase the representation of minorities in the legal profession.

Currently, the Coalition is seeking support for proposed “changes in the ABA accrediation rules that would have the following impact”:

• Schools would not be allowed to use an admission policy or practice that has the effect of discriminating unless it is related to satisfactorily completing the school’s educational program. Policies and practices adopted to increase a critical mass of traditionally discriminated against minorities would not violate this change.
• A law school would not be able to use individual test scores in making decisions because LSAC recommends against such use.
• A sound legal education policy would require that each school shall have a critical mass of traditionally discriminated against minorities.
• The law school’s admissions policy and practices would be required to demonstrate how it strives to promote the benefits of diversity as recognized in Grutter v. Bollinger, 539 U.S. 306 (2003).
• A law school would only use an admissions test in a manner that conforms to the standards prescribed by the testing agency.
• Law Schools would use other relevant factors in admission process including the potential to add to the diversity of the law school community and the profession.

The coalition encourages individuals and organizations to join in the initiative by:

• Adding your name and/or your organization’s name as supporter of the proposed changes in the ABA Accreditation Standards.
• Sending a letter of support to the ABA ASAP.
• Sending comments on the Council recommendations during the public comment phrase.

Find out more from the Stop Crisis in Legal Education site.

Read the current and proposed ABA Standards for Approval of Law Schools and Interpretations.