This week we welcome guest writer and 2L Stephanie Nweke, to talk about some of the best ideas for supporting your friends of color as a law student.
Discussions on race, diversity, and inclusion can make people feel really uncomfortable. As a female, first-generation, and African American law student, I’ve had experiences with people who have negative stereotypes and unconscious biases towards me.
The best way to respond accordingly to discrimination and prejudice is to address it upfront. The legal profession has generally been slow to change, especially regarding matters of diversity and inclusion. A misconception is that the responsibility to provide more diverse and inclusive spaces is only for law firms and companies. Law schools are part of the problem by not being intentional about cultivating these environments for students of color to feel secure and excel. Law schools must also prioritize recruiting a diverse pool of talent, so that the ultimate goal of delivering quality legal services is fulfilled.
