A Professionally Diverse Environment
One of our greatest strengths is our diverse community. Our students, faculty, and administration are committed to creating an enriching learning environment. We value the perspective that each student brings to the law school and we embrace diversity in its broadest forms. Our commitment to diversity does not end with our students. It is reflected in all levels of our administration and our faculty as well.
Since its inception in 1897, Catholic University’s law school has established a progressive history of inclusion. Our first African-American student was enrolled in 1902; our first female student in 1922.
As Pope Francis said in an address on Oct. 31st, 2014,
“Unity does not imply uniformity; it does not necessarily mean doing everything together or thinking in the same way. Nor does it signify a loss of identity. Unity in diversity is actually the opposite: it involves the joyful recognition and acceptance of the various gifts... It means knowing how to listen, to accept differences, and having the freedom to think differently and express oneself with complete respect towards the other who is my brother or sister. Do not be afraid of differences!”
[Address to Catholic Fraternity of the Charismatic Covenant Communities and Fellowship, Oct. 31, 2014]
As a law school community, we are very aware of the importance of varying perspectives, diverse backgrounds, and contrasting experiences in the law school classroom. It is our job as a law school not only to train the students to be the best lawyers, but to provide an enriching legal education. Catholic Law strives to attain a diverse class in order to produce legal professionals of conscience and compassion. Our graduates are well prepared to resolve the most difficult legal issues due to their varied perspectives, ethical groundings, and strong community values.
Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Council
The Columbus School of Law has long recognized the importance of attracting, maintaining, and supporting a diverse and inclusive community in order to advance its mission and educational objectives. To assist in achieving these goals, the Dean of the Law School has established a Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Council composed of staff, faculty, alumni, and students.
Admitted Student Mentor Programs
The Black Law Student Mentoring and Leadership Program begins even before you set foot on campus as a student. From the day you are admitted to Catholic Law, we will be there to guide you through your decision to attend our law school, and we will help you prepare to start as a student here.
Once you’re admitted, we will ask if you would like to discuss your decision about where to go to law school with one of our faculty members, who will serve as your mentor throughout your decision-making process if you wish. They will welcome you to Catholic Law, serve as a resource to help answer your questions, and offer you advice as you think through your decision. Deciding where to go to law school can seem daunting—your faculty mentor is here to help guide you. To learn more, click here.
A Snapshot of the Fall 2021 Entering Class
Students came to Catholic Law from 28 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, as well as Canada, China, Columbia, Cuba, Ecuador, El Salvador, India, Korea, Nigeria, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, Poland, and Turkey. They represent 111 colleges and universities.
- 27% of the student body are self-identified as members of an ethnic or racial group that is underrepresented in the legal profession.
- 15% of the incoming class holds advanced degrees in such areas as: English, Philosophy, Public Health, Regulatory Biomedical Engineering, International Relations, Food Business Management, Public Policy, Accounting, Legislative Affairs, Sports Management, Nonprofit & Association Management, Forensic Science, Pharmacy, Education, Early Childhood Special Education, Business Administration, Criminal Justice, National Security, and Organizational Management.
- Class members brought an amazing range of prior experience to the Law School, including careers such as: Army Officer, President & CEO of Consulting Firm, Naval Flight Officer, Special Education Advocate, Counter-terrorism Analyst, Intelligence Officer, Marine, DOJ-Paralegal Specialist, Preschool Director, Interpreter, Anti-Fraud and Compliance Director, Vice President for Legal Operations, Director of JEDI (Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion), Guardian Ad Litem – Child Advocate, Executive Chef, FBI – Counterintelligence Analyst.