The Washington Bar Association, Inc. and the Washington Bar Association Educational Foundation, Inc. have announced the 2021 Charles Hamilton Essay Scholarship winners. This year, competitors each submitted essays regarding the topic: “Whether allowing the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion for race to be considered in the appointment of federal judges, including U.S. Supreme Court Justices, is unconstitutional under the United States Constitution.” Among the three recipients named this year was Catholic Law third-year Shala Barney, who placed third in the competition.

Barney serves as President of Catholic Law’s Black Law Students Association (BLSA). About the honor, Barney said, “I'm grateful to receive the award and delighted to write on a topic that is of personal importance."