ND Law Black Law Students Association explores DEI challenges and opportunities following SCOTUS race-conscious admissions decision
On Tuesday, September 10, Notre Dame Law School’s Black Law Students Association (BLSA) hosted a panel discussion titled, "State of the Law: A Discussion on DEI in Law Schools and Beyond One Year After Students for Fair Admissions." The event gathered influential DEI thought leaders to discuss the challenges and opportunities surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion across sectors like private law firms, academia, and state government. Their perspectives highlighted the effects of the Students for Fair Admissions decision on higher education’s ongoing efforts to foster diverse and inclusive campus communities. Attendees gained valuable insights into the evolving DEI landscape and a renewed understanding of Notre Dame Law School’s unwavering commitment to fostering a diverse student body.
The panelists included Leslie Richards-Yellen, chief diversity officer at Sidley Austin LLP; Patricia Kinney, assistant dean of diversity & inclusion at Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law; and Kerrah Herring, chief equity, inclusion & opportunity officer for the State of Indiana. The panel discussion was moderated by Max Gaston, director of diversity, equity, and inclusion at Notre Dame Law School.
The event was co-sponsored by Notre Dame Law School’s American Constitution Society; Asian Pacific American Law Students Association; Hispanic Law Students Association; Middle Eastern Law Students Association; Native American Law Students Association; and LGBT Law Forum.
In June 2023, the United States Supreme Court delivered a landmark ruling, striking down race-based affirmative action in college admissions. The decision in Students for Fair Admissions, Inc. v. President and Fellows of Harvard College led to significant changes in admissions practices at universities across the United States. Beyond its immediate effects, the ruling sparked widespread debate and intensified scrutiny of affirmative action policies, while also igniting broader conversations about diversity initiatives at higher education institutions.
Read the thought-provoking reflections and key takeaways that three attendees shared following this timely and important conversation.
Max Gaston, Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Notre Dame Law School
"This important conversation highlighted that while the Students for Fair Admissions decision marks a significant shift in the landscape of diversity initiatives, the pursuit of equity is far from over. We must continue to adapt and innovate, ensuring that our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion remains steadfast. As our panelists critically shared, it's not just about meeting legal requirements; it's about fostering environments where every individual can thrive and contribute to a richer, more representative society."
2L Nicholas Smith, President, Notre Dame Law School Black Law Students Association
"I thought the event was great and not just because BLSA organized it! The panelists did a very good job of framing the conversation. They highlighted the importance of educating oneself and forming your own informed opinions on the issues. There has been a lot of misinformation and politicization of DEI leading up to and following Students for Fair Admissions and the panelists encouraged us to not fall victim to it. I'm truly grateful for their time with us at NDLS!"
2L Kimberly West, Community Engagement/Fundraising Co-Chair, Notre Dame Law School Black Law Students Association
"The DEI panel was both timely and insightful. As our society becomes progressively diverse, the legal field — along with law schools and students — faces important choices in how to respond. The discussion reinforced my belief that the mission of DEI is still essential, and the work must continue."