Diversity & Inclusion

Past Programs

Diversity and Inclusion Book Club: The New Jim Crow

• September 9, 2020

“Careers in Education Law” Panel

• October 14, 2020

 “Unpacking Social Division and its Impact on Civil Discourse”

• November 9, 2020
• Alabama Law, through the Office of Diversity and Inclusion, is sponsoring a session titled “Unpacking Social Division and its Impact on Civil Discourse.”  This Zoom session aims to provide a meaningful opportunity for participants to better understand the impact of cultural identity on our personal and professional interactions.  A deeper understanding of diverse perspectives, especially today, is an important part of an attorney’s personal and professional development.  

“The Undocumented Lawyer” Film Screening and Q&A

• February 3, 2021
• UA Law’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion is excited to host an exclusive screening of the new HBO documentary: “The Undocumented Lawyer.” From January 28-February 3rd, you will have exclusive access to stream the 20-minute film.
• Please join us for a virtual Q&A with film subject Lizbeth Mateo and film director Chris Temple. If you want to watch the film just before the discussion, join us at 5:30 p.m.

“First in the Family to Go to Law School”

• February 17, 2021
• This annual program is designed to provide information about some basic components of law school life of which many individuals, particularly those who are the first in their family to attend law school, may be unaware. The target audience for this event is admitted students, but all students are welcome.

From Scottsboro to Winona: Racial Prosecutions and the Future of Criminal Justice Reform

• March 25, 2021
• The University of Alabama Office of Diversity and Inclusion, in partnership with the Black Law Students Association, will virtually host Curtis Flowers and his attorney Rob McDuff in a discussion about the devastating human toll of racism in our justice system.
• First arrested in January 1997, Curtis Flowers endured nearly 23 years behind bars, an unprecedented six trials, four death sentences, and months of house arrest for murders he always maintained that he did not commit, and for which the evidence of his guilt was weak.
• Three years ago, Flowers’ case became the focus of national attention after an investigation by APM Reports’ podcast “In the Dark” found that his conviction was based on unreliable evidence. On June 21, 2019, the United States Supreme Court took the step of addressing racial discrimination in the criminal justice system by overturning his murder conviction in Flowers v. Mississippi. Last year, Flowers’ two-decade saga finally came to an end when the Mississippi Attorney General dropped all charges against him.
• March 25, 2021 marks the 90th anniversary of the Scottsboro Boys’ arrests. While nearly a century has now passed since that terrible miscarriage of justice, many criminal trials remain infected by racial discrimination. To mark this important anniversary, Mr. Flowers and Mr. McDuff will speak to our community about their experiences and the lessons we can all glean from the 1931 Scottsboro Trials as well as Mr. Flowers’ more recent legal odyssey.

Diversity in Practice and Community Panel

• March 30, 2021
• Join the Career Services Office, in partnership with the Middle Eastern Law Students Association, BLSA and the Office of Diversity and Inclusion, for a conversation led by a diverse group of attorneys as they discuss their areas of practice, and how diversity and inclusion intersects with their work. This panel will be moderated by Grace Lee, UA Law’s Associate Dean of Academic Affairs.

Documentary & Discussion: The Chinese Exclusion Act – October 4, 2018
12:00 pm – Moot Court Room (Room 140)
This program will feature a special presentation of an excerpt from the film The Chinese Exclusion Act examining the first travel ban. Professor Shalini Ray will provide a discussion of the case and linkages to the most recent entry bans.

#ToleranceMeans Dialogue – October 18, 2018
The Tolerance Means dialogues are public discussions designed to bring together students and thought leaders to find more constructive approaches to living together in a pluralistic society. Alabama Law will join seven other law schools who have previously hosted or are scheduled to host a Tolerance Means dialogue.The topic will be “Religion and Gay Marriage: Do They Have to Be at Odds? Can University Students Make a Difference?” The following individuals will serve as dialogue catalysts:

• Professor William N. Eskridge, Jr., John A. Garver Professor of Jurisprudence at Yale Law School
• Robin Fretwell Wilson, Roger and Stephany Joslin Professor of Law, University of Illinois

As part of the Tolerance Means Dialogues, students compete for two Tolerance Scholarships. The students submit 500-word essays on what tolerance means to them and how their experiences could help forge a better society. The two winning essayists will each receive a $750.00 scholarship and take center stage at the Dialogue.

VETERANS WEEK CELEBRATION – November 6, 2018
12:00pm – Lobby outside of Room 187/188
This event is co-sponsored by the Office of Diversity & Inclusion, Judge Joseph Colquitt, the Public Interest Institute, and the Career Services Office.
Stop by at your leisure between 12pm and 1pm and get information about the upcoming Public Interest Institute Veterans Clinic; military job opportunities; and resources for veterans, active duty military, and military spouses. Judge Colquitt will be providing complimentary American flag lapel pins. Light refreshments will be served.

First in My Family to Go to Law School – August 21
12pm in the Moot Court Room

This program is designed to provide information about some basic components of law school life of which many individuals, particularly those who are the first in their family to attend law school, may be unaware. The target audience for this event is 1L students, but all students are welcome. Lunch will be provided.

UA Safe Zone Ally Training Program – April 6, 2018
The Office of Diversity and Inclusion will host the UA Safe Zone Ally Training Program at the Law School.   The Safe Zone Ally Training Program is a three-hour training session that will allow participants to develop a working knowledge of appropriate and respectful LGBTQA+ terminology; recognize the impact that a negative campus climate has on individuals who identify as LGBTQA+; and identify areas of personal growth as a member of the UA community.  Following the training program, participants are invited to sign-up to serve as UA Safe Zone Allies.

Pathways to Justice: Preserving institutional Safeguards and Promoting Access to Justice for Minority and Diaspora Communities – March 20, 2018
Co-Sponsored by the Jewish Law Students Association and OUTLaw
Join us as we welcome noted international attorney Owen Pell, a partner at White & Case in New York City and the President of the Auschwitz Institute for Peace and Reconciliation, to campus to discuss the critical role of the legal community in promoting civil and institutional safeguards and access to justice for minority and diaspora communities.  Lunch will be served. All are welcome.

Legally Black: African-American Millennials Making a Difference in the Legal and Greater Community – February 20, 2018
Co-Sponsored by the Black Law Students Association
This program will explore the contributions African-American millennials are making in the legal profession, as well as the unique challenges they face. Lunch will be served. All are welcome.

A Reading of Dr. King’s “The American Dream” – January 11, 2018

This program featured a reading of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s address delivered at Drew University in Madison, New Jersey on February 5, 1964.

Latinx and the Law – January 22, 2018

(Rescheduled from October) Professor Margaret Montoya from the University of New Mexico School of Law will be the featured speaker. Professor Montoya will use storytelling and audience participation to guide a discussion on Latinx and the Law. 12:00pm, Moot Court Room

High School Open House – November 3, 2017

The Law School, in conjunction with DiscoverLaw.Org, will host an open house for students from two Tuscaloosa area high schools. During the open house, the high school students will learn about different aspects of the law, conduct a mock trial, and participate in a moot court argument.

CSO/ODI Presents: Get Ready To Go To Work, a Professional Etiquette Presentation – October 17, 2017 (Room A112 at Noon)

Gina Johnson, a certified trainer in Professional Business Etiquette, returns to present “Get Ready to Go to Work.” This program is designed to help students with the office etiquette needed for working at your summer job or post-graduate job. Learn the proper ways to handle yourself, including what to do with information, work emails, and how to maintain a professional image. The goal is to make them impressed with both your work product and your personal habits!

First in My Family to Go to Law School – September 7, 2017

This annual program is designed to provide information about some basic components of law school life of which many individuals, particularly those who are the first in their family to attend law school, may be unaware. The target audience for this event is 1L students, but all students are welcome.

Celebration of the 45th Anniversary of the First African-American Alabama Law Graduates – March 31, 2017

2017 marks the 45th Anniversary of the Law School’s First African-American Graduates. The Law School celebrated by hosting a day-long conference titled Bending the Arc of History: African-Americans and the University of Alabama School of Law. Speakers included Civil Rights Attorneys Fred D. Gray, Sr. and Jim Blacksher; Former Alabama Supreme Court Justices John England, Jr. and Ralph Cook; Alabama State Senator Hank Sanders, Sirote Shareholder J. Mason Davis, Former Law School Foundation President Frank James; U.S. Magistrate Judge Sonja Bivins; and Law School Alumni Ronald Jackson, George Jones, Sue Thompson, Marcus Maples, and Shomari Figures.

Dialogue in the Dark – March 2, 2017
Join us for a candid discussion on a range of diversity issues. At this program, students will have an opportunity to discuss various issues across the diversity spectrum. Participants may anonymously submit questions to be addressed at the program by visiting http://ask.fm/dialogueinthedark2017. All questions must be submitted by March 1, 2017. Lunch will be provided. All are welcome.

Middle School Open House – February 24, 2017
The Law School hosted an open house for students from three Tuscaloosa area middle schools. Approximately 90 middle schoolers attended. During the open house, the middle school students learned about different aspects of the law, watched law students conduct a mock trial and a moot court argument, and participated in their own mock trial.

Discover Law Open House – February 10, 2017

The Discover Law Open House is an annual informational event hosted by the Office of Admissions and DiscoverLaw.Org. Participating students learned about law school admissions, career opportunities, and tips for taking the LSAT. Prospective students will tour the Law School, enjoy lunch with current students and faculty members, and participate in a mock class.

Transgender Passport Workshop – January 28, 2017
The Office of Diversity & Inclusion and UA Safe Zone sponsored a Transgender Passport Workshop to assist individuals in completing passport applications. All are welcome.

A Reading of Dr. King’s “A Realistic Look at the Question of Progress in the Area of Race Relations” – January 19, 2017

This program featured a reading of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s address delivered at the Saint Louis Freedom Rally on April 10, 1957.

CSO/ODI Etiquette Workshop – November 9, 2016
The Career Services Office and the Office of Diversity & Inclusion hosted a Business Etiquette Workshop. Emily Post Institute certified trainer Gina Johnson conducted a presentation on dining and reception etiquette.

Joyce Vance LGBTQ+ Issues Forum – October 26, 2016

Joyce Vance, the U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Alabama, discussed the DOJ’s historic and on-going role in LGBTQ+ issues.

First in My Family to Go to Law School – October 6, 2016
This annual program is designed to provide information about some basic components of law school life of which many individuals, particularly those who are the first in their family to attend law school, may be unaware. The target audience for this event is 1L students, but all students are welcome.