Diversity

About

Our Commitment to Diversity

UW Law's longstanding commitment to diversity is an extension of our commitment to excellence. At UW Law, we believe the best legal education integrates legal theory, doctrine and practice that must be delivered by a diverse faculty to a diverse student body. This is evident in the number of alumni who are prominent in the legal profession, many breaking through the barriers of gender, race and ethnicity along the way.

The Dean's Advisory Council

With the Dean's Advisory Committee on Diversity and mentor programs of peer, faculty and alumni mentors, the law school promotes diversity by creating an open, inclusive academic climate that is welcoming to and supportive of all students of color, LGBTQI students and students with disabilities.

Student Organizations

Our students have the benefit of UW Law's minority student organizations, diversity events and a student population who come from myriad races, ethnicities, LGBTQI identities, economic backgrounds and life experiences to help inform them and support our commitment to diversity.

Leadership

UW Law pursues diversity and inclusion purposefully and rigorously; in this sense, our work is a continual progression. As an institution that shapes the law locally and globally, the law school recognizes that law is a powerful tool for social change. The entire UW Law community is therefore committed to using our privileged leadership position to advance equality and justice throughout Washington state, the United States and the world.

Honoring Place

The University of Washington acknowledges the Coast Salish peoples of this land, the land which touches the shared waters of all tribes and bands within the Suquamish, Tulalip and Muckleshoot nations.

Report microaggressions or discrimination

Visit the Discrimination page to learn how to report microaggressions or discrimination and to learn about the Stop the Hate project.

Diversity News

UW Law makes consistent, meaningful progress on diversity-related initiatives

Read the latest updates on work related to diversity, inclusion, equity, multiculturalism and anti-racism

Meet UW Law’s new Associate Dean for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Professor William Covington, a dedicated educator and Technology Law and Public Policy Clinic director, will lead the revision and implementation of the law school’s Strategic Plan for Diversity, Equity and Multiculturalism, and hold the law school accountable for reaching its goals.

Race and Justice Clinic fights for systemic bail reform amid COVID-19

Working with the Northwest Community Bail Fund, clinic students are helping the organization recoup funds to secure pretrial releases for defendants who cannot afford it.

Trainings, consults available for entrepreneurs and BIPOC, LGBTQ+ and women business, nonprofit owners

The free negotiation trainings and legal consults, which are available to register for now, are designed to help entrepreneurs and owners navigate corporate, employment and IP law issues amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

33rd Annual Indian Law Symposium starts fall 2020

The symposium will be held as a monthly webinar series, bringing together the region's foremost experts to discuss important issues facing Tribal communities today.

Leadership changes at UW Law

Liz Porter, William Covington, Elana Matt named to new dean roles and will oversee Academic Administration; Diversity, Equity and Inclusion; and Student and Career Services, respectively.

A Message from the Dean

Our commitments to justice, each other and the rule of law provide us tools to respond, even in dark times.

Gift promotes added diversity at UW Law School

The university announced a $250,000 gift from UW Regent Blaine Tamaki and his wife, Preciosa Tamaki, to the School of Law to support efforts to increase diversity, provide students with greater access to mental health resources, and support the work of the Tribal Court Clinic.

Clinic students secure asylum-seeker’s release amid global pandemic

An autoimmune deficiency put the detained client, who was fleeing death threats in his home country, at higher risk for COVID-19 amid crowded, dangerous conditions. The Immigration Law Clinic worked around the clock to get him out.

Husky 100: Double Dawg honored for impact

The UW named Ria Kuruvilla 3L to this year's Husky 100, an honor that recognizes students who are taking their education beyond the classroom and making a difference on campus, in their communities and for the future.