group of students participating in our annual Students of Color Dinner.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

The School of Law’s Office for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion works with students, faculty, administrators, and staff to promote diversity, inclusion, and cultural competency throughout all levels of the School of Law.

Through programming and support, we work strategically to develop relationships with students from traditionally underrepresented backgrounds to continue to cultivate and maintain a diverse and inclusive law school environment.

On this page:

photo of Tolu.

Tolulope "Tolu" Odunsi
Assistant Dean for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

723 O'Brian Hall, North Campus
Buffalo, NY 14260-1100
716-645-2354,
law-dei-questions@buffalo.edu

To support our diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, please consider making a gift to our Social Justice and Racial Equity Fund.

Goals

  1. Revamp Academic Programming and Student Success
  2. Increase Diversity Amongst our Student Body, Faculty, Staff and Administration
  3. Promote and Advocate for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
  4. Expand Support and Opportunities for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Mission Statement

The University at Buffalo School of Law is committed to providing an environment where students, staff, and faculty from underrepresented minority groups excel personally, academically, and professionally. The Office for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion seeks to continue to collaborate with the various School of Law Departments and community partners to provide a comprehensive approach to executing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives. Through program development, strategic planning, and community outreach, the Office for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion strives to continue to create an academic community comprised of a diverse group of professionals whose differences are valued as a source of strength in our law school community.

How We Achieve Diversity

  • Recruit talented and diverse students, staff, and faculty.
  • Provide support to retain diverse students, staff, and faculty.
  • Develop a culture of respect and awareness for diverse identities and culture.
  • Provide governance mechanisms through which diversity, equity, and inclusion concerns can be addressed.
  • Engage the community by providing opportunities for members of the Buffalo-Niagara community to engage with students from traditionally underrepresented backgrounds at the School of Law.

Tools for You

Special Sessions Communications Student Groups Resources

On this page:

Ongoing Fall 2020 Programs

UB Counseling Services is offering groups and drop-in virtual outreach workshops to assist in providing support to students of color, international students and LGBTQIA+ students. They will also provide education and social justice advocacy for faculty, staff and students to change racism on-campus.

These Counseling Groups are for registered UB students. Students must complete a phone consultation with a UBCS counselor in order to participate in a group. Contact Counseling Services at 716-645-2720 for more information.

Unlearning Racism Group
Mondays 2:30-4:00 pm – Online
This group provides a supportive environment in which people who hold white privilege can explore and question their roles in the perpetuation of racism. Among other things, group members examine various aspects of white privilege and gain understanding about how they can become allies to People of Color.

Students of Color Support Group
Tuesdays 2:30-4:00 pm – Online
This semi-structured support group is committed to pro- viding an affirming space for Students of Color to reflect on their experiences at a Predominately White Institution. In this group, we recognize the unique challenges of Students of Color and aim to foster a community for students to give voice to their experiences, gain support, and develop healthy coping strategies. Topics explored in this group include but are not limited to: navigating microaggressions, feelings of isolation, imposter syndrome, family/social relationships, and maintaining healthy self- care in the current socio-political climate.

LGBTQ Support Group
Thursdays 3:00-4:30 pm – Online
This is a group for students who are questioning or exploring their gender identity and/or their sexual identity. It is also for students who identify as gender variant, trans- gender, lesbian, gay, bisexual and/or queer. The goal of the group is to provide a safe, supportive and confidential forum to talk about multiple identities, coming out, relationships with family and friends, dating, academics, transitioning, homophobia, transphobia, the “isms”, and other issues of interest to members.

International Student Support Group
Wednesdays 3:00-4:30 pm – Online
This group provides a safe, supportive, and comfortable place for international students to discuss adjustment stressors and cross-cultural experiences in the U.S. The group also creates a safe and confidential environment for group members to share information and support each other.

International Tea Time
Weekly drop-in format, does NOT require a needs assessment
 Thursdays 3:30-4:30 pm – Online
This is a free weekly meeting which brings together U.S. and international students for conversation, friendship, and fun. Students play games, talk, and enjoy getting to know each other. International tea and snacks are provided.

For a full calendar of events, please see the Student Wellness Events Calendar.

Virtual Drop in Outreach Workshops for Students, Faculty and Staff
UB Counseling Services is facilitating virtual drop-in, outreach workshops that focus on providing psychoeducation and support. A variety of workshops are available Monday – Friday to meet the needs of undergraduate and graduate students and faculty and staff.

Psychoeducational workshops are intended to provide information, skills and support. These workshops are not a form of mental health treatment. If you would like to speak with a counselor, please call us at 716-645-2720.

In the event of a mental health emergency, please contact our office at 716-645-2720, Monday – Friday, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM. After-Hours call 716-645-2720 and press option “2” to speak with a counselor.  All workshops will take place via Zoom. For the full schedule, visit the Wellness Events Calendar.

Past Programs

August 12, 2020 - Defunding the Police: A Conversation

A panel conversation among leading criminal law scholars about the nationwide movement to defund the police. The discussion offered critical perspectives on the meaning of activist calls to defund the police, how defunding relates to abolitionist social movements, and crises in American policing that inform these movements. Panelists included experts on the intersections between criminal law and sociology, local government, disability theory, and anti-carceral social movements.

July 16, 2020 - UB Student Affairs Town Hall on Racial Injustice with University faculty, staff, students.

June 11, 2020 - George Floyd, Race and Policing

A faculty panel discussion featuring School of Law Professors Luis Chiesa, Athena Mutua and Anthony O’Rourke.

A faculty panel discussion featuring School of Law Professors Luis Chiesa, Athena Mutua and Anthony O’Rourke.

Ongoing Programs

Students of Color Support Group

Mondays 2:30-4:00 - Online
Please contact UB Counseling Services (716-645-2720) to schedule a group screen.

This semi-structured support group is committed to providing an affirming space for Students of Color to reflect on their experiences at a Predominately White Institution. In this group we recognize the unique challenges of Students of Color and aim to foster a community for students to give voice to their experiences, gain support, and develop healthy coping strategies.

Topics explored in this group include but are not limited to: navigating microaggressions, feelings of isolation, imposter syndrome, family/social relationships, and maintaining healthy self-care in the current socio-political climate.