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:
Luis Chiesa
Vice Dean for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Dr. Teresa A. Miller Professor in Law
Amber Melvin, Associate Director;
Director, Discover Law Undergraduate Scholars Program
715 O'Brian Hall, North Campus
Buffalo, NY 14260-1100
716-645-3152,
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
- Revamp Academic Programming and Student Success
- Increase Diversity Amongst our Student Body, Faculty, Staff and Administration
- Promote and Advocate for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
- 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
On this page:
Racial Justice Toolkit
As national instances of police brutality and racially motivated violence have continued to highlight the systemic racism that persists in the United States, many are looking for constructive ways to advocate for civil rights and social justice. While the listings* here are not meant to be exhaustive, it is a guide to help those who are interested in learning more about systemic racism and ways they can be more involved in the fight for social justice.
Complied by the University at Buffalo Law Library, some of the links in the Racial Justice Toolkit point to resources at UB, but many can be located via other educational institutions and public libraries. Ask a librarian for assistance if you have any questions about locating resources.
*Inclusion in this guide does not signify endorsement by the University at Buffalo or its School of Law
University Resources
UB Counseling Services: Diversity Programming
UB Counseling holds special sessions and workshops throughout the semester for Students of Color, International Students, and LGBTQIA+ students. In addition, they will be holding workshops on antiracism skills.
Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
The Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) ensures UB's compliance with policies covering discrimination, harassment, accommodations, equal opportunity and child protection.
Office of Inclusive Excellence
The Office of the Vice Provost for Inclusive Excellence (VPIX) is responsible for coordinating and monitoring UB’s efforts to institutionalize the culture of equity and inclusion university-wide.
Safe-Zone Training and Diversity Workshops
Enhance your understanding of diversity-related issues through these topical workshops. Offered by the Intercultural and Diversity Center, these workshops are available for student groups and organizations.
Resources for Underrepresented Minority Students
- National Bar Association
- Hispanic National Bar Association
- National Asian Pacific American Bar Association
- Minority Corporate Counsel Association
- National Native American Bar Association
- The National Black Prosecutors Association
- The Minority Bar Association of Western New York
- The Minority Bar Foundation
- Greater Buffalo Racial Equity Roundtable
- Hispanics United of Buffalo
- NAACP Buffalo Branch
LGBTQ+ Resources
- The National LGBT Bar Association
- LGBTQ Faculty and Staff Association
- Preferred Name in HUB
- Medical Coverage
- Hormone therapy, primary care and surgical care may be available through student health insurance or employee plans.
- Student Health Insurance Plans
- UB Employee Benefits
- Single-User Restroom Locator
Accessibility Resources
Accessibility Resources is UB’s Center for coordinating services and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities to ensure their equitable access to all programs, services, and benefits of the University through individualized review, planning and collaborative implementation across campus.
- School of Law's Accessibility Information
- UB's Accessibility Resources.