Harnessing the power of diversity

Discover Law Undergraduate Scholars Program

Recognizing that there is a shortage of students with different backgrounds and lived experiences entering the field of law, the School of Law created the Discover Law Undergraduate Scholars Program to provide an immersive experience for undergraduates interested in pursuing a career in law, expose students to critical thinking and help them develop reading and analytical skills, and provide an in-depth and thorough experience in a four-week virtual summer program

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Office of Diversity, Equity and Belonging

The School of Law’s Office for Diversity, Equity, and Belonging works with students, faculty, administrators, and staff to promote diversity, inclusion, and cultural competency within the school community. 

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.

Contact Us:

311 O'Brian Hall, North Campus
Buffalo, NY 14260-1100
716-645-7889
law-deb@buffalo.edu

Our Purpose

  • Address student concerns and support affinity groups
  • Guide colleagues on a range of issues
  • Collaborate with Admissions, CSO, OSA, Communications, Alumni, and Advancement to support DEIB-related initiatives
  • Contribute to the creation of policies and procedures
  • Develop and implement programming
  • Foster connections with community partners to build and strengthen pipelines for underrepresented students
  • Represent the School of Law at legal community events

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.

Blue Table is a food pantry for UB students who do not have access to food as a result of an emergency. The program is available to off-set unanticipated hardship and short-term food insecurity and is not meant to replace a meal plan or be a means of consistent grocery access.

Students who use Blue Table follow three easy steps:

  1. Complete a Blue Table intake
  2. Meet with a Blue Table Coordinator
  3. Visit Blue Table in the Student Union

The Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) ensures UB's compliance with policies covering discrimination, harassment, accommodations, equal opportunity and child protection.

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.

Health Promotion supports student well-being and academic success by building a healthy campus culture.

The IDC is committed to supporting all students at UB by creating a sense of belonging and celebrating our differences just as we celebrate our commonalities.

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.

Past Programming

2025

Jan. 31- Feb. 2 -  ABA Judicial Clerkship Program

Feb. 13 - True Justice: Bryan Stevenson’s Fight for Equality

  • A documentary screening and discussion in collaboration with the Department of Sociology & Criminology.

Feb. 24 - Black History Month Celebration

March 5 - Re-Entry Simulation and Panel Discussion

  • Experience firsthand the obstacles people face after their release from incarceration. Hear from individuals who will share their own journeys. A collaboration with the Department of Sociology & Criminology.

April 9 - In Collaboration with the DEI Council: The Future of DEI in the Legal Field Panel Discussion

May 31-June 27 - Discover Law Undergraduate Scholars Program

2024

Feb. 1-3 -  ABA Judicial Clerkship Program

Feb. 9 - Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Faculty and Staff Retreat 

Feb. 22 - A Celebration of Free Speech with student performances, voter registration drive and refreshments featuring 

  • Athena Matua, Floyd H. and Hilda L. Hurst Faculty Scholar; Professor
  • Mitch Nowakowski, Buffalo Common Council
  • Rev. Mark Blue, NAACP Buffalo Chapter President

Feb. 28 - Faculty and Staff Lunch Chat

  • Open space to freely explore any matter related to diversity, equity, inclusion, wellness, and belonging.

April 1 - Let’s Do Lunch

  • Community Building Lunch for Law Students.

April 2 - Islamophobia and Its Manifestations in the U.S., featuring

  • Seval Yildirim, Vice Provost for Inclusive Excellence and Chief Diversity Offer

April 19 - Youth Law Day

April 25 - My Career in Public Service featuring

  • Hon. Zainab A. Chaudhry

May 2 - Let’s Do Lunch

  • Community Building Lunch for Law Students.

June 1-28 - Discover Law Undergraduate Scholars Program

Sept. 18 - Faculty and Staff Lunch Chat

  • Open space to freely explore any matter related to diversity, equity, inclusion, wellness, and belonging.

Sept. 19 - Safeguarding Democracy Panel Discussion moderated by

  • Kristen M. Kelly, Director of Diversity, Equity and Belonging. 

Sept. 21 - Students of Color Kickoff Brunch 

  • Meet faculty, staff and legal community members. Build community with the current law students. 

Nov. 6 - In Collaboration with CSTEP: Law School for a Day Program

Nov. 7 - In Collaboration with CSTEP: Law School for a Day Program