Racism

Minority enrollment in law schools falters [Clippings]

Submitted by Anna

Law.com reports that "Minority Enrollment at Law Schools Is Faltering." Leigh Jones of the National Law Journal speculates that "rankings pressure and anti-affirmative action may fuel the problem."

Arizona, Colorado, Missouri, Nebraska and Oklahoma all have initiatives under way to place questions on November ballots that would end programs that increase minority and female numbers in education and in government. [Emphasis added --Ed.]

Vernellia Randall, professor at University of Dayton School of Law and author of the study America's Whitest Law Schools, fears "It's going to get worse before it gets better."

Topic: Other Law School Issues
Optional tags: Racism, Affirmative Action

Maryland judge calls trio of black female lawyers 'the Supremes,' recommends client get a male lawyer [Clippings]

Submitted by Anna

County Circuit Judge W. Kennedy Boone called three black female lawyers "the Supremes" in court. He also advised a defendant to get "an experienced male attorney." Generously, Boone has recused himself from further cases tried by the three lawyers.

[Hat tip to Women in Law Daily.]

Topic: Sexism, Sexual Harassment, and Other Forms of Discrimination
Optional tags: Racism, Ms. JD clippings, Maryland

Licenciada: A Latina's Perspective on Entering the Legal Community

Submitted by Anonymous

Two years ago, I had my first experience with what I call the Stupid White Male ("SWM"), a creature not limited to the legal community, but often prevalent in it. At the time, I was working as a legal secretary on a temporary basis, as my admission to law school had been deferred for a year. The SWM was a summer associate who had just finished his 1L year, and after I explained to him how to use the office copier, I mentioned my admission to the law school.

Topic: Sexism, Sexual Harassment, and Other Forms of Discrimination
Optional tags: Racism, Latinas

Is the current legal community capable of representing the interests of our diverse citizenry?

Submitted by Marisol Juarez Diaz

One night, the first African-American Executive Director of the Arizona State Bar responded to an alarm that had been triggered at the State Bar Building. Security officials at the scene assumed she was a burglar.

A proud Chicana, I have become impassioned by the dialogue that shadows diversity and ultimately equality, especially as the first woman in my family to attend law school.

Topic: Sexism, Sexual Harassment, and Other Forms of Discrimination
Optional tags: Racism, Latinas, Chicanas, Diversity

We can be "sheroes"

Submitted by Jennifer Keys

Being a woman in the legal profession--in particular a woman of color--presents unique challenges, but also creates an opportunity for sharing a different perspective.

Although women no longer struggle for equality in the right to vote and in the right to education, women still must fight for equal opportunities in the workplace. As more women entered the American workforce, the tide of criticism against working mothers also rose. Some continue to blame mothers in the workplace for what they call the decline in the American family. However, I believe this is a tactic to prevent women from succeeding professionally and to guilt them into remaining in their perceived place.

I personally have felt this pressure. I gave birth to my daughter while in college. For many people, her birth was the end of my future.

Topic: Sexism, Sexual Harassment, and Other Forms of Discrimination
Optional tags: Racism

Me, Myself, and I: Reflections on my journey as young woman in the legal profession

Submitted by Lori Boozer

I never wanted to be an attorney, but ironically, I have always wanted to be a judge. As a high school student, I had several opportunities to observe "the bench" at work. I also had the opportunity to be an acting New York Chief Justice during a mock government program held at the state capital in Albany. I wore a black robe and sat in the honorable chambers, meted out decisions on the rule of law, subjected student legislators to Judicial Review, swore in the student Governor of New York and made up my mind that this was the path I wanted to pursue. I now find myself at Boston College Law School chasing my dream.

Topic: Sexism, Sexual Harassment, and Other Forms of Discrimination
Optional tags: Racism

I LOVE being a girl, I LOVE being African-American, and I will LOVE being a lawyer

Submitted by Anonymous

As an African-American woman I feel as if I have a somewhat different perspective on being a woman entering the legal profession.

Topic: Sexism, Sexual Harassment, and Other Forms of Discrimination
Optional tags: Racism

An Open Call for Commentary

Submitted by Anna

As one of the people helping build this Ms. JD website, I have been getting thoughtful, intelligent emails asking us to more prominently feature and foster women of color, lesbians, and other minorities who face distinct challenges in the legal profession.

Ms. JD was founded by women of several ethnicities, sexualities, and experiences. But not all of us are bloggers. Speaking only for myself, I say to readers who want to hear--and see--more from not-white, not-straight women in law: post here! Refer colleagues and classmates. Share thoughts, start conversations. Make this place yours.