South Texas College of Law Houston ranked 17th nationally in the recently released “Most Diverse Law Schools” rankings published in preLaw magazine’s Winter 2023 issue.
The publication noted, “Legal education is trying to help make the legal profession more diverse. Here are some schools that are leading the way and how they’re doing it.”
The rankings honor law schools “that most closely resemble the U.S. general population” in the diversity of their students and faculty. The publication used information submitted to the American Bar Association to determine the rankings. The ABA accredits approximately 200 law schools that offer the Doctor of Jurisprudence (J.D.) degree.
“Diversity is a fundamental part of our law school’s mission, and it’s woven into the fabric of our culture,” said President and Dean Michael F. Barry. “Because our South Texas community embraces, celebrates, and supports diversity of all types, exceptional students seek out our law school and want to be part of our vibrant campus community.”
Approximately half the students at South Texas Law identify with an ethnicity/race other than Caucasian, just over half the students are women, and the law school also is diverse socioeconomically, religiously, politically, with respect to gender identification and sexual orientation, and geographically.
“I am proud we made the list of the most diverse law schools in the country,” said Prof. Shelby Moore, vice president of diversity, equity, and inclusion, Benny Agosto, Jr. Diversity Center at STCL Houston.
“We continually strive to support our diverse South Texas community. It makes a significant difference in how our students develop and grow, from the time they enter our institution and through graduation. Understanding others and their varied experiences will make them better lawyers, more effective advocates for their clients, and ultimately stronger leaders in the legal profession.”
To determine the rankings, preLaw reviewed statistical information regarding students from the Asian (including native Hawaiian), Black, Hispanic, Caucasian, and American Indian populations. Faculty accounted for 25 percent of the overall “grade” that led to the ranking.
“I am delighted STCL Houston is included on the top 20 most diverse law schools list,” said Donna M. Davis, JD, senior director of diversity, equity, and inclusion, Benny Agosto, Jr. Diversity Center at South Texas Law. “Intentional methods toward providing support to our diverse law school are at the core of our institutional framework. The Benny Agosto, Jr. Diversity Center looks forward to continuing our work to advance our diverse community with a lens of inclusive excellence.”
