Diversity

At Moritz, diversity is not just a statistic. It is a way of life that is embedded in the College's culture and spirit. Moritz's faculty, staff, and students do not just strive to create a diverse community; we strive to create a community that is ready and able to address the issues facing a diverse world. The College's course offerings encourage students to think critically about civil rights, race, immigration, sexual orientation, and social policy.

In addition, J.D. students have the opportunity to study alongside foreigntrained lawyers enrolled in the College's LL.M. program. Both J.D. and LL.M. students learn from one another on a daily basis.

Diversity Initiatives

Moritz Office of Minority Affairs

The Moritz Office of Minority Affairs (MOMA), directed by Assistant Dean Robert Solomon, works closely with racial and ethnic minority students and organizations on targeted programs that are focused on diversity and inclusion. MOMA also works extensively with the local legal community to facilitate mentoring and professional development.

Kirwan Institute for the Study of Race and Ethnicity

The Kirwan Institute for the Study of Race and Ethnicity is a University-wide interdisciplinary research institute designed to deepen our understanding of the causes of and solutions to racial and ethnic disparities and hierarchies. Moritz Law Professor john powell is the executive director of the Kirwan Institute and is a nationally renowned expert in race, poverty, and civil rights.

Student Center for the Study of Race & Ethnicity

The Student Center for the Study of Race & Ethnicity is a co-curricular student group, comprised of students from the College's Asian/Pacific American Law Students Association, Black Law Students Association, Latino Law Students Association, and Middle Eastern Law Students Association. These organizations are open to all Moritz students. The center works in conjunction with the Kirwan Institute to assist with Kirwan research and projects.

Student Organizations

Student Organizations at Moritz provide expansive programming focused on wide-ranging initiatives. For instance, Outlaws promotes understanding of legal issues that affect the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered communities; the Military Law Society supports those students and their families who are currently serving or have served in the Armed Forces; and other organizations are dedicated to different political beliefs, religions, and ethnicities.

Diversity Round Table Series

The Diversity Round Table Series is a luncheon series with law students and local lawyers coming together to discuss a wide range of legal and societal issues that touch upon diversity in its broadest sense. It is designed to create a safe environment where the attendees can feel free to discuss their views on sensitive topics and exchange ideas that will promote understanding. The Diversity Round Table theme is "seeking to understand, rather than being understood. The goal is not to force agreement, but to create an environment that exposes all to diverse ideas and perspectives on issues such as race, gender, sexual orientation or religion."

Diversity and Minority Affairs Committee

The Diversity and Minority Affairs Committee (DMAC) is made up of faculty, staff, and students. The Moritz dean appoints the faculty and staff members and the Student Bar Association (SBA) appoints the student members, who also serve as the SBA Diversity Committee. DMAC helps address diversity related issues in the College through a variety of programs, speakers, and initiatives, often in conjunction with several student organizations. Among those programs are the SBA Diversity Committee's annual Diversity Week events.

Multicultural Center

The University's Multicultural Center supports students of specific cultural and identity groups while promoting initiatives designed to achieve effective inter- and intra-cultural consciousness among all students. Learn more at mcc.osu.edu.