Feb 2, 2023
Dear Members of the Santa Clara Law Community,
As we commemorate Black History Month this February, let us move way beyond performative gestures and take concrete steps to actualize our mission to promote racial equality and make the Law School a more inclusive and equitable place for all.
We are so proud that Santa Clara Law has become one of the most diverse law schools in the nation, as 57% of our incoming students identify as persons of color and 22% are first-generation students. Our diversity is, and always will be, one of our greatest distinctive strengths. But we know that we must continue to work hard to ensure that our community is not merely diverse, but is also fully inclusive and equitable. We acknowledge that the fight for racial justice is an ongoing one, and cannot be limited to these days in February. There is always more work to be done!
In keeping with our community’s enduring dedication to equality, I want to call your attention to our annual Diversity and Inclusion Celebration taking place on February 16. In addition to lifting up our work to make Santa Clara University more just, diverse, equitable, and inclusive, we will be recognizing this year’s recipients of the Social Justice and Human Rights Award and the Organization of the Year Award. We will also announce the Thurgood Marshall Civil Rights Scholarship recipients.
On January 29, the Katherine & George Alexander Community Law Center (KGACLC) hosted the Justice 4 Workers Resource Fair and Legal Clinic, along with co-hosts, the Santa Clara County Wage Theft Coalition and Step-Forward Foundation. Community-based organizations provided housing, immigration, and worker rights information and resources for the over 60 participants. Additionally, 1:1 appointments with volunteer attorneys were available to help individuals better handle their legal matter(s). KGACLC is pleased to collaborate with the community on these worker empowerment events.
As a community committed to racial justice, we should be justifiably proud of the great strides we have made together. We should be as proud, however, that we also recognize how much work is yet to be done, and that we are already and always prepared to come together as one community to take action toward becoming more just, equitable, diverse, and inclusive.
With warm regards and tremendous gratitude,
