Law professor Alena Allen wanted to be what she didn’t have through all her years of school — a Black woman teacher.
She’s been part of the faculty at the University of Memphis for more than a decade, teaching as the Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law more than doubled its share of Black students enrolled in the college.
Diversity at the school is a point of pride, with press releases pointing out a ranking among preLaw Magazine’s “Best Law Schools in the Country for Diversity.” Last November, the school announced a diversity scholarship for students with funds from an anonymous donor, inspired by a student who integrated one of Memphis’ high schools.
But for its outward promotion of diversity as a priority of the law school, the university falls short of implementing that priority when recruiting diverse faculty and considering the experience of those faculty and students, Allen said.
