USA: The National LGBT Bar Association Releases 2021 Law School Campus Climate Survey Data

110 schools shared their efforts around LGBTQ+ diversity, equity, and inclusion, representing a 26% response increase from 2020

he National LGBT Bar Association is pleased to release its annual Law School Campus Climate Survey data, reflecting law school responses for the 2020-2021 school year. This extensive survey polled ABA-accredited law schools about twenty-six topics relevant to LGBTQ+ law students, faculty, and staff, with questions concerning subjects ranging from LGBTQ+ course offerings to availability of gender-neutral bathrooms.

110 law schools responded to the survey, representing a 26% increase from last year. All schools self-reported voluntarily, indicating their contribution to LGBTQ+ awareness in law schools by being transparent to their own community as well as to students who are choosing which school they hope to attend.

“Our growth in response rate points to how law schools across the country are increasingly interested in fostering policies and a culture of equity and belonging for LGBTQ+ students,” said Judi O’Kelley, Chief Program Officer of the National LGBT Bar Association. “This survey has lasting impact and value for so many: newly-out students looking for community; transgender and nonbinary students seeking gender-affirming spaces; straight and cisgender students committed to equity in their legal careers; and law professors and administrators who want to ensure that their students can thrive throughout their legal education.”

The National LGBT Bar Association also re-released a best practices guide informed by the needs and wants of LGBTQ+ law students and faculty, together with the survey data. The guide provides best practices and strategies to support LGBTQ+ law school community members. The LGBT Bar’s Lavender Law 365® LGBTQ+ diversity, equity, and inclusion coaching and consulting program has also been designed specifically to enable the implementation of best practice standards for LGBTQ+ equity across law schools, as well as firms and companies.

“The best practices guide helps law schools build a better tomorrow for their entire community, and for the profession as a whole,” said O’Kelley.

 

FULL EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

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