Bora Laskin Faculty of Law Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
The Bora Laskin Faculty of Law embraces principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion. We strive to recognize, support and foster diversity among its content, structure, and people. Our mission is to institutionalize equitable and inclusive principles and practices to recognize a law school where diversity thrives; free from discrimination or harassment. We represent ethics, excellence, and belonging of all.
We acknowledge that the work of achieving these goals is an ongoing process and must recognize the four I’s of oppression: (1) ideological; (2) institutional; (3) interpersonal; (4) and internalized. Steps that we have taken towards upholding the principles of equity, diversity and inclusion at the Faculty of Law include:
Adoption within the Faculty of Lakehead University’s Five-Year Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Action Plan 2019-2024, “Accessing Excellence Together”
A holistic approach to admissions, and ongoing commitment to supporting our diverse student body through their studies by:
- Collaborating with BLSA nationally and law schools across Ontario, to support adding the opportunity for Black applicants to self-identify as part of the OLSAS process.
- Adding the opportunity for self-identified Black applicants to speak to their experience and how it has influenced their goal of joining the Bora Laskin Faculty of Law to our application form.
The Indigenous Perspectives course, which is mandatory for all incoming 1Ls, and responds to Truth and Reconciliation Call to Action #27.
Mandatory courses in Aboriginal and Indigenous Law in 1L and 2L, and the incorporation of Indigenous legal issues throughout our other courses.
The establishment of the Indigenous Law & Justice Institute, in response to Truth and Reconciliation Call to Action #50. The Institute began operation on April 1, 2021.
Student clubs and groups, including those where students who are under-represented in the law can find community and cultural activities, such as the Indigenous Law Students Association, the Black Law Students Association, the Asian Law Students Association, Women in Law and the First-Generation Network.
Clinical legal education opportunities, including Lakehead University Community Legal Services and the Newcomer Legal Clinic, where law students are providing services to a variety of culturally diverse and under-represented populations.
Thanks to the work of the Black Law Students Association, in 2021, the Faculty of Law adopted a statement supporting Black Lives Matter and continues to reflect on the role the Faculty of Law can play in supporting the movement.
As change is ever-going, Bora Laskin Faculty of Law is committed to re-evaluating our initiatives annually.
Equity involves ensuring access for all; we are committed towards the establishment of accessibility initiatives at all times. This requires administration, faculty, staff, and all student groups involved in program feedback, delivery, or decision-making processes to remain mindful of mature students, students with chronic illness, and students with disabilities. We must ensure that all Bora Laskin Students are equitably accessing content for their legal studies.
Diversity includes respecting our differences. We at the Bora Laskin Faculty of Law DO NOT tolerate anti-black racism, antisemitism, xenophobia, or islamophobia. We are striving to foster a zero-tolerance-for-hate environment at our law school, and this is something that anyone making dangerous comments, even in jest, must remain cognizant about.
Inclusion embraces belonging. We aim to foster a culture that encourages collaboration and fairness for all. Our goal is to ensure every person who walks into Bora Laskin Faculty of Law feels welcome.