Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Virtual Door Open

Loyola’s learning community is diverse, vibrant, and welcoming. We acknowledge and respect not only who you are, but who you are destined to become. Our office offers programming and support to help you expand your vision of what the legal profession can and should be.

Our Vision

The Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (formerly known as the Office of Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity) fosters an exchange of ideas and shared experiences. Our goal is a simple one: for all members of our law school community to feel valued and supported. View our mission statement here.

Programming and Initiatives

We provide programming to support, celebrate, and value each member of our learning community. Some of our strategic programs include:

• Community Circles and Wellness Events
• Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity Awards and Fellowship Program
• Lunch and Learn Workshops
• Pipeline and First-Generation Programs

Collaborations

Our office works in partnership with the School of Law’s academic and administrative departments to promote inclusion, diversity, and equity both in and out of the classroom. Whether we are partnering with one of Loyola’s many student organizations to develop programs to explore student interests, recognizing law school alumni for their contributions, or helping students explore Chicago’s rich and diverse culture, our collaborations make our community stronger. Let us know how we can help you explore your interests.

It is important to engage early with Chicago’s strong network of lawyers and legal professionals who support Loyola students with their time, talents, and valuable resources.  The School of Law’s Offices of Admissions and Career Services can assist you with information about scholarships offered by bar associations and other organizations. The Office of Career Services can also provide information about diversity-related job fairs, summer associate positions, networking receptions, workshops and seminars, and other career-related programming.

Reporting Discimination or Sexual Misconduct

The School of Law encourages anyone who experiences discrimination or sexual misconduct to submit a report so that the University may take appropriate steps to promptly stop, prevent, and remedy any substantiated violation. The University recognizes the privacy and sensitivity of such reports, and only shares information internally on a need-to-know basis when necessary to effectively respond to the report. The University also understands that for various reasons an affected party may prefer to report anonymously or to share only limited information. If you have experienced discrimination or sexual misconduct, please submit a report through the Office of Equity and Compliance. 

Loyola’s Land Acknowledgment Statement

Loyola University Chicago has a deepened awareness of and respect for the people and history that long preceded us on the lands where our campuses now sit. We are grateful and humbled to share with the community the University’s approved Land Acknowledgement Statement (LAS):

The Loyola University Chicago community acknowledges its location on the ancestral homelands of the Council of the Three Fires (the Ojibwa, Ottawa, and Potawatomi tribes) and a place of trade with other tribes, including the Ho-Chunk, Miami, Menominee, Sauk, and Meskwaki. We recognize that descendants of these and other North American tribes continue to live and work on this land with us. We recognize the tragic legacy of colonization, genocide, and oppression that still impacts Native American lives today. As a Jesuit university, we affirm our commitment to issues of social responsibility and justice. We further recognize our responsibility to understand, teach, and respect the past and present realities of local Native Americans and their continued connection to this land.

The LAS is a formal statement recognizing Indigenous People as immemorial stewards of the land on which our campuses are located. The LAS pays respect to the enduring relationship that exists between Indigenous Peoples and their traditional lands. The intent is not just to acknowledge this bond but also to deepen awareness of our connection to history and our current understanding of our place, roles, and responsibilities given that history. This acknowledgment may be painful, but it is an important development within our efforts to move Loyola in the direction of greater inclusivity, deeper anti-racist action, and commitment to stewardship of our planet.