Statement of Commitment to Diversity

The University of Montana School of Law shall promote and support a learning environment that encourages, enriches and respects the multidimensional aspects of diversity. Recognizing that the quality of legal education is enhanced by a diverse educational community, the Law School is committed to recruiting and retaining students, faculty, staff and administrators capable of creating a safe, vibrant, diverse, engaging and intellectually stimulating learning environment. This educational environment reinforces and models the principle that diversity is an integral part of learning and the competent, people-oriented practice of law. Diversity includes, but is not limited to, differences based on race, ethnicity, national origin, religious affiliation or background, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, age, economic class or status, points of view, or disabilities.

Goals

In support of its commitment to diversity, the University of Montana School of Law adopts the following goals:

• Create an educational community that recognizes and values the broad principles of diversity
• Construct both a physical and intellectual learning environment that encourages inclusion, recognizes various learning styles and fosters participation by individuals with diverse backgrounds and viewpoints
• Enrich and enhance law curriculum so it better addresses issues of diversity.
• Actively recruit students from groups that have historically faced institutional barriers in admission to or advancement in law school, and recruit faculty, administrators, and professional staff from groups that have historically faced institutional barriers in admission to or advancement in the legal profession.
• Provide services, including academic support, teaching workshops and other professional development opportunities that promote the retention and advancement of individuals who have historically faced institutional barriers in the legal profession
• Adopt initiatives, including policies related to student recruitment, outreach and retention, that consider and preserve the distinct and unique cultural heritage of American Indians.

Adopted by the faculty on December 15, 2009, and amended May 21, 2010, April 30, 2011.

Please also visit The University of Montana's Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Office.

Disability Services for Students

The University of Montana assures equal access to instruction through collaboration between students with disabilities, instructors, and Disability Service for Students (DSS). If you think you may have a disability adversely affecting your academic performance, and you have not already registered with DSS, please contact DSS in Lommasson Hall, room 154. The Law School will work with you and DSS to provide an appropriate accommodation.