As dean of the School and as a faculty member, I am deeply aware of the value of diversity within BU Law. Our community is strengthened by the inclusion of students from a range of cultures, countries, backgrounds and beliefs. Classroom discussions are enriched when students bring a variety of perspectives and points of view. In every way, the educational experience and social fabric of the School are enhanced by having a diverse community. From the day we opened our doors in 1872, BU Law has admitted students of ability without regard to race, gender or religion. That commitment to diversity was a distinguishing characteristic of our school when it was founded and continues to be a source of strength today.

-Maureen O'Rourke, Dean

If one traces the history of BU Law, the path begins with a commitment to diversity that continues today. As the first black graduate of BU Law in 1877, Emmanuel Hewlett became a leader of the BU Law Firsts Club. This group consists of those who were the first to knock down walls of exclusion. At BU Law, there is a recognition and understanding that diversity benefits the entire BU Law community as well as the legal profession and world at large. At BU Law we seek to cultivate a community that has open dialogue about our similarities and our differences. Our students, alumni, student organizations and programming all reflect BU Law’s commitment to diversity. As society becomes more global, we must embrace the words of Dr. Barbara Jordan ' … we, as human beings, must be willing to accept people who are different from ourselves.

-Nicole Price, Associate Director of Academic & Multicultural Affairs