SLU LAW Faculty Adopts Diversity Hiring Plan

The plan lays out steps to increase the racial and ethnic diversity of the law faculty.

In recognition of the value and critical importance of having a faculty body that is diverse, including specifically with respect to racial and ethnic diversity, the Saint Louis University School of Law faculty and Dean William P. Johnson have adopted a five-point plan for achieving a diverse faculty body. 

“We are a Jesuit law school in the city of St. Louis. A meaningful commitment to social justice, including racial justice, is among our highest priorities,” said Dean Johnson. “Enhancing the diversity of our faculty body is an integral part of that commitment. There is still a great deal of work to do, but I am encouraged by this important step.”

Within the plan both Dean Johnson and the SLU LAW faculty expressed a commitment to maintaining an environment at SLU LAW that “is inclusive and that respects and values diversity in all its forms, including with respect to race, ethnicity, religion, culture, gender, sexual orientation and gender identity.” 

The plan focuses on recruitment, retention and creating a pipeline for full-time, tenure-track faculty, lateral moves and adjunct faculty.

"This is the first of many steps to creating a more inclusive law school, where both students and faculty can see themselves reflected in the classrooms,” said Belinda Dantley, assistant dean for diversity, equity and inclusion. “We have a lot of work to continue to do but this is a celebration. We are all better when we learn from diverse perspectives, people with different backgrounds and gather a variety of ideas. I am so thrilled to be a part of a faculty that values this work and unanimously agreed that this should be policy." 

Read the Plan for Achieving a Diverse Faculty Body