Toledo Law: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Student Organizations
Coursework and Academics
Scholarships
Pathways to Law School
Workshops, Lectures, and Events
Law Center Resources
Toledo Law DEI Newsletter

student organizations

A diverse student body is critical to serving a diverse population. We have a wide variety of student organizations that focus on embracing diversity and provide meaningful opportunities for community building and professional development.

Explore All Law Student Organizations

COURSEWORK AND ACADEMICS

At Toledo Law, we offer extensive hands-on experience and course work to support the study of law in relation to gender, race, disability, immigration, and sexual orientation.

Sample of diversity Related Courses

Here are just a few of our courses that address legal issues involving diversity, equity, and inclusion.

LAWI 9260 RACE AND AMERICAN LAW addresses the racial and legal history of the major racial groups in the U.S., including African Americans, Native Americans, Asian Americans, Latinos and Whites. In addition to these histories, the class includes the following topics: ompeting definitions of race and racism; race, voting, and participation in democracy; developing notions of equality; segregation and education; and responses to racism, including resistance, coalitions, and healing.
LAWN 9910 CIVIL ADVOCACY CLINIC focuses on development of skills such as interviewing, counseling, negotiation, problem-solving, fact investigation, strategy formation law, landlord and tenant, consumer and civil rights cases. In addition, students may work on law reform and policy projects. Students in the clinic are the primary contact for clients, and are given responsibility for work on all aspects of the case under the close supervision of clinic faculty. Classroom meetings focus on practical, substantive, procedural and ethical issues, especially as they relate to the clients and cases handled by the clinic. It is recommended, but not required, that students complete at least 59 credit hours and apply for certification as legal interns under Rule II of the Ohio Supreme Court Rules for the Governance of the Bar. Admission is by the permission of the instructor.
LAWN 9710 IMMIGRANT JUSTICE CLINIC helps prepare students for a career in immigration law, or to gain insight about how U.S. legal systems and policy decisions impact immigrants, families, and communities. The clinic introduces substantive immigration law and the theory and practice of core lawyering skills, including interviewing; counseling; listening; investigating facts; researching and analyzing relevant law; creative problem-solving; critical lawyering (lawyering conscious of power, bias, and justice issues); administrative agency and courtroom practicing; and legal writing, including affidavits and advocacy-focused briefs. Under the supervision of clinical faculty, students represent local community members with critical legal needs working through the U.S. immigration system, including people seeking family reunification and safety from domestic violence, persecution, torture, and human trafficking. Students also conduct community education on a variety of immigration law topics. Casework is complemented by a seminar that meets twice per week.
LAWP 9000 SEMINAR: NO STRAIGHT ANSWERS: GENDER IDENTITY, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, AND THE LAW explores the history of LGBTQ+ rights and the pivotal cases that are shaping the legal landscape for the LGBTQA+ community. In addition, students will receive practical information about representing the LGBTQ+ community in several areas of the law.
LAWP 9000 SEMINAR: SOCIAL JUSTICE LAW discusses lawyering skills and tools to remedy systemic injustice. Students will explore a variety of substantive areas related to poverty law, public interest law, and social justice advocacy. Additionally, students will be introduced to concepts such as race equity, implicit bias, and community lawyering.
LAWP 9000 SEMINAR: SOCIAL JUSTICE LAW [2 hours] This course will discuss lawyering skills and tools to remedy systemic injustice. Students will explore a variety of substantive areas related to poverty law, public interest law, and social justice advocacy. Additionally, students will be introduced to concepts such as race equity, implicit bias, and community lawyering.
LAWI 9220 CIVIL RIGHTS LITIGATION SIMULATION [2-3 hours] This course will explore how to litigate constitutional claims, and how to enforce individual constitutional rights, including Fourth, Eighth, and Fourteenth Amendment claims. The course will cover the relevant case law for a doctrinal overview, as well as the historical and factual backgrounds to the landmark cases in constitutional litigation. The course will also involve simulated law practice problems and other exercises to provide a hands-on approach to the problems and issues that arise in litigating constitutional claims.

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SHELLEY CAVALIERI
Professor of Law

Working in Spanish and English, Professor Shelley Cavalieri conducts important research into women's rights, health inequities, human trafficking, and the role of nations and states in fostering citizens' agency. As a result, Cavalieri is improving equality and health outcomes for women and underrepresented populations everywhere.

ROB SALEM
Clinical Professor of Law

Professor Rob Salem is a clinical professor of law and former associate dean for diveresity and inclusion. Salem works with students in the college's Civil Advocacy Clinic to provide representation to disadvantaged clients throughout Ohio, including civil rights and political asylum cases. Clinic students also work on legislative and policy projects to advance civil rights. Salem serves as faculty advisor to the college's OUTLaw student organization, which supports LGBTQA+ law students and allies.

LLEW GIBBONS
Distinguished University Professor

Professor Llew Gibbons is past chair of the American Law Association Section on Minority Groups and a member of its executive committee. Gibbons has served as a former advisor to the college's Black Law Students Association.

JESSICA KNOUSE
Professor of Law

Professor Jessica Knouse has taught courses in sexuality and the law, family law, and reproductive technology law. She writes in the areas of feminist legal studies and sexual orientation and the law. Knouse has served as a faculty advisor to the college's OUTLaw student organization.

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scholarships

There are scholarship opportunities supporting students from all backgrounds. Whether you're entering as a first-year student or continuing as a current Toledo Law student, there are a variety of opportunities for funding.

Sample of Diversity Scholarship Opportunities

Scholarships require a scholarship application.

Anthony G. Pizza Scholarship Fund
Friends of Tony Pizza have set up this scholarship fund in honor of his retirement. Recipients must be first-year students with demonstrated promise based on undergraduate performance.
Barbara Hall-Foley Black Law Scholarship
Established in 1997. Income from this scholarship will be used to help members of the Black Law Students Association buy books. Recipients will be chosen based upon need.
C.V. Wolfe Law Scholarship
Established in 1993 by the family in memory of Cletus V. Wolfe, a former UToledo professor. Recipients, one of whom must be a minority student, must have financial need, meet academic standards and be a graduate of an Ohio high school.
College of Law LGBTQ Advocacy Scholarship
Scholarship awarded to students enrolled in the College of Law who, despite obstacles, have demonstrated a commitment to advancing LGBTQ rights after graduation.
Eddie M. Cole Minority Scholarship
Scholarship awarded to minority law students.
Judge Joseph A. Flores Memorial Scholarship Fund
Scholarship awarded to Latino/Hispanic, with preference given to those of Mexican-American descent. Must be U.S. citizens. Must be UToledo Law students with a GPA of 2.5 or higher. Full-time students will be given preference. May be in any year of study. Scholarship is based on financial need. Applicants may be required to write an essay.
Judge Myron and Nicole Duhart Scholarship
Scholarship awarded to students in the College of Law. Preference will be given to applicants who have sickle-cell anemia, or whose family member has sickle-cell anemia.
William N. Thomas Memorial Scholarship
Established in 1988 by Ruth R. Thomas in memory of her husband William (Ed '36, Law '51), a longtime practicing attorney in the Toledo area and past president of the Toledo Board of Education. Income from the fund is awarded to entering law students who are African American, have a superior academic record and demonstrate need.

Scholarship Application

pathways to law school

workshops, lectures, and events

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law center resources

All Gender Restrooms (3): 1st floor near Legal Clinic (1) and 2nd floor of LaValley Law Library (2).
Lactation Room (Room 2020): 2nd floor of LaValley Law Library equipped with an internal lock, "in use" indicator, outlets, table, comfortable chairs, paper towels, hand sanitizer, and mirror. Restroom access adjacent.
Reflection Room (Room 2026): 2nd floor of LaValley Law Library offers space for prayer, quiet reflection, and meditation.
Testing, classroom, and other accommodations available through the UToledo Office of Accessibility and Disability Resources.

University resources

Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

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