We strive to amplify the voices of underrepresented people and build a community that is inclusive of all. We recognize the enormous role the law plays in shaping the foundation of our society, and that with it comes the responsibility to take action towards equity and justice. For us, that action starts in the law school and continues throughout every members’ practice.
Meddie Demmings IV, DEI Committee Chair

Vision Statement

We at the University of Iowa College of Law take pride in our longstanding commitment to inclusion and diversity. In 1855, the University of Iowa became the first public university to admit men and women on an equal basis. Following in that tradition, the College of Law has led many diversity and equity initiatives. In the 1870s we became one of the first law schools in the nation to grant a law degree to a woman (Mary Beth Hickey, 1873), to an African-American (Alexander Clark, Jr., 1879), and to an international student (Moung Edwin, 1879).

We believe diversity is integral to our educational philosophy and core mission—to prepare culturally proficient graduates who are capable of intellectual inquiry, critical and reflective thinking, and engagement. Iowa Law is a stimulating place to study, teach, work, and learn to serve the public and the legal profession. We embrace the commonalities and differences of human experience. Thoughtful discourse and a broad exchange of ideas facilitate a better understanding of ourselves, each other, and the issues and controversies of the day. 

All are welcome and respected here. 

Our community celebrates diversity in all of its forms; each one of us is enriched by exposure to different beliefs, opinions, world views, abilities, backgrounds, and identities. We believe that awareness and understanding of these differences can promote lifelong collaboration and trust within and among the communities that define and animate us.

DEI News

Sunset at the Boyd Law Building

2020 - 2021 DEI Annual Report

Tuesday, August 3, 2021
This past year was one of listening and learning. We worked hard to make data driven and community informed decisions to create lasting and meaningful impact. Tactics included everything from listening sessions to multiple surveys to hear from students, faculty, and staff. Read the full report.
Statue of Jean de Fiennes in front of the Boyd Law Building

New Alumni DEI Council supports recruitment and retention of diverse law students, and more

Tuesday, July 27, 2021
The University of Iowa College of Law announces the creation of an Alumni-led council, committed to bolster diversity, equity, and inclusion. The Alumni DEI Council is a select group of Iowa Law’s alumni who foster accountability in maintaining and increasing DEI efforts at the College of Law.
Photo of Ellen Wiah, named Federal Magistrate Judges Association Fellow

Ellen Wiah named a Federal Magistrate Judges Association Fellow

Tuesday, June 29, 2021
For the first time, four law students of diverse backgrounds have been named as Federal Magistrate Judges Association Fellows. Iowa Law's Ellen Wiah is among the group who will intern with a federal magistrate judge this summer and receive a $2,500 stipend.