Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

The Buffalo Law Review defines diversity as including, but not being limited to, distinctions in race, nationality, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, first-generation college, graduate or law student status, socioeconomic status, and age. We perceive equity to mean treating all members and authors, regardless of their differences, equal and fair. Lastly, we view inclusion to mean including all members and authors, regardless of their distinct attributes, in the overall culture and structure of the Law Review at large.

Diversity, equity, and inclusion are not merely words, hashtags, soundbites or trends. They are core values and guiding principles central to our foundation as a student-run publication. We readily recognize that, in America, diverse groups have historically faced oppression and various forms of discrimination for possessing unique characteristics that should be celebrated rather than condemned

Having a diverse law review is critical to our growth and important to us for many reasons. First, it allows our members to engage in a robust exchange of different ideas, perspectives and worldviews. Second, it allows our members, many of whom may come from different backgrounds, to interact and form meaningful relationships that extend beyond their notable distinctions. Third, it increases the likelihood of the Executive Board (E-Board) publishing novel scholarship that expands across various practice areas and also focuses on topics that are disproportionately impacting diverse persons. Lastly, it helps dispel stereotypes and preconceived notions about certain groups and their behaviors, ideologies and experiences. As such, we will continue to keep diversity, equity, and inclusion at the forefront of our organization to make significant strides in all three areas.

Recognizing this, we collectively decided to create a Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (DEI) Editor position on our E-Board. This position not only signifies the importance of these issues to the Law Review, but also pledges our commitment to actively and continuously work on improving these areas.

The primary purpose of the DEI Editor is to improve our diversity, equity, and inclusion. More specifically, the DEI Editor is tasked with doing all of the following:

1. Continuously strategizing, researching ways, and creating initiatives to actively improve diversity throughout Buffalo Law Review
2. Serving as student liaison between student and faculty diverse organizations (e.g., Black Law Students Association, Latin American Law Students Association, OUTLaw, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee, etc.)
3. Supporting and collaborating with the rest of the E-Board to ensure a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion within each role, which may include, but is not limited to:
   1. In conjunction with the EIC, drafting, reviewing, and revising Buffalo Law Review communications pertaining to diversity, equity, and inclusion
   2. In conjunction with the Article Selection Team, promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in the article selection process
   3. In conjunction with the Head Note and Comment Editor, planning and promoting optional Bluebook and other trainings for diverse organizations
4. Serving as a contact person to address Buffalo Law Review members’ concerns arising under diversity, equity, and inclusion
5. Compiling and updating demographic information of all current and prospective Buffalo Law Review members who complete an optional survey to measure the Law Review’s diversity and changes over time

If you have any Buffalo Law Review DEI related questions, comments or concerns, please reach out to our DEI Editor.