The UCLA Law Review Diversity Statement:
“The UCLA Law Review is committed to the inclusion of a ‘variety of personal experiences, values, and worldviews that arise from differences of culture and circumstance.’[1] Such differences include, but are not limited to: race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, abilities/disabilities, age, religion, immigration status, geographic region, and national origin.
Our commitment to diversity in membership and scholarship is firmly rooted in the recognition of historic inequalities in the legal profession. Underrepresented groups that have been historically excluded from practicing law include, but are not limited to, women, people of color, and individuals from low socioeconomic backgrounds. Membership of individuals belonging to one or more underrepresented groups on the Law Review is integral to the production of expansive, interdisciplinary, and critical legal scholarship.
Because personal experience and identity shape an individual’s worldview, diversity within the Law Review’s membership makes the journal better equipped to promote a greater variety of articles for publication, thereby enhancing and strengthening legal academic discourse and debate. Diversity within the Law Review’s membership also allows the journal to serve as a medium for students to exchange differing legal perspectives. Learning to interact thoughtfully and effectively with talented students who have diverging legal philosophies helps prepare members to participate in an increasingly pluralistic society. Further, membership on Law Review confers potential access to other influential opportunities. Thus, addressing the social inequalities within the Law Review’s membership will help translate into greater diversity within the legal profession. As such, striving for diversity in the Law Review’s membership and scholarship is vital to its pursuit of excellence as an academic journal.
Ultimately, the UCLA Law Review strives to cultivate a safe and inclusive environment for all members.”
[1]. Regents Policy 4400: Policy on University of California Diversity Statement, U.C. Board of Regents, http://regents.universityofcalifornia.edu/governance/policies/4400.html (last amended Sept. 16, 2010).