Fifty students and administrators gathered this semester for Drake Law’s inaugural Diversity Retreat. The two-hour retreat was co-sponsored by the Law School’s Diversity Committee and the Student Bar Association. It was an opportunity to gauge the climate of the law school, understand how diversity plays a role in the school, understand positives and negatives about student experiences and brainstorm issues that need to be addressed.
“Everyone present provided valuable perspective and suggestions on the climate within the law school and ways in which Drake Law can continue to improve its diversity,” says Mike Traxinger, Student Bar Association president. “I am extremely energized and motivated after our conversation, and I know that we all look forward to the continued value of diversity and the progress within the Law School to enhance student life.”
The retreat resulted in several ideas on how the school can continue to improve upon its goal of having an inclusive community. An action plan is being put into place, and students and the administration will implement these ideas in the coming year.
The retreat was followed by a networking reception co-sponsored by the Women and Minorities Iowa Bar Committee, Iowa Organization of Women Attorneys, Iowa National Bar Association and Polk County Women Attorneys. Students had the opportunity to network with more than 60 judges and lawyers from the Des Moines community.