The Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law (CWSL) is committed to the Villanova University crest of VERITAS (truth), UNITAS (unity), and CARITAS (love and respect). CWSL creates and maintains policies that promote an inclusive environment for a student body with different identities, abilities, sexual orientations, religious backgrounds, and other areas with historical differences. This research guide is established to provide connections to the university and law school's commitment to DEI.
In 2022, the law school administration developed the DEI Office with the primary responsibility for developing a more enlightened, skilled, culturally competent, and socially responsible law school community. Working with students including organizations that represent diverse groups is an essential responsibility of the DEI Director. To accomplish goals and objectives, the DEI Director works with key stakeholders including faculty, senior administrators, and other staff members. In addition to reporting to the CWLS Vice Dean, the DEI director meets with the Faculty DEI Committee both to confirm goals and objectives and to help create and administer effective programs. The Director also:
Kent Lollis | kent.lollis@law.villanova.edu
Ashley Andino | aandin01@law.villanova.edu
Kayla Martin | kmarti53@law.villanova.edu
DEI NEWSLETTER
At least once a month, details about ongoing projects, meetings with affinity group leaders, and other major DEI issues will be included in the DEI Newsletter distributed to the CWSL community.
EVENTS AND PROGRAMS
The CWSL DEI Office plans events and programming based on student concerns and preferences identified by faculty and staff. The goal is to emphasize important methods for achieving a solid environment, and to include the relevance of DEI in any legal education activities. Suggestions are based on current challenges identified by advisory organizations, legal employers, and all affinity groups.
INVESTIGATIONS OF REPORTED ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS
The Villanova ODEI office has a procedure for students to report any environmental concerns they are experiencing or have observed. In addition to the official reporting process established and maintained by the ODEI office, the CWSL DEI office assists in the investigation of any reported incidents and receives informal concerns expressed by the law school population. The CWSL DEI office will advise students about issues they are experiencing and work to resolve any problems identified.
Heritage and History Month observances help introduce students to the history and current status of affinity groups. For students looking to join the legal profession, it also provides an opportunity to promote diversity in the profession, and the goal is to include more lawyers from marginalized groups to serve a diverse community.
The observance of history and Heritage Month events is influenced by national observances, choices of local affinity groups, and any social challenges faced by marginalized groups.
Here is the current History and heritage month list:
September
Hispanic/Latine History Month
October
LGBTQIA History Month
Italian American History Month
November
Native American Heritage Month
February
Black History Month
Muslim Americans Heritage Month
March
Women's History Month
April
Arab American Heritage Month
May
Asian Pacific American Month
June
Jewish Heritage Month
*Other observances can be added as identified by the affinity groups or changes in the traditional calendar.