DIVERSITY AT PENN LAW

Amit Patel '11

Hometown: Odessa, TX
B.A. 2005 Stanford

One of the main reasons I decided to attend Penn Law was because I found that the administration and student body truly understand the meaning of diversity. It’s not just a word here; it’s an imperative to put beliefs into action. Through clinics, student-run projects, student organizations and joint programs, students from all backgrounds pursue their interests and express their points of view in a manner that promotes dialogue and community-building.

The ability to value others for their differences as much as for their similarities is often underappreciated – except at places like Penn Law. The fact that Penn Law has a relatively small student body means that students are better positioned to learn from each other in an atmosphere of trust and respect. Whether through the South Asian Law Students Association, an organization that speaks to my South Asian heritage, or “Y’ALSA,” an organization that appeals to my Southern roots as a Texan, I’ve seen how open and welcoming Penn Law students are of diversity.

Part of our satisfaction as students comes from our knowledge that the Penn Law administration is on board with us. The administration itself is diverse, and it takes its work as educators and facilitators seriously. The reality is that Penn Law administrators attend student organization events all the time. Diversity and inclusion are not just buzz words here. They are essential to our experience. Without them, Penn Law would not be Penn Law.