Diversity and inclusion are essential elements of a successful educational experience, both in the classroom and in extracurricular activities. Located in Phoenix, Arizona State University's Beus Center for Law and Society is situated in the heart of downtown, close to major law firms and the legal community. ASU Law offers a Doctor of Law degree as well as a one-year Master of Legal Studies (MLS) program for those who wish to expand their knowledge of the U. S.
legal system. The American Bar Association (ABA) has connected cultural competence to professional competence in its new standards of legal education, and some state bar associations have adopted similar provisions in their admission requirements. The Arizona Legal Diversity Committee works with students, faculty, and staff to organize community development events, foster cultural understanding, and create an atmosphere where ideas can be discussed openly and respectfully. Diversity is also important for providing the best possible services to employees of the City of Tempe and to the Tempe community.
However, the unique responsibilities of law schools to structure legal education to promote equity in the profession have received less attention. Wherever your legal education takes you, open-mindedness, critical thinking, interpersonal skills, and a broad base of cultural understanding are highly beneficial and valued. Since some of the most serious legal issues are related to the persistent deficiencies of the law itself in the treatment of racial, ethnic, religious and other minorities, it is essential that cultural competence be addressed in legal education. By doing so, we can create a safe haven for employees when it comes to diversity initiatives and employee relations, ensuring consistency in Tempe's labor policies.
