The diversity of the student body and the sense of community at the Law School are reflected in a range of student organizations.
Student
groups sponsor programs individually and in coordination with one another. Among
their combined efforts is the annual Diversity Month, featuring events and colloquia
that span a variety of cultures and ideas. The School’s Asian-American,
African-American and Latino student organizations are particularly active, offering
tutorials and assisting with housing, as well as sponsoring campus and community
programs.
The Asian
Pacific American Law Students Association (APALSA) promotes the academic,
political, and career-related interests of Asian Pacific Americans. APALSA’s
programs include peer-to-peer and practitioner-to-student mentoring, Q&A
career panels, networking receptions, and an annual spring banquet. APALSA sponsors
colloquia and film presentations to raise awareness of APA-related law issues,
and provides an income tax assistance program in Chinatown as well as an elementary
school tutoring program.
The Black Law Students Association (BLSA) works to sensitize the legal establishment
to the needs of the Black community, to promote the needs of Black students,
and aid in the recruitment, retention, and placement of students of color. BLSA
encourages professional competence through academic and career workshops, and
sponsors programs such as the annual Kwanzaa celebration, a Heritage dinner
featuring a prominent African-American legal professional as the keynote speaker.
BLSA works with area chapters and the Black Alumni Network to develop its programs.
BAN members represent a wide range of legal special- ties and are mentors for
current BLSA students.
The Jewish Law Students Association (JLSA) promotes the discussion of Jewish issues pertaining to legal education and the practice of law. The association’s projects include a speaker series, luncheons and observance of Jewish holidays.
Lambda is a BC Law coalition of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender students, staff, faculty and supporters who foster a supportive social network, educate the community about LGBT identities, sponsor panels on legal issues affecting LGBT individuals, promote diversity in the law school and the legal profession, and strive toward equality before the law.
The Latin
American Law Students Association (LALSA) promotes Latino issues through
campus programs and outreach efforts serving the Latino community. LALSA strives
to mentor Latino students at BC Law and assist them through the first year.
LALSA hosts events with the Massachusetts Association of Hispanic Attorneys,
Hispanic National Bar Association, and LALSA organizations nationwide.
The South
Asian Law Students Association (SALSA) was created to recognize the unique
needs of South Asians engaged in a legal education. SALSA strives to provide
its members with the academic, professional, and cultural tools they need to
be successful students, lawyers, and community members. Due to the small number
of Middle Eastern students at BC Law, SALSA also provides a space for students
who identify with that region of the world.
Students have many opportunities to join other student groups. Some provide
service to the community, address the spiritual dimensions of student life,
and provide research opportunities in areas such as children’s rights,
environmental law and international human rights. Other organizations explore
arts and media law, alternative dispute resolution, legal concerns of the homeless
and women in the law.