Commitment to Diversity, Inclusion, Justice & Equity

At the Public Interest Law Center, we are committed to the values of diversity, inclusion, justice and equity. We welcome FSU College of Law students of all backgrounds and encourage applications from diverse students, including those who identify with marginalized communities and identities. Like the FSU College of Law, as a whole, we welcome students of all races, ages, gender identities, religions, national origins, ethnicities, sexual orientations, abilities, and political opinions. Diversity in student backgrounds and experiences enriches the classroom, our work on behalf of clients, and the legal profession, and advances our commitment to public interest and social justice. 

Work to Empower Marginalized Communities 

Together with our diverse students, we advocate to empower marginalized communities including children, human trafficking survivors, persons with disabilities, veterans, immigrants, farmworkers, people who are and were incarcerated, and survivors of violence. In collaboration with our clients, we strive for justice and equitable outcomes through litigation, law reform advocacy and community legal education. 

Antiracism Advocacy

We mourn the tragic and senseless recent murders of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery and Breonna Taylor, along with all violence and threats to violence perpetrated on Black people and other communities of color. We decry racism and racial injustice in all its many forms, and reaffirm our commitment to address systemic and institutional racism, dismantle white supremacy and educate ourselves on antiracist practices. Locally, in our community and law school we are engaging in the following antiracism advocacy:

  • Self-learning and Self-reflection – We commit to engaging with our students on antiracism self-learning and self-reflection. By assigning articles, books, films, podcasts and other media, and hosting panel discussions centered on antiracism and racial justice, we will establish a stronger understanding of justice and the legal profession.
     
  • Name Change for FSU College of Law’s Main Building – We joined with our colleagues to urge the Florida House of Representatives to approve the renaming of the main building on our campus, presently and shamefully named after B.K. Roberts, a former Florida Supreme Court justice who was an outspoken segregationist. Together with our students, we commit to advocate for the Florida Legislature to finish this work that is so critical to our students, our colleagues, our clients and our community. 
     
  • Tallahassee Remembrance Project Partner – Through our partnership, and together with our diverse students, we commit to doing our part to help achieve the trifold mission of the project: erecting a plaque to honor and remember the African American victims of lynching in Leon County; participating in a service aimed at repentance, reconciliation and healing; and organizing events that facilitate remembrance of atrocities and furthering of racial reconciliation.