CHICAGO, May 12, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- A new study has listed The John Marshall Law School in Chicago among those law schools that best represent the diversity of the U.S. That's according to recent findings by Jack Manhire, director of program development at Texas A&M University School of Law.
As reported by preLaw Magazine, when using Manhire's system John Marshall scored a 95%. Manhire uses a mathematical formula to determine how well students at law schools represent the gender, race and ethnicity of the U.S. as a whole, as well as the state in which the school is located. Based on this system, his study found that John Marshall had one of the most diversified student bodies in the country.
"Our diversity is one of our many strengths. We are well positioned and prepared to build upon this strength as we train intellectually curious, diverse thinkers to become balanced, well-rounded and skillful attorneys," said Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer Troy Riddle.
More than 34 percent of the student body at John Marshall is composed of minority students. Of the 1,032 students currently enrolled in the law school's J.D. program, 353 identify as African American, Asian, Hispanic and other diverse backgrounds. The numbers reflect John Marshall's longstanding mission to encourage minority and under-represented students to pursue a career in the law.
The law school, founded in 1899, was an early pioneer in opening its doors and admitting minorities, women and immigrants. John Marshall graduated its first female student, Jessie Cook, in 1903; its first African-American student, James Randle, in 1904 and first Hispanic student, William E. Rodriguez, in 1912.
John Marshall's diverse community is made up of more than 50 student organizations that represent the diverse interests and pursuits of the student body. These organizations include the Asian Pacific American Law Students Association, Black Law Students Association, Latino Law Students Association and Middle Eastern Law Students Association. Student leaders from many of these organizations comprise the Multicultural Leadership Council, which works to ensure that John Marshall remains at the forefront of diversity and inclusion. Additionally, the Academic Enhancement Program, developed by the Latino Law Students Association and run by the Office of Diversity Affairs, offers students a forum for course review through weekly assessments and practice exams.
About The John Marshall Law School
The John Marshall Law School, founded in 1899, is an independent law school located in the heart of Chicago's legal, financial and commercial districts. The 2017 U.S. News & World Report's America's Best Graduate Schools ranks John Marshall's Lawyering Skills Program 5th, its Trial Advocacy Program 19th and its Intellectual Property Law Program 21st in the nation. Since its inception, John Marshall has been a pioneer in legal education and has been guided by a tradition of diversity, innovation, access and opportunity.