UIC Law Receives Insight Into Diversity 2024 Higher Education Excellence In Diversity (HEED) Award
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Last Thursday, the University of Illinois Chicago School of Law (UIC Law) received the 2024 Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award from Insight Into Diversity magazine, the oldest and largest diversity- focused publication in higher education. As a recipient of the annual HEED Award — a national honor recognizing U.S. colleges and universities that demonstrate an outstanding commitment to diversity and inclusion — UIC Law will be featured, along with 113 other recipients, in the November/December 2024 issue of Insight Into Diversity magazine.
“We aim to cultivate spaces where all members of our law school community and the broader University can come together to learn, share, and be inspired by the transformative power of solidarity and unity,” Clarence Glenn, assistant dean for Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion said. “By recognizing and celebrating diverse communities’ unique voices and experiences, we strive to create an environment that encourages dialogue, embraces differences, and nurtures creativity.”
Insight Into Diversity magazine selected UIC Law because it promotes an institutional culture of respect and empathy for all members of the law school community by fostering thought, conversation, and active engagement around diversity, equity, and inclusion. Some of the school’s efforts in the DE&I space include name and gender marker change support, an annual diversity week celebration, first-generation student support, cultural/heritage recognition and celebration, and various scholarship opportunities.
“We recognize that diversity in all its forms enriches the educational experience and strengthens the legal profession,” says UIC Law Dean Nicky Boothe. “Through our intentional efforts, we have expanded our outreach to historically underrepresented communities, implemented comprehensive and supportive programming, and continue to enhance our pathway initiatives.”
“The HEED Award process consists of a comprehensive and rigorous application that includes questions relating to the recruitment and retention of students and employees — and best practices for both — leadership support for diversity, campus culture and climate, supplier diversity, and many other aspects of campus diversity and inclusion,” said Lenore Pearlstein, publisher of Insight Into Diversity magazine. “We take a detailed approach to reviewing each application in deciding who will be named a HEED Award recipient. Our standards are high, and we look for institutions where diversity and inclusion are woven into the work being done every day across their campus.”
For more information about the 2024 HEED Award, visit insightintodiversity.com.