10/16/2023

Delaware Law School recently had two key employees and a faculty member take part in the inaugural Antiracist Development Institute convening, held in Pennsylvania.

Director of Recruitment and Diversity Enrollment Initiatives Eric Kniskern was a presenter at the event. Kniskern joined colleagues urging other law schools to follow Delaware Law School’s lead and consider removing the criminal history question from the law school application.

“By removing this barrier, Delaware Law reinforces its commitment to supporting a diverse community and creating a deep sense of belonging for all students,” he said. “There are many good reasons to do it, but in particular, we believe it removes a barrier long used as a way of supporting a white-centric legal academy and keeping people of color from pursuing a career in the law.”

Assistant Professor Keeshea Turner Roberts and Assistant Dean for Diversity Equity and Inclusion Joseph Farris both attended the event.

The Antiracist Development Institute, begun in 2020, seeks to dismantle the structures of systemic racism that form the basis of our legal system. Through research, education and scholarly work throughout the legal academy, the creators and directors strive for a more just legal education with equitable access to all.