We talk a lot about true diversity and inclusion in the law, and I know that you are being constantly barraged with D & I proclamations from the Law College. So let me share this with you.
This is something I wrote to the Dean, in this year's annual report, about my understanding of developing inclusive leaders in the law:
"My permanent strategic commitment has always been to help our students think logically and critically in an environment that values intellectual diversity and provides a wide-open marketplace of ideas. We need to teach our students to think critically, encourage them to speak courageously and avoid self-censorship, and we should have no part in indoctrinating them in any ideological worldview or particular vision of social justice. We are a pluralistic Nation with many different visions of what is true, what is good, and what is beautiful. No one has a monopoly on truth or social justice. We should encourage our students to work for the common good based upon their own visions of the good life and social justice. That is how we can build a truly diverse and inclusive community."
The most important part of this
is my commitment to encourage each one of you to speak courageously and
avoid self-censorship. A community in which everyone thinks the same is
not a diverse community. A community in which anyone is pressured to
affirm any particular ideology or worldview is not an inclusive
community. Friends do not cancel friends because they disagree with
their ideas or their political views. Live courageously in the law. Do
not be bullied into self-censorship. Always be civil and respectful, but
speak up fearlessly for what you believe! As my friend Prof. Robby George says, "Courage can be contagious. That's the good news. The bad news is that cowardice is almost always contagious." So be courageous! Or, as two of the Law College's values put it, "Listen Graciously" but never be afraid to "Act Courageously!" Never--never--bend the knee to censorship or indoctrination.
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