Build, Lead, Serve and Advocate.

HBLSA Statement on Race-Conscious Admissions Policies

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Harvard Black Law Student Association’s Statement on Race-Conscious Admissions Policies

November 4, 2018

With the Harvard College/Students for Fair Admissions (SFFA) trial’s conclusion drawing near, we stand at a critical crossroad—both as the Harvard Black Law Students Association, but also as Black people in the United States.

At the heart of this suit is a new manifestation of Fisher v. Texas, another vile anti-affirmative action lawsuit led by none other than Edward Blum—the conservative political activist who has consistently argued that race-conscious admissions are discriminatory. Blum lost Fisher at the Supreme Court. His objective, nonetheless, remains to kill affirmative action and to eliminate racial protections in all areas of life, such as when he supported Shelby County v. Holder—a 2013 case that functionally gutted the 1965 Voting Rights Act.[1]

The Harvard Black Law Students Association stands by Harvard College’s holistic approach to admissions, especially the consideration of race. The Supreme Court articulated in Fisher that diversity in the student body “[enhances] classroom dialogue” and lessens the chance of “racial isolation and stereotypes.[2]” Considering race in admissions ensures the possibility of a more tolerant student body—a student body that coalesces, instead of one that struggles to grapple with the different cultures, financial backgrounds, and upbringings within our society. …

HBLSA Prison Strike Statement

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Harvard Black Law Student’s Association Statement on the 2018 National Prison Strike

September 25, 2018

Harvard Law School’s Black Law Students Association (BLSA) commits to supporting the efforts of the 2018 National Prison Strike, which started on August 21, 2018 and concluded on September 9, 2018. Our brothers, sisters, and community members in federal, immigration, and state prisons demand the following:

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Harvard BLSA Kavanaugh Statement

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Harvard BLSA Statement on the Supreme Court Confirmation Hearing of Judge Brett Kavanaugh

September 6, 2018

To Whom It May Concern,

The Harvard Black Law Students Association (BLSA) has not taken any position with respect to the Supreme Court nomination of Judge Kavanaugh.

Harvard BLSA was recently mentioned during Judge Kavanaugh’s confirmation hearing. During questioning, Judge Brett Kavanaugh openly discussed how he supported BLSA, referencing an event during which he “encouraged” and “mentored” BLSA members to apply for clerkships–there is a signed letter by both current and former BLSA members as a testament to this exchange.

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Celebrating Black Alumni, and Engaging With Activism, at Law School Reunion | News | The Harvard Crimson

When Bishop C. Holifield was a student at Harvard Law School in 1967 at the apex of the civil rights movement, the fledgling organization he had founded—the Harvard Black Law Students Association—had just two members: himself and co-founder Reginald E. Gilliam.

Source: Celebrating Black Alumni, and Engaging With Activism, at Law School Reunion | News | The Harvard Crimson

Harvard Black Law Students Association Responds to Defacing of Black Faculty Portraits

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November 19, 2015

Harvard Black Law Students Association (HBLSA) Condemns Defacing of Black Faculty Portraits

CAMBRIDGE, MASSACHUSETTS – The Harvard Black Law Students Association (HBLSA) condemns today’s defacing of Black faculty portraits at Harvard Law School.

Today’s act is part of a larger pattern of racial antagonism at the Law School and schools across the nation. This event demonstrates that even at our nation’s most prestigious institutions, students, faculty, and staff of color are not immune to racial injustices. These injustices take the form of microaggressions, racially hostile learning environments, a delegitimization of Black voices and opinions, and a legacy of racism embodied in the crests of many institutions of higher learning in this country.

Today’s act of vandalism, motivated by racial animus, is not an isolated incident at Harvard Law School. “HBLSA is committed to fighting against racism, bigotry, and ignorance at our institution. However, it should not be our fight alone. We call on faculty and administrators to seriously consider the concerns and frustrations that students have repeatedly brought to their attention,” said Leland Shelton, President of the Harvard Black Law Students Association.

After students pressured both the Dean of Students and the Dean of the Law School, the administration opened a previously scheduled faculty meeting to students and staff to provide a forum for community-wide discussion. During the meeting, Martha Minow, the Dean of the Law School, acknowledged that racism is an ongoing problem in America and at Harvard. HBLSA considers the meeting to be a starting point, not a resolution, and will remain actively engaged with the administration, faculty, staff, student organizations, and alumni to implement concrete institutional change.

Shelton adds, “recent events at the University of Missouri, Yale, and campuses across the country remind us that racism persists and encourages us to continue to fight with a sense of urgency for meaningful change in our institutions and in our country.”

Media contact:

Leland Shelton, President, Harvard Black Law Students Association

hblsapresident@gmail.com

http://www3.law.harvard.edu/orgs/blsa/

Speaker Series: James O’Neal – 3/22

NON-TRADITIONAL SPEAKER SERIES feat JAMES O’NEAL, CO-FOUNDER AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF LEGAL OUTREACH

Professional Development
Tuesday, March 22, 12pm, Room TBA
RSVP to Professional Development

Come join HBLSA Alum, James O’Neal, for lunch as he shares his career path and experiences post-HLS. James is the Co-founder and Executive Director of Legal Outreach, a non-profit organization that uses intensive legal and educational programs to prepare urban youth from underserved communities in NYC to compete at high academic levels. This is a wonderful opportunity to ask any burning questions about pursuing a career in the public interest and to build a relationship with one of our amazing HBLSA Alumni! You must RSVP in order to attend. Please email HBLSAProfessionalDevelopment@gmail.com to secure your spot. The seats will be available on a first come, first serve basis.

Spring Dinner Parties – March & April

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Social
March-April
HBLSA members’ homes

Get to know some of your fellow HBLSA members in a cozy, informal setting. Social Committee is paying for several HBLSA members to host dinner parties in their homes throughout late March and April!

Please email HBLSASocialCommittee@gmail.com if you are interesting in hosting around 10 people in your home. You can cook as a group or order in–watch movies, talk, or just enjoy each other’s company!

Please email HBLSASocialCommittee@gmail.com as well if you are interested in attending a dinner party. Once we have a list of hosts and attendees, we’ll send out more details on dates, times, and locations.

Charity Cultural Showcase – 4/7

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Social
April 7, 2011, Time TBA
Pound Hall, Ropes Gray

CALLING ALL TALENT!!!

Are you a dancer, singer, lyricist, musician, actor, or performer of any kind? If so, we would love for you to show off your talents at HBLSA’s annual talent show! Please email HBLSASocialCommittee@gmail.com for details and to let us know if you’re interested in performing. The show will be co-sponsored by several other HLS organizations.