BY: Elise Hanks Billing | DATE: Oct 10, 2024

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MEDIA CONTACT
718.340.4010

elise.billing@law.cuny.edu | communications@law.cuny.edu

 

NEW YORK, NY – CUNY School of Law has been ranked #2 in the nation for racial justice by preLaw Magazine in its Fall 2024 issue. This recognition marks its third consecutive ranking in the top two and underscores CUNY Law’s unwavering commitment to preparing the next generation of public interest lawyers dedicated to advancing racial equity.

The ranking highlights CUNY Law’s innovative approach to legal education, which includes:

  • A required Critical Race Theory course, unique among law schools nationwide
  • The most racially diverse faculty in the nation
  • Robust clinical programs advancing racial justice projects
  • A curriculum that empowers students to challenge systemic inequities

“This ranking reflects our enduring commitment to using legal education as a catalyst for social change,” stated Dean Sudha Setty. “At CUNY Law, racial justice is not just a part of our curriculum; it is a foundational principle that drives what we do.”

The preLaw feature praised CUNY Law’s holistic approach to racial justice education. “We’re seeing hundreds of students each year progress through law school gaining knowledge and skills through the lens of critical inquiry to become graduates who pursue careers focused on empowering communities, serving clients in need and dismantling systemic racism,” Dean Setty told the magazine.

Professor Jared M. Trujillo with his class

Professor Jared M. Trujillo, who teaches the school’s required Critical Race Theory course, emphasized its importance: “Arming students with the tools to understand structural racism is critical to their ability to dismantle systems of oppression.”

CUNY Law’s commitment to racial justice extends beyond the classroom. Professor Nicole Smith Futrell, Director of the Law School’s Center for Diversity in the Legal Profession and Co-Director of the Defenders Clinic, highlighted the school’s extensive network: “CUNY Law students graduate with a rich network of colleagues, alumni and professors prepared to lift them up when their vocations are most challenging.”

The article also featured CUNY Law student April Hurley, who shared her transformative experience: “The ability to study law in an institution where many of the professors are committed to teach [from a] racial justice perspective is a privilege. The passion and rigor of your coursework will sharpen and expand your skill sets so you will become the change you wish to see.”

In addition to recognizing CUNY Law as a top school for racial justice with an A+ ranking, preLaw/The National Jurist has also awarded the Law School the #1 ranking for Most Diverse Law School in 2024. The Princeton Review’s “Best Law Schools for 2024” rankings further acknowledged CUNY Law’s excellence, securing the #1 spot for “Most Diverse Faculty” nationwide and placing in four of fourteen top categories (#2 Most Chosen by Older Students; #2 Most Liberal Students; #8 Greatest Resources for Women).

###

The City University of New York School of Law is the premier public interest law school in the country. It has a dual mission of training outstanding public interest lawyers and diversifying the legal profession. CUNY Law is nationally recognized for its clinical programs and its commitment to diversity and public service.