Thesis
"I'm Not Your Brochure Picture": Navigating PWI Law Schools as a Black Law Student
University of Iowa
Bachelor of Arts (BA), University of Iowa
Spring 2025
Abstract
The legal field remains one of the least diverse professions in the United States, particularly concerning Black Americans. My research investigates the experience of Black students in predominantly white law schools to better understand the factors contributing to their underrepresentation in the legal field. Using survey data and qualitative interviews from Black law students across the country, this study compiles personal narratives that reflect broader themes and patterns. Key findings reveal barriers such as hostile academic environments, a lack of diversity, imposter syndrome, and tokenism, while also highlighting the critical role of self-efficacy and external motivation. For Black students, the path to law school is marked by racialized challenges. This research emphasizes the urgent need for more supportive and inclusive institutions that not only facilitate the Black journey to and through law school but also address the unique racial challenges these Black law students face.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- "I'm Not Your Brochure Picture": Navigating PWI Law Schools as a Black Law Student
- Creators
- Slater Tionna T. - University of Iowa
- Contributors
- Amber Powell (Mentor) - University of IowaJennifer Haylett (Advisor) - University of Iowa
- Resource Type
- Thesis
- Project Type
- Honors Thesis
- Degree Awarded
- Bachelor of Arts (BA), University of Iowa
- Degree in
- Criminology, Law, and Justice
- Date degree season
- Spring 2025
- Publisher
- University of Iowa
- Number of pages
- 37 pages
- Copyright
- Copyright © 2025 Tionna Slater
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- CLAS Honors Theses
- Record Identifier
- 9984826361302771
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