Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Colorado Law

Colorado Law is proud to have been one of the earliest law schools in the nation to admit ethnically and racially diverse lawyers. Inclusiveness and diversity are not just popular catch phrases to us. We have a strong and continuing commitment to inclusiveness and diversity, as evidenced by the first action in Our Vision statement:

Provide a supportive and diverse educational and scholarly community in a place that inspires vigorous pursuit of ideas, critical analysis, contemplation, and civic engagement in order to advance knowledge about the law in an open, just society.

To achieve this vision, we support a number of law school initiatives that further our inclusiveness and diversity.  In addition, we are actively involved in several legal community initiatives. Finally, we work hard to cultivate career opportunities for our diverse students and alumni.

Meet the Team

Violeta Chapin, J.D.

Associate Dean for Community and Culture, and Clinical Professor of Law

Associate Dean Violeta Chapin directs the Immigration Clinic at Colorado Law, and has been a member of the law faculty since 2009. As an immigration and criminal defense attorney, Prof. Chapin has long thought about what it means to belong in our society. She brings that perspective to her role in helping to build a truly welcoming and inclusive community at the law school, for all of our students, staff and faculty. 

Fernando R. Guzmán III, Ph.D.

Assistant Dean for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusive Excellence

Dr. Fernando Guzman is the Assistant Dean for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusive Excellence. Drawing on his extensive professional experience, Dean Guzman helps the law school further its commitment to embedding diversity, equity, and inclusiveness  into the fabric of the law school at all levels.

Yesenia Delgado, M.P.A.

Director of Events and Inclusive Programming

The Council for Racial Justice and Equity (CRJE) is an official student-led organization that advocates for and designs policy changes to Colorado Law concerning diversity and racial justice. It was formed in summer 2020 as nationwide racial justice protests oriented America's attention to the injustices Black communities face. The Black Law Student Association (BLSA), students from BIPOC-led organizations, and allies worked together to form the Council. To contact the CRJE and get involved, email: crje@colorado.edu

Anti-Racism and Representation Initiative

In 2020, former Dean S. James Anaya spearheaded the Anti-Racism and Representation Initiative, which aims to confront racism and its persistent effects around us and to advance the representation and genuine welcoming of Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) and other marginalized groups within the University of Colorado Law School community and the legal profession.

The initiative lives on today through a range of ongoing programs and actions. The Anti-Racism and Representation Initiative was designed to promote bold, practical, and effective steps to confront racism and advance greater inclusion.

"Preservation of one's own culture does not require contempt or disrespect for other cultures."

Cesar Chavez (1927-1993. American activist and labor organizer; founder, National Farm Workers Association)