Similar to young athletes being trained by coaches, students of color interested in the legal profession require the same mentorship and guidance to achieve success. There are numerous summer camps to teach the next Jim Brown, Venus Williams and Tiger Woods. However, there is a lack of camps geared towards the next Johnnie Cochran, Michelle Obama and Clarence Thomas. Organizations, private firms, and academic institutions must develop sponsorship, mentoring and tutoring programs. These supplemental support groups should concentrate their efforts in assisting students of color navigate the treacherous waters of legal education and develop the skill set that will be necessary to become admitted and succeed in law school. Mentorship by academic and legal professionals will serve students of color much more than lowering the standard to be achieved.
The legal profession has evolved beyond the days where doors have to be held open. Nevertheless, there must an assurance that the keys to unlock the doors are available to every student who desires to walk through. As long as the keys to success have been made available, students of color will be able to match, if not surpass, the expectations that have been established.
—
© Copyright 2005 by DiverseEducation.com
