Law School Cancels Barrister's Ball Because Of Donald Trump
Which law school is embroiled in a YUGE controversy over its Barrister's Ball?
President Trump makes law students sad.
At the conclusion of each academic year, law students across the country prepare for one of the wildest parties of their lives. We’re speaking, of course, about Barrister’s Ball, a night that’s typically dedicated to boozing in elegant formal wear — and sometimes barfing, for those who aren’t able to hold their liquor. It’s an exciting time and great fun for all (especially your Above the Law editors, whose inboxes are usually overflowing in the days after the event with lurid tales of absolute debauchery — and stolen footwear once owned by Mr. Rogers).
Each year, Student Bar Associations try to outdo themselves and make their law proms bigger, better, and boozier. That said, one Illinois law school came up with the bright idea to hold its hold its 2016 Barrister’s Ball in what’s arguably the most prestigious and most beautiful building in all of Chicago: Trump International Hotel & Tower.
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Unfortunately, the venue choice isn’t going over well with members of the student body. Donald Trump, the reality-show and real-estate tycoon who happens to be one of the front-runners in the Republican race for the presidency, has alienated members of just about every race, religion, and creed in his quest for the White House. Law students are so angry they’d rather not have a Barrister’s Ball at all than have one at Trump Tower.
Which law school is willing to sacrifice its much-awaited night of drinking and depravity because students vehemently object to putting Trump’s name on their party?
The school in question is the DePaul University College of Law, and tipsters report that Associate Dean Michael S. Burns sent the following email earlier this week regarding a group of law students’ blowups about a Barrister’s Ball held at Trump Tower:
Dear College of Law Students:
Just yesterday, the College of Law administration and I learned of concerns regarding the Student Bar Association having selected the Trump Tower as the venue for the 2016 Barrister’s Ball. Upon learning of the selected venue and these concerns, we met with the leadership of the SBA. After discussion throughout the day, the College of Law administration and SBA leadership have decided to cancel the Trump Tower contract and select another venue. It is important to us all that this event be held at a venue that all of our students feel welcome and comfortable at. The College of Law will pay any cancellation fee that may be assessed. We will also work closely with the SBA leadership to select an appropriate venue for this event. I want to personally thank the leadership of the SBA for their support in addressing concerns raised by students. Should you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me.
Michael S. Burns
Associate Dean for Student Affairs
DePaul University College of Law
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From what we’ve heard, it seems obvious that not all law students support this move. Sources with insider info told us that what Dean Burns didn’t mention in his email is the fact that DePaul Law would be paying a $15,000 cancellation fee to Trump Tower — all because some law students’ feelings would be hurt. One annoyed source says, “[T]hey’re essentially donating $15,000 to Trump Towers so students won’t be sad.”
Another infuriated source said, “DePaul Law doesn’t even have money to put functioning staplers in the computer labs, but they have money to just throw away.” We’ve also been told that DePaul Law has allegedly defunded certain scholarships due to a “lack of funds.” What’s going on at this school, and why is the administration so willing to throw away good money to appease a fraction of its student body with a new Barrister’s Ball venue? Please email us or text us (646-820-8477) if you have any information.
We hope DePaul Law students are happy with their new Barrister’s Ball venue. Hopefully it won’t be as YUGE of a controversy as the SBA’s selection of Trump Tower.
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