Dear 1L students,
I was notified yesterday of an incident in the 1L class where some male students have been “ranking” female students based on their appearance. Attached is a letter from the University’s Director of Equal Opportunity, Compliance, and Title IX addressing this. I have already visited and spoken with the section where this concern arose, but I want to share with the entire 1L class my perspective as someone who cares deeply about the St. John’s Law community and our learning environment.
The conduct described in the attached letter is distressing for a number of reasons: it is sexist, unprofessional, and juvenile. It is flatly contrary to the values of the legal profession and the standard of conduct that we expect from aspiring lawyers. It is also contrary to the oath that our students take at Convocation to conduct themselves with “dignity and civility” and to “show kindness and respect towards all.” Make no mistake: “ranking” women in this way is not harmless fun. By objectifying women, it fuels a culture that far too often leads to sexual harassment and sexual violence. For that reason, it is unequivocally wrong and has no place in the St. John’s Law community.
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Finally, I want to make sure that all students understand our commitment to an inclusive learning environment free from harassment of any kind. If you have any concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to me, Dean Gordon-Somers, Dean Kelly, or any member of the Law School administration. You may also contact Ms. Keaton Wong in the University’s Office of Equity and Inclusion.
MAS
[pdfjs-viewer url=”https://abovethelaw.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2018/10/Letter-to-1Ls-092418.pdf”]
Dear Students,
I’m writing to provide you with some information on two events that will take place at the Law School this week, as well as resources available to you.
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On Monday, October 1 at 6 pm, the Women’s Law Society will hold an event in response to the recent incident in Section C: The Rankings that Matter: A Conversation about Women in the Law. It will take place in the Atrium at 6 pm, and will be a conversation moderated by Jasmine Brown, the President of the Women’s Law Society. I’m grateful to the Women’s Law Society for working so quickly to put this event together, and encourage you to attend. Please RSVP here (Monday Google RSVP Form) if you plan to attend so that we can order sufficient food.
On Tuesday, October 2 from 12 – 1:30, we will be hosting a conversation about the Kavanaugh hearings over lunch in the Atrium. The conversation will be led by Professors John Barrett and Elaine Chiu, and you are welcome to attend for as much of the event as you are able. Please RSVP here (Tuesday Google RSVP Form) if you plan to attend, as pizza will be provided.
Finally, events on campus and across the country over the past week have been difficult for many members of our community. Please know that your faculty and the Law School’s administrators are here for you. Additionally, the St. John’s Center for Counseling and Consultation is available to you at any time throughout your Law School career. The staff at the CCC is dedicated to helping students with any challenges or concerns that may arise, including stress, anxiety, social concerns, or trauma—now or in the future. If you use the CCC, please know that your consultation and anything discussed is confidential, and will not be shared with the Law School, your family, or anyone else without your written consent. You can contact the CCC at (718) 990-6384 to schedule an appointment, or walk-in any time they are open. Their hours are as follows:
Monday: 8:30 am – 7:00 pm
Tuesday: 8:30 am – 4:30 pm
Wednesday: 8:30 am – 4:30 pm
Thursday: 8:30 am – 7:00 pm
Friday: 8:30 am – 3:00 pm
You can also contact the Campus Support Advocate at (718) 990-8484. The CSA can provide a confidential, survivor-centered space to talk, as well as assistance with navigating University resources.
I strongly encourage you to take advantage of these resources if they could be of help to you. I hope to see you at the events on Monday and Tuesday, and remind you to continue to reach out to me, Dean Kelly, or Dean Gordon-Somers if you have questions or concerns.
MAS