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Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)

Benny Agosto, Jr. Diversity Center

What we believe

When we consider the meaning of diversity, one of the first descriptors that comes to mind is “difference.” Diversity means difference. Each of us is unlike anyone else. Diversity is also multi-faceted. It requires us to see the world more broadly, not merely from our lens, not only in black and white. Diversity, however, also includes commonalities, something on which we rarely focus. The South Texas community is diverse in opinion, race, ethnicity, culture, sexual orientation, gender, age, religion, physical ability, income, political affiliation, and all other characteristics that make us who we are.

Beyond rejecting the idea that the differences in others are inconsequential, inherently wrong, or generally lesser, we should seek to appreciate and welcome the divergent characteristics we see in others. We also can connect with one another on our similarities, of which there there are likely many.

To succeed, and advance we must be a community that strives – every day and in every way – to respect the diversity in others and embrace our shared characteristics. Even in disagreement we must strive for understanding. This kind of community encourages the very best in its individual members and, consequently, elevates the community as a whole.

 

Michael F. Barry, President and Dean
Shelby A.D. Moore, Vice President, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion; Professor of Law

“Advancing Diversity with a Lens of Inclusive Excellence”

 

The Benny Agosto, Jr. Diversity Center

South Texas College of Law Houston

1303 San Jacinto Street, Suite 321

Houston, Texas 77002

 

Shelby A.D. Moore, JD, LLM, Vice President of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, and Professor of Law

Phone:  (713) 646 – 1884

Email:  smoore@stcl.edu

 

Donna M. Davis, JD, Senior Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Phone:  (713) 646-1709

Email:  ddavis@stcl.edu

In response to a generous donation from philanthropist and alumni Benny Agosto, Jr., South Texas College of Law Houston (STCLH) created the Agosto Diversity Center to address two of Mr. Agosto’s life passions: giving back to the community and encouraging more diversity in the legal profession.

The Agosto Center provides the STCLH community with an opportunity to engage in sustained dialogue and education to increase the depth of understanding about DEI in the legal profession.  The Agosto Center provides a strategic vision, resources, programming, and training to promote a comprehensive appreciation of DEI and how it impacts the legal community.

The Agosto Center seeks to be a thought leader, encouraging the STCLH community, law schools, and legal profession to embrace the mosaic of differences represented at the law school and in the profession while reflecting on the importance of engaging appropriately with attorneys, clients, judges, and colleagues.

Focus Areas:

  • Education and Professional Development Training
  • Internal Campus Culture and Climate
  • External Community Engagement
  • Diversity Representation

The DEI Professional Development Workshop Series seeks to promote engagement between stakeholder groups, build personal awareness, support the invocation of empathy, and provide essential training related to DEI. The workshop sessions will further support STCLH’s mission and intentional commitment to DEI, belonging, access, and social justice while addressing the dialogue examining race, bias, and cultural competency.

Learning Objectives:

  • Understand the basis of diversity, equity, and inclusion and other topics.
  • Identify the impact DEI, and other topics have on an individual’s relationships, decisions, and outcomes.
  • Develop tools and strategies to become more aware when engaging across differences within the legal community.
  • Increase awareness of realities marginalized groups experience.
  • Cultivate change agents and DEI ambassadors.

Workshop Topics:

  • Unconscious Bias
  • Anti-Racism: A Dialogue
  • Cultural Competency
  • Understanding Privilege
  • Sexual Orientation (LGBTQIA+)
  • Microaggressions
  • Gender Identity and Expression
  • Gender
  • Understanding Ability Challenges (Physical, mental, emotional, and developmental)
  • Religion
  • Generational Differences
  • Allyship and Bystander Intervention

Spotlight on Diversity

Distinguished Attorney Gives Back to His Law School Alma Mater, Donating $3 Million to Establish The Benny Agosto, Jr. Diversity Center at South Texas College of Law Houston

Houston trial attorney Benny Agosto, Jr.’s recent gift to establish a diversity center at his alma mater, South Texas College of Law Houston, combined two of his life passions: giving back to the community and encouraging more diversity in the legal field. >> Read more

Staff Spotlight: New Senior Director of DEI Brings Two Decades of Experience to Key Role

Donna M. Davis, J.D. — recently named the senior director for diversity, equity, and inclusion in the Benny Agosto, Jr. Diversity Center at South Texas College of Law Houston — said she learned the value of education, a high work ethic, empathy, and communication early in life from her mom and dad. >> Read more

Alumna Genora K. Boykins ’85 Becomes First Woman, First African American to Serve as Chair of South Texas College of Law Houston Board of Directors

Alumna Genora K. Boykins ’85 took the helm as chair of the South Texas College of Law Houston board of directors at the Dec. 8 board meeting, becoming the first woman and first African American to win election to this key leadership position at Houston’s oldest law school.
>> Read more

STCL Houston, NAACP Houston Branch Sign Historic Agreement to Continue Fight for Clemency for Camp Logan Soldiers Unjustly Convicted, Punished in Houston in 1917

A large crowd of community leaders gathered at South Texas College of Law Houston to officially commemorate the law school’s ongoing collaboration with the NAACP Houston Branch to fight for clemency for the 110 soldiers of the 3rd Battalion, 24thInfantry Regiment convicted by General Courts-Martial for their alleged role in the 1917 Camp Logan uprising.
>> Read more

Student Profile

942

Students Enrolled

170

Undergrad Institutions

102

Undergrad Majors

31

States Represented

54.2%

Female

45.8%

Male

Faculty Profile

32%

Hold other graduate degrees
in addition to the J.D.

63%

Male

37%

Female

30%

Have participated in a
judicial clerkship