The Agosto Justice Center for Leadership and Empowerment
Supporting a Diverse Community
South Texas College of Law Houston created the Agosto Justice Center to address two of Alumni Benny Agosto, Jr.’s life passions: giving back to the community and encouraging more diversity in the legal profession.
The Agosto Justice Center provides the STCL Houston community with an opportunity to engage in sustained dialogue and education to increase the depth of understanding about Justice, Access, Leadership and Empowerment (JALE) in the legal profession. The Agosto Justice Center provides a strategic vision, resources, programming, and training to promote a comprehensive appreciation of JALE and how it impacts the legal community.
The Agosto Justice Center seeks to be a thought leader, encouraging the STCL Houston 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
- Representation of Differences
Spotlight on Diversity
South Texas is a Community of Respect
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 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, Former President and Dean
Shelby A.D. Moore, Vice President and Professor of Law
Championing Diversity in the Legal Profession
South Texas College of Law Houston (STCL Houston) is at the forefront of fostering diversity in the legal profession through its innovative Pipeline Program. The program is designed to break down barriers and create opportunities for the academically talented undergraduate students from diverse backgrounds.
Contact the Agosto Justice Center for Leadership and Empowerment
Shelby A.D. Moore, JD, LLM
Vice President and Professor of Law
Donna M. Davis, JD
Assistant Dean of Leadership and Empowerment
