Office of Diversity Services

Student Organizations

Asian Pacific American Law Students Association (APALSA)

The Asian Pacific American Law Students Association (APALSA) represents and supports the Asian Pacific American community at WCL and is open to all students. APALSA provides opportunities to network with legal professionals and facilitates student involvement in broader issues relevant to the Asian Pacifi c American community. 1Ls can receive upper class mentors to help ease the transition into law school. For more information, email apalsa@wcl.american.edu.

Black Law Students Association (BLSA)

The Washington College of Law Black Law Students Association (BLSA) is committed to engaging the WCL and D.C. legal communities with the legal and social issues of special concern to all. BLSA sponsors enriching academic, social, and cultural events that seek to educate and to foster solidarity among the WCL black community. Further, BLSA creates opportunities for members to reach their full potential so that one day they contribute to the legal community. Examples of the many services BLSA offers include: a mentorship program that pairs incoming students with upperclassmen; connecting current students with alumni in their chosen fi eld of law; and free membership in national and regional BLSA organizations, which organize socials, job fairs, and conferences. For more information, e-mail blsa@wcl.american.edu.

Lambda Law Society

Lambda Law Society was founded in 1984 as a political, educational, and social organization to provide information on gay-related legal issues, eliminate stereotypes about homosexuals, and foster a positive image of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and queer individuals throughout the law school community. Lambda is also affi liated with the Washington, D.C. attorney organization, GAYLAW, and the National LGBT Bar Association. Lambda programs include speakers involved in current legal issues, films, panel discussions, community service, and social events. Membership in Lambda is open to all students, regardless of sexual orientation. For more information, visit www.wcl.american.edu/org/lambda.

Latino/a Law Students' Association (LaLSA)

Formerly the Hispanic Law Students Association, LaLSA provides a forum for Latino issues - both international and domestic - that are important to WCL students. LaLSA's main objective is to promote Latino awareness and participation in the legal community through programs designed to assist students in all aspects of student life, from law school admission to life after graduation. Programs include networking opportunities, mentorship, speakers, seminars, community service projects, and debates on Latino issues. LaLSA co-hosts the Hispanic Law Conference, where Premio Inspiración and the Goldman-Grossman Award were inaugurated. LaLSA also gives annual scholarships to high school students who have contributed in a measurable way to the Latino community. For more information, visit www.wcl.american.edu/org/lalsa.

The Modern American

The magazine, dedicated to diversity and the law, was founded by students in 2005. It has become known for its wonderfully provocative cover art and broad spectrum of subject matter. Signifi cantly, in only its second year of publication, The Modern American was recognized as fi rst runner-up in the competition for the American Bar Association's Henry J. Ramsey Jr. Diversity Award. The staff of the magazine also holds a diversity symposium during Founders' Celebration each spring. For more information, visit www.wcl.american.edu/modernamerican.

Progressive People of Color Caucus (PPOCC)

PPOCC was founded in 2009 to provide a safe space for progressive students of color at WCL to address issues of race and oppression affecting communities of color at WCL and in the greater D.C. area. PPOCC organizes programs and campaigns encouraging the WCL community to analyze the law through a critical race perspective and then strives to implement policies that refl ect this lens. As a consensusdriven, self-governing group, PPOCC ultimately strives to strengthen communities of color through education, engagement, organizing, advocacy, and direct action. For more information, contact ppocc.wcl@gmail.com.

South Asian Law Students Association (SALSA)

SALSA represents the South Asian community at WCL and seeks to promote greater cultural understanding among all peoples through social and educational programming. SALSA's programming addresses a wide range of issues of concern to the South Asian population as well as the law school community at large. Past events include prominent speakers on current legal issues, career panels, workshops, networking opportunities with the South Asian Bar Association (SABA), and the Asian Pacifi c American Bar Association (APABA), and social events with other local SALSAs. SALSA has twice had the privilege of co-hosting the National South Asian Summit at WCL with the national advocacy organization, South Asian Americans Leading Together (SAALT). Through programs like these, SALSA hopes to strengthen and build community at WCL. SALSA is open to all WCL students. For more information, visit www.wcl.american.edu/org/salsa.

For referral to the ALSA organizations, contact the Office of Diversity Services