ILJ Diversity Equity & Inclusion Mission Statement
The Fordham International Law Journal strives to publish underrepresented perspectives on legal matters all over the world. We celebrate and value the unique backgrounds of our members and encourage diverse scholarship that covers a wide range of international legal topics.
International legal scholarship is dominated by perspectives from certain regions, and our Journal seeks to help democratize the published viewpoints. We also recognize how the echoes of historical inequalities and discrimination that have plagued the legal profession and legal scholarship limit the perspectives of scholarship available today. It is our responsibility to create change and provide a forum for underrepresented populations to have their voices heard. In furtherance of this goal, we seek authors with various backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives on the law. Our members are encouraged to explore and further scholarship in diverse areas of law in countries that are underrepresented in U.S. legal scholarship. The comprehensive furtherance of international legal scholarship requires contributions from perspectives across the globe.
Our earnest commitment to promoting diversity and fostering an environment of equity and inclusion is reflected through various initiatives and our relationships with legal professionals. Our past and ongoing diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives include:
Creating a diversity factor that considers the author’s background and the piece’s content when reviewing Articles to publish.
Redefining the Notes & Articles Editors position to one that not only works with staffers on the publications but also facilitates a mentoring relationship.
Gathering statistics of the countries covered by our publications over the years to assess and encourage diversity in scholarship.
Gathering statistics on the diversity of our membership and continuing to brainstorm ways to facilitate diversity in our membership.
Creating an Inclusive Language Guide that will help students, members, and legal professionals avoid using certain expressions or words that may exclude particular groups, and increase sensitivity to groups vulnerable to marginalization.
Drafting a Diversity Statement for the Unified Writing Competition.