Chicago-Kent classroom

Commitment to Access and Community Outreach

  1. About
  2. Commitment to Access and Community Outreach

“The community looks to lawyers to ensure that the laws of this country are just, and that the rights of all community members are protected. This outcome can only be achieved by ensuring that all voices are heard, understood, valued, and utilized to determine and administer justice. Accordingly, it is critical to facilitate access for all students, prospective students and members of the community at large to contribute to the continuous improvement of our justice system.”

—Marsha Ross-Jackson, Esq., Associate Dean, Office of Access and Community Outreach

The Chicago-Kent community strongly believes that access to a legal education and community engagement are essential for a healthy and robust legal profession, and we have been committed to this belief since our inception more than 125 years ago when Ida Platt, of the class of 1894, became the first African-American woman admitted to the bar in Illinois and the third African-American female lawyer in the United States. Since that time, our programs, geared toward access, regardless of background and experience, are some of the longest-running in the country. Today the law school attracts students with diverse backgrounds from around the world. We understand that the global work environment demands a workforce that is equipped to do business with individuals and organizations worldwide. We also understand that exposure to varying perspectives and ideas improves understanding, creativity, innovation, and critical thinking. Therefore, we are committed to preparing our students for today’s workforce and maintaining a close-knit community where everyone feels safe to express themselves, learn, and thrive.

Office of Access and Community Outreach

Chicago-Kent’s Office of Access and Community Outreach identifies and implements strategies and programs to continue upholding our commitment to ensuring an inclusive community, one where all members of our community are given access to contribute to the continued advancement of our justice system, and where all views are heard and respected. A primary function of the office is to partner with internal and external stakeholders to ensure that there is a pipeline of talent ready to enter law school, and ultimately the legal profession.
Marsha Ross Jackson speaking

Events and Forums

Chicago-Kent students have opportunities to engage in a variety of social events, forums, lectures, workshops, and development experiences geared toward broadening exposure to, and awareness of varying perspectives impacting the administration of justice. They are also afforded numerous opportunities to provide insight, advice, and guidance to prospective students by participating on panels and assisting with pipeline programs sponsored by the Illinois Tech community. 

Chicago-Kent PLUS program students

Community Outreach

Even at the high school level, we are constantly reaching out to students to teach them about the law and to encourage interest in a potential legal career. And for undergraduate students, we continue to run the oldest Pre-Law Undergraduate Scholars (PLUS) program in the country, paving the way for students with limited access and resources to explore careers in the law.

Students studying at Chicago-Kent

University-wide Inclusion

Our Office of Career Development and Professionalism promotes job fairs, scholarship opportunities, summer associate positions, networking receptions, workshops, seminars, and other programs throughout the year. Every year we support career-building initiatives through partnerships with local law firms and other organizations. Additionally, our Office of Student Affairs manages accommodations based on disability and religion.

Chicago-Kent student

Reporting Bias

Students affected by bias (whether personally experienced or observed) at Chicago-Kent may make a complaint using our bias report forms, anonymously, or otherwise.

“Chicago-Kent College of Law provides equality of opportunity in legal education for all persons, including applicants for admission, enrolled students, and graduates, without discrimination or segregation on the grounds of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, handicap or disability, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, or gender identity.”

—Diversity and Equal Opportunity Statement

Contact Information

Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Chicago-Kent College of Law
565 West Adams Street, Room 807
Chicago, IL 60661
Phone: 312.906.5346
Email: mrossjac@illinoistech.edu

Marsha Ross-Jackson, Esq. - Associate Dean, Office of Access and Community Outreach