CUA Columbus School of Law

Message from the Director of Admissions:

Thank you for your interest in the Catholic University of America, Columbus School of Law. Located just a mile and a half northeast of Capitol Hill, our school has a multitude of unique opportunities to offer. One of our greatest strengths is our community. Our students, faculty and administration are committed to creating an enriching learning environment. We value the perspective that each student brings to the law school and we embrace diversity in all forms. Our commitment to diversity does not end in the classroom, it is reflected at levels of our administration and our faculty as well.

As a 2003 graduate of the Law School, I would encourage you to take every opportunity to visit the school and meet with current students and professors. As a student, I was very active in the Black Law Student Association, serving as the Treasurer my second year, then as the Faculty Liaison my third year. I was also an Executive Board member with the Student Bar Association during my third year here at Catholic, serving as Treasurer and Chairman of the Finance Committee.

Upon my graduation, I stayed in the DC area and joined a private firm practicing Bankruptcy and Litigation Law. Though it was a difficult decision to leave private practice, I welcomed the chance to begin a career in Higher Education Administration at my alma mater. Having been actively involved in the law school community as a student, returning to CUA was like coming home.

Overall, my experience as a minority student at CUA Law was extremely positive. The support of the faculty, administration and my fellow students helped create a sense of belonging. The Dean, faculty and members of the administration continue to stress the importance of diversity in the classroom. We are very aware of the fact that incorporating differing views and experiences from individuals of varying backgrounds helps to enrich each student’s law school education. Striving to attain the most diverse class possible allows CUA Law to produce graduates who are ethical, dedicated, and well-prepared leaders capable of resolving the most difficult legal issues.

I look forward to working with you to help you learn more about CUA Law.

Shani J.P. Butts, Esq.

Class of 2003

Director of Admissions

butts@law.edu

Message From the Dean:

As you know, the legal climate of our great nation is ever changing and the nucleus of that change is right here in Washington, DC. It has become increasingly important for us to create an environment of learning that recognizes these changes and embraces differences.

I can attest to Catholic’s continued commitment to diversity. I am proud to be a graduate of the law school’s class of 1980. As a student, I saw first hand how valuable diversity is in the classroom. Nothing compares to the richness of the student driven legal dialogue when individuals are able to speak from their own unique perspectives. Subsequently, as a member of the faculty, I witnessed on a whole new level just how crucial different voices and different experiences are to ensure that all students obtain a better understanding of how the law works and impacts our society.

It was with this knowledge that I was proud to accept my current role as the Dean of the law school. It is my hope that as the first woman and the first African-American Dean in the Columbus School of Law’s illustrious history, that I will be able to continue Catholic’s commitment to increasing diversity on all levels.

Choosing a law school is an important and personal decision. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact our Admissions Office at 202-319-5151.

Student Diversity Spotlight: Religious Diversity

Sam Castor

I can’t tell you how many funny looks I got when I spread the word I was going law school. My friends and relatives would ask where I was going.

“Catholic,” I’d say with a smile.

“Catholic?”

“Yep.”

“But you’re Mormon.”

“Yep,” I’d say with an even bigger smile.

And so the dialogue would begin about how a stereotypical “Utah Mormon” would survive a religious university other than BYU.

I’ll be honest that I attended Catholic primarily for its Communications Law Institute, but have to admit a close second was the thought of others not being offended by my openness about religion. I spent two years of my life and savings to live in Romania. As a missionary I taught English to Romanians, Moldavians, Russians and even the mystical Gypsies. I offered the Gospel of Christ and what I believe are the teachings of His modern prophets to those blighted by a state-forced atheism and hungry for light.

It helped me be anything but shy about my faith. Consequently, trying to bottle up my beliefs during law school would have been tantamount to squeezing Shaquille O’Neal into a mini-cooper.

Luckily, I haven’t had to. I have made the most amazing friends while here: solid, impressive and faithful Catholics, Muslims, Hindus, Jews, Baptists, Episcopalians, Deists, and even a few brilliant Agnostics. Friends I hope to have for the rest of my life. Let’s here it for Section C!

My Church has always defended the privilege of worshiping God according to the dictates of one’s own conscience, and allowing all men the same privilege, by letting them worship how, where, or what they may. By allowing us the same privilege, Catholic makes me feel right a home and teaches us the true value of diversity: perspective.

Mill taught in his writings On Liberty not to fear debate but learn to accept those of differing beliefs with gratitude and openness. “For to shut out discussion entirely is seldom possible, and when it once gets in, beliefs not grounded on conviction are apt to give way before the slightest semblance of an argument.” Catholic University has allowed me to make countless friends who share that same respect for discussion.

It amazes me how Catholic hones our minds in the firm wisdom of legal thought, without the tradition of that wisdom squelching all free thought. This is what makes CUA such a unique law school. Those I have met are not afraid of the truth but welcome all who seek it and hope to discover its power; even if that truth happens to include reference to God, Faith and Holy Scripture.

I’ve been overwhelmed at the kindness extended to me; the root-beer I have been able to find when others go drinking, and the smiles I get when I mention my wife is having a baby this July. Because of my experience here, when someone asks, “what’s it like being a ‘Mormon’ at Columbus Law?” The answer is simple. “It’s the best.”

The faculty and staff at The Catholic University of America, Columbus School of Law are committed to creating an environment where all students can thrive. We believe that the most effective way to prepare our students to become talented attorneys is to create an atmosphere of learning that embraces diversity. We recognize the importance of seeing the law from many different perspectives.

We invite you to come back and visit this page frequently, as we will continue to share the unique perspectives arising from our faculty, alumni, and students.

Selected Student Organizations

Arab American Law Students Association	Irish-American Law Students Association
Asian Pacific American Law Students Association	Jewish Law Students Association
Black Law Students Association	Latin American Law Students Association
International Law Students Association	Native American Law Students Association
Women’s Law Caucus

Last Revised 30-Jan-08 01:35 PM.