Good diversity statement topic? Forum

[Anonymous User]

I applied last cycle and did not submit a diversity statement. Is this a good topic or will it weaken my application?

I work in fundraising for a nonprofit that recently eliminated a discriminatory policy against gays to abundant controversy. As a result, the organization has been hemorrhaging members, volunteers, and donors over the policy controversy. Meanwhile, I am an advocate for gay rights, including founding a non-discrimination organization in college and volunteering for the Human Rights Campaign.

Through the last year, I've been exposed to a breadth of bigotry from supporters and community members, yet felt unable to support equality or reject the bigotry without risking a loss of support. I struggled between my personal convictions and my professional obligations. At times, I would remain silent or circuitously answer questions. At others, to my shame, I would agree with bigoted sentiments from key supporters.

In the spring I gained clarity from two experiences. In driving by a pride flag in the most vitriolic area, I realized that silence in the face of discrimination is tantamount to an endorsement of it, and I resolved to be firm in my professional and personal lives in my support for gay equality. After reading a stunning testimony by a former member of the organization whose son won't join because of the remaining discriminatory policies, I decided that my personal convictions didn't override my professional obligations, and that the impact the organization has on lives - and the impact of every dollar of donor support - outweighs my personal discomfort.

[xylocarp]

This sounds like a potentially great PS topic, but I'm not sure if it really demonstrates diversity. Most people I think, or especially most people in the average age range of law school applicants, support LGBT rights.

[Anonymous User]

I seriously debated using it as a PS, but it doesn't have as much substantive body as my other topic (achievement through employer instability) and doesn't check off as many desirable character traits. The diversity of this statement is less LGBT and more of dealing with the demands of personal conviction v. professional obligation, a trait which I assume is important for lawyers.