Diversity Statement- Should I? Forum

[aanzola]

Aside from the resume' and the personal statement, I'm wondering if I should bother with a diversity statement. I'm self selecting myself as a URM, but I am wondering whether I am too Americanized to write a diversity statement. I was born in America but raised in Colombia as a kid. I transitioned to America fairly quickly. My English is great to boot. I can write a ton about how my parents have struggled in this country and I have had to help them, but not sure that's MY diversity experience.

Are DS's mostly reserved for those who have lived in foreign countries for large portion in their life or who have surrounded themselves by foreign communities while in America?

[epiphinous7]

Sounds like a no.

[02889]

I disagree with the poster above. If your childhood in Colombia or upbringing by Colombian parents has in any way influenced how you view society, the law, your career prospects, etc, then that's great material for a diversity statement. You don't necessarily have to have overcome something in order to write a DS. A statement about your binational upbringing and how that has affected your views or perspective is totally valid.

[PickMe!]

I disagree with the poster above. If your childhood in Colombia or upbringing by Colombian parents has in any way influenced how you view society, the law, your career prospects, etc, then that's great material for a diversity statement. You don't necessarily have to have overcome something in order to write a DS. A statement about your binational upbringing and how that has affected your views or perspective is totally valid.

+1

[stuckinthemiddle]

^Agree.

The diversity statement will be meaningless if you are just going to state your ethnic heritage in a paragraph. You've already reported that on the law school application.

If you've had significant struggled that you've overcome, very specific lessons you have learned from the Colombian community, a history of service to the Colombian people, a trip to you country of origin to rediscover your roots, etc., then I would consider writing it. Just make sure it is not just a statement of your ethnicity, and will not be redundant and/or gratuitous.

[aanzola]

Thanks guys!