Mitchell Hamline School of Law

Office of Culture and Inclusion

Extracurricular Culture and Inclusion Programming Standard

Requirement

Mitchell Hamline School of Law students matriculating in fall 2016 or later are required to attend at least six total hours of extracurricular culture and inclusion programming (i.e., programming that is not offered as part of any course taken for credit) designed to increase awareness of how to be effective lawyers in a culturally diverse world.

Students who transfer to Mitchell Hamline must meet the requirements applicable to their anticipated graduating class, except that, if the timing of their transfer does not allow them to complete at least four hours of the required extracurricular programming before their 3L year, they may complete all of the required programming after their 2L year.

Programming that satisfies the extracurricular culture and inclusion programming requirements must be a course, program, or presentation (“event”) focused on culture, inclusion, and the elimination of bias in the legal profession, the practice of law, or in business. All events must be directly related to the practice of law or the operation of a business and is designed to educate law students on how to identify and eliminate biases against persons because of race, gender, gender identity, economic status, creed, color, religion, national origin, disability, age or sexual orientation in the legal profession, the judicial system, and the practice of law.

Qualified events will be offered at Mitchell Hamline each semester. Outside events may qualify for credit; however, prior approval must be sought before attending. To confirm qualification for such an event, contact the Director of the Office of Culture and Inclusion Sharon Van Leer via email: [email protected].

Additionally, any event that is submitted for credit toward a student’s extracurricular culture and inclusion program requirement, whether provided inside or outside of school, must submit the below ‘Affidavit of Completion’ form. This form includes a section for a thoughtful self-reflection. By completing the form below, you swear or affirm that you attended this (these) event(s) that fulfil the program requirement. Further, you acknowledge that you understand that dishonesty in reporting is a violation of the Student Conduct Code, that honesty in reporting of such matters is a core value of the legal profession, and that your honest certification is a reflection of your character and integrity.

Please note the following guidelines updated January, 2025:

  • Of the six total hours of programming required before graduation, at least four hours of the programming must be completed in the student’s 1L and/or 2L year.
  • Students will be expected to attend at least three hours of Mitchell Hamline hosted events.
  • No singular outside event, training, conference, or CLE will be awarded more than three hours to ensure students are gaining a variety of culture, and inclusive perspectives from a variety of presenters.
  • Outside events, trainings, conferences, or CLEs that would meet these requirements may include CLEs approved for Elimination of Bias Credits by local Boards of Continuing Legal Education.
  • Reminder that students must seek approval for outside events prior to attending such an event.
  • No credit will be given for work completed before the first day of class of your first semester of law school (incoming 1L Students). Therefore, please do not complete the Program Affidavits before your first day of class.

Student Workshop Series

Mitchell Hamline students are required to attend at least six total hours of extracurricular culture and inclusion programming.  Of the six total hours required before graduation, at least four hours must be completed in the student’s 1L and/or 2L year. The below workshops provide students the opportunity to complete the six required hours.

All of the following meet the standards for reporting.

This list will be updated as new programming becomes available.

PLEASE NOTE: it may take up to ten business days for the credits reported in the affidavit to be updated on your student record. 

  • Examples of Past events

    Appreciation and the Practice of Law

    Held on: Tuesday, September 20, 2022 | 10:00am-11:00am CT

    Within the legal industry, people express and receive appreciation in different ways. If you try to express appreciation in ways that aren’t meaningful to your co-workers, they may not feel valued at all because you and your co-workers are speaking different languages. This workshop is based on the best-selling book

    The 5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace by Dr. Gary Chapman and Dr. Paul White. This workshop will help you identify the five languages of appreciation so you can:

    1. Express genuine appreciation to co-workers and staff.
    2. Increase loyalty among the employees and volunteers in your organization.
    3. Reduce cynicism and create a more positive work environment.
    4. Improve your ability to show appreciation for difficult colleagues

    All of this will help you become a more effective and successful law student and attorney.

    Presented by: Professor Rick Petry, director, Office of Culture and Inclusion at Mitchell Hamline

    Gender Pronouns: What’s the Big Deal?  

    Held on: Thursday, October 27, 2022 | 6:00pm-7:00pm CT

    Sharing and discussing gender pronouns is becoming more commonplace in work, social, and educational settings. While the practice of sharing pronouns is happening more frequently, the importance of pronouns is often not well understood or even dismissed. During this session Tarrence will share personal experiences and practical examples for creating a more inclusive environment, as well as highlighting the impact pronouns can have on inclusion and sense of belonging for both students and employees.

    Presented by: Tarrence Robinson, Project Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Minnesota State Colleges and Universities

    Cultural Intelligence and the Practice of Law  

    Held on: Wednesday, November 16, 2022 | 11:00am-12:00pm CT

    In today’s globally connected world, lawyers frequently find themselves in situations where they are required to work with people that don’t look or think or see the world in the same way as they do. Oftentimes these differences lead to challenges that on the surface appear to be hard, if not impossible, to overcome. Cultural Intelligence, or CQ, measures your capability to relate and work effectively in culturally diverse situations. It’s a form of intelligence that has been tested by academic researchers in over 98 countries for nearly two decades. This workshop is a great introduction to CQ and how it can help you become a more effective lawyer in a culturally diverse world.

    Presented by: Professor Rick Petry, director, Office of Culture and Inclusion at Mitchell Hamline

    Psychology, Race, and the Law  

    Held on: Wednesday, February 8, 2023 |  11:00am-12:00pm CT

    This session will examine the interaction between psychology, the legal system, and race.  It will address various controversies in the law, including jury selection, jury decision-making, police interrogations, psychologist as expert witnesses, and other real-world examples.

    Presented by: Dr. Sean Payton, EPU Consultants

    Increasing Awareness of Individuals with Disabilities: A Conversation with the Director of Disability Services  

    Held on: Tuesday, April 4, 2023 | 10:00am-11:00am CT

    This presentation will include a summary of disability advocacy over the years, an understanding of common vocabulary and language, and an overview of the accommodations process.  There will be ample time for Q&A.

    Presented by: Allison Quinn, Director of Disability and Student Services

    LGBTQI2A+ Ally Workshop. Wednesday, March 9, 2022 | 6–7 pm

    An Equity Minded Campus Community.  Wednesday, Sept. 15, 2021 | 10–11 am

    Imposter Syndrome and its Impact on the Legal Profession. Wednesday, Oct. 27, 2021 | 6–7 pm

    Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion—Tools to Confidently Navigate and Lead and in a VUCA World. Wednesday, Nov. 17, 2021 | 11 am–noon

    A Real Talk: Is Racism Baked into the Law?  Wednesday, Feb. 9, 2022 | 11 am–noon

    Diversity Book Club
    Meeting to discuss How To Be An Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi.
    Nov. 12, 2020

    Diversity Book Club
    Meeting to discuss The Lawyer as Leader with author Dr. Artika Tyner.
    Feb. 5, 2021

    Immigration Voices Panel (Audio) by the Immigration Law Student Organization. Immigrant Voices Panel Audio.m4a | .5 hour of diversity credit.

    From the Nazis’ Jew-Free Cities to Poland’s Gay-Free Cities: The Spread of Hate Today. Nov. 17, 2021

    Genocide and Crimes Against Humanity: Punishing and Preventing the World’s Worst Crimes.
    Dec. 2, 2021

    Webinar: The Surprising Side of Bias – What You Don’t Know Could Hurt You
    Tuesday, September 8, 2020 | 1 hour Diversity Credit

    Diversity Book Club
    September 22, 2020 | 2 hours Diversity Credit

    Race and the Law
    January 29, 2020 | 2 hours Diversity Credit

    International and Domestic Courts: Prosecuting Myanmar for Genocide of the Rohlngya
    February 8, 2020 | 1.5 hours Diversity Credit

    Genocides and Atrocities Today: China, India, Yemen, and Syria
    February 26, 2020 | 1.5 hours Diversity Credit

    Barriers to Reentry Conference
    February 28, 2020 | 2 hours Diversity Credit

    Cesar Chavez Jurist Fiesta
    March 26, 2020 | 1 Hour Diversity Credit

    A Holocaust Survivor Speaks: From Germany to the Shanghai Ghetto
    Thursday, April 16, 2020 | 1.5 hours Diversity Credit

    Remembering Kristalnacht Honoring UN Day – Panel:  Incitement, Hate and Free Speech
    Thursday, October 24 – Approved for 1.5 hours diversity credit

    Coming Out in the Law: Life After Law School
    Thursday, October 10th – Approved for 1 hour of diversity credit

    MNAPABA Gala
    September 26 – Approved for 1.5 hours diversity credit

    Academy on Violence and Abuse
    October 3-4

    Native American Heritage Celebration/Indigenous People’s Day
    October 14, 2019 – approved for 1 hour diversity credit

    HYBRID Capstone Program Semester 7: Immigration Issues with Professor Ana Pottratz-Acosta
    10/21/19 Approved for 1.5 hours diversity credit

    Hmong American Bar Association Gala
    Oct. 4, 2019 Approved for 1 hour diversity credit

    Born on the Battlefield Introduction to International Humanitarian Law (World Without Genocide)
    Sept. 7, 2019 – Approved for 1.5 hours diversity Credit

    Overcoming the Imposter Syndrome Workshop, Women of Color in the Law Forum
    August 28, 2019 – Approved for 1.5 hours diversity credit

    Rules of Engagement with Rick Petry (EJD Cohort 3 Prep Week)
    Aug. 22, 2019 – Approved for 1.5 hours diversity credit

    Rules of Engagement with Rick Petry (HYBRID Cohort 5 Prep Week)
    Aug. 16, 2019 – Approved for 1.5 hours diversity credit

    Breaking Barriers and Building Trust: Lessons in LGBTQ+ Mindfulness
    June 27, 2019  – Approved for 1 hour diversity credit

    First Annual Celebration of LGBTQIA+ Students
    April 13, 2019 –  Approved for 1.5 diversity credits

    A Conversation with Keith Ellison
    April 15, 2019 – Approved for 1 hour diversity credit

    Law Review Symposium: Minnesota’s Future: Addressing the Needs of Vulnerable Youth
    April 18, 2019 -Approved for 2.5 hours diversity credit

    “Affirmative Action Safeguards 14th Amendment Equal Protection For Prospective Students” Debate with Prof. Jordan and Janus, sponsored by Warren Burger Society
    April 11th – approved for 2 hours diversity programming credit

    Women as Lawyers and Leaderes Panel
    Wednesday April 3 – approved for 1 hour of diversity credit

    Marnita’s Table: Topic: What is Grace?
    Thursday April 4, 2019 | 6:00-9:00pm |  2 hours of diversity credit.

    Northern Metals Settlement – What Happened and What Now
    March 18, 2019 –  approved for 1 hour diversity credit

    Black in Practice Panel
    February 25, 2019 6-8 p.m.  Mitchell Hamline Auditorium – approved for 1.5 hours diversity programming credit

    Genocide Today: Syria, Myanmar and China
    Thursday February 21, 7;00-9:00 PM. – Approved for 1.5 hours diversity programming credit

    Mitchell Hamline IZI Event Series Invitation
    Tuesday, February 19, 2019 from 6-9 pm  – approved for 2 hours diversity programming credit

    Bending the Arc Towards Justice: A Review of the Supreme Court’s Racial Bias Task Force
    Approved for 2 hours diversity programming  credit

    APALSA’s Great ExplorASIAN Asian Celebration
    Thursday, January 31, 2019 3-7 PM Mitchell Hamline Auditorium – approved for 2.5 hours diversity programming credit

    Birthright Citizens: Race and Rights in Antebellum America
    Saturday, February 2, 2019 10–11 am FREE Minnesota History Center, St. Paul – approved for 1 hour diversity programming credit

    French Resistance During the Holocaust and its Message for Today
    Tues., Dec. 11, 2018 7–9 pm
    This event qualifies for 2 hours Diversity Programming Credit

    Human Rights And The Law Career Panel
    Tuesday, October 30, 2018 5:30-6:30 pm
    Mitchell Hamline Room 125
    This event qualifies for 1 hour diversity credit

    Anti-Racism & The Search for Racial Equality
    Thurs Nov 8, 2018 6-7:30 pm
    Mitchell Hamline Conservatory
    This event qualifies for 1.5 hours diversity credit

    Genocide and Justice in Rwanda
    Thurs. Nov. 8, 2018 7–9 pm
    This event qualifies for 2 hours Diversity Programming Credit

    INDIGENOUS PEOPLES’S DAY Peggy Flanagan (White Earth Band of Ojibwe)
    10/8/18 2-3 p.m. This event qualifies for 1 hour Diversity Programming Credit

    A Community event featuring Fr. Boyle, Founder of Homeboy Industries
    Tuesday, September 4, 2018 7–8:30 pm
    This event qualifies for 1.5 hours Diversity Programming Credit

    FBI Seminar for Law Students
    Sat., Sept 15, 2018 10 am–2 pm
    This event qualifies for 4 hours Diversity Programming Credit

    Minnesota Women Lawyers Conference for Women in the Law – Implicit Bias in the Legal Profession (1.0 Elimination of Bias Credit)
    Friday, April 21, 2017 8:30 AM
    1 hour diversity credit 

    Continuing the Quest for Gender Equity
    Mitchell Hamline, Wednesday, April 12, 2017 3-5 PM
    2 hours diversity credit

    Hamline University Center for Justice and Law
    Dr. Jula HughesDiscussion of the Canadian situation; disappearance and murders of indigenous women
    Thursday, April 6, 2017 1:30-12:30
    West Hall 240, Hamline University
    1 hour diversity credit

    2017 Justice Alan Page Elimination of Bias CLE Seminar
    Thursday, April 6, 2017
    9-11 am Loews Hotel – 601 1st Avenue N, Minneapolis, MN
    2 hours diversity credit

    Health Law Institute Elimination of Bias CLE
    “Government, More or Less: Overcoming Legacy Barriers to Behavioral Health Integration”
    Thursday, March 30th, 4-5pm, Room 125
    1 hour diversity credit 

    Mitchell Hamline Cesar Chavez Speaker Program
    Friday, March 24, 2017
    1.5 hours diversity credit

    Real Estate Lawyer Careers & Diversity Panel
    5 PM, Thursday, April 5th – Room 123 

    JLSA Passover Seder with speaker – 1 hour diversity credit
    7-9 PM, Thursday, April 5th – Conservatory

    Women in the Law CLE – Moving #MeToo Forward: Policy at Work – 1.5 hours diversity credit
    3:30-5 PM, Tuesday, April 10, 2018 – Conservatory 

    FBA FREE panel on Hate Crimes Based on Sexual Orientation and Gender – 1 hour diversity credit
    5-6 Wednesday, April 11th – Auditorium 

    Martin Luther King 50th Anniversary Panel
    6 PM, Thursday, April 12 – Auditorium

    The Holocaust and Lithuania: A program sponsored by World Without Genocide
    7 PM, Thursday, April 12 – Kelley Board Room

    Cesar Chavez Juris Fiesta Panel Discussion
    5 PM, Friday, April 13 – Conservatory

    We are all Criminals – Emily Baxter Presentation sponsored by the Dispute Resolution Institute – 1.5 hours diversity credit
    5-8 PM (5-5:30 registration – group dialogue after presentation)

    Friday, April 20, 2018 – Conservatory and Great Room

    Health Law Institute Symposium – Elimination of Bias CLE panel
    Friday, March 16 12:45-2:15 – 1.5 hours diversity credit

    Confronting Racism Panel
    Tuesday, February 27, 2018 – 1.5 hours diversity credit (video available above)

    Volunteer Bailiff – McGee Moot Court
    February 23-24, 2018 – 1 hour diversity credit

    Identifying and Preventing Human Trafficking
    Thursday, January 25, 2018 4-6:15 PM – 2 hours diversity credit

    Justice Anne McKeig – Journey to the MN Supreme Court
    Tuesday, November 7, 2017 3:30-4:40 pm (Conservatory) – 1 hour diversity credit

    Economic Espionage & National Security: Bias in the Criminal Justice System
    Thursday, October 12, 2017, 11:30 am – 12:45 pm (registration required by October 9, 2017)

    Coming Out in the Law Panel Discussion
    Wednesday, October 11th 6:30 – 8:00PM (Conservatory)- 1.5 hours diversity credit

    Fitting A Square Peg in a Round Hole (Employment Issues)
    Wednesday, September 27, 2017 – 1 hour diversity credit

    American Constitutional Law Society Sex Trafficking in MN
    Tuesday, September 26 – 2 hours diversity credit

    DACA
    Monday, September 18, 2017 – 1 hour diversity credit

    The Military & Don’t Ask-Don’t Tell
    Thursday, September 14, 2017 – 1 hour diversity credit
    Speaker – Mitchell Hamline Professor Anthony Winer

    World Without Genocide Qualified Programming

    Nazi Law During the Holocaust and a Survivor’s Story
    April 26, 2017 2 hours diversity credit

    The International Criminal Court: Preventing Cultural Genocide and the Destruction of Peoples
    March 22, 2017 2 hours diversity credit

    Victims, Perpetrators, Prosecutors, and Judges
    February 18, 2017 2 hours diversity credit

    Human Rights in Burma/Myanmar: Religious Persecution, Economic Sanctions, and a New Political Landscape
    February 16, 2017 2 hours diversity credit

    Burma/Myanmar a Genocide Warning Today
    January 28, 2017 1 hour diversity credit

    Atrocity Prevention – Making ‘Never Again’ a Reality?
    December 6, 2016 2 hours diversity credit

    Germany’s Two Genocides: From the Herero to the Holocaust
    November 1, 2016 2 hours diversity credit

    Tribal and Federal Law on Indian Reservations
    October 10, 2016 1 hour diversity credit

    Women and Genocide: Ending Impunity for Sexual Violence
    September 28, 2016 2 hours diversity credit

Diversity Programming Affidavit of Completion

Student Info

Mitchell Hamline Designated or Approved Culture and Inclusion Event

To obtain diversity programming credit for events not listed on the pre-approved list, on or off campus, please confirm qualification with Sharon Van Leer at sharon.vanleer @mitchellhamline.edu.

You must have advance approval for each non-designated diversity event attended. Even if you receive advance approval, you must still complete this Affidavit of Completion.