The University of Iowa College of Law recently announced the hiring of Neda Barrett as its first Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and Global Engagement.

“Following the death of George Floyd and amongst the extensive historical backdrop of police brutality among communities of color, we understood that it was time to do more and address racism in the College of Law,” said Committee member Meddie Demmings IV, “The College of Law recognized this, too, and gave us the green light to meet, talk, and submit this report.” 

The portraits lining the corridor at Boyd Law Building represent a long standing tradition dedicated to those who devote their lives to teaching law school. Faculty who have taught law for 25 or more years - 15 of those years being at Iowa - have the opportunity to have their portrait painted if they wish. Professor Sandler’s portrait will hang among many esteemed colleagues like Dean Adrien Wing and Professor Emeritus William Buss.

I wish to recognize the painful and unjust history of systemic racism in this country, predating even its founding and continuing through slavery to the present day. The killings of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and so many others have shed fresh light on a system that has long oppressed communities of color in America.