On our application we have a question that permits applicants to self-identify as members of the LGBTQ+ community as well as their specific gender identity and pronouns.
The law school adheres to the university’s policy of non-discrimination. In addition to a dedicated HR director of staff at the law school, the law school also has a faculty member who serves as the Equity Officer as required by the university.
On an annual basis, we prompt full time faculty and staff to fill out an anonymous survey with the following questions:
Please indicate your gender: Male, Female, Transgender / Non-Binary, Prefer not to say
Do you identify as LGBTQ+?: Yes, No
Please indicate your status: Full time faculty, Adjunct faculty, Staff
Yes, since 1998 UC began offering health coverage to eligible domestic partners and added pension survivor benefits in 2002. UC provides benefits such as health insurance, family medical leave, parental leave on equal terms to same-sex couples who are married or in registered domestic partnerships. Many of the UC benefits may extend to the domestic partner and, in some cases, your partner’s child or grandchild. For more information, please see this page.
Yes, as required by California state policy, all carriers are required to provide transition-related health benefits to transgender and/or transitioning employees. There are various health insurance plans available to employees offered from various providers. Transgender related benefits are available and subject to the provisions set by each individual provider.
Because all UC students are required to have medical insurance, all registered law students are automatically enrolled in the UC Student Health Insurance Plan (UCSHIP) specifically GSHIP (graduate) unless they waive out by showing proof of other coverage. Students enrolled in UCSHIP and are married and/or have children, may enroll eligible dependents in the same medical, pharmacy, dental and vision coverage.
With the appropriate referrals, including subject to pre-certification, deductible and co-insurance, the UC Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) covers gender-affirming surgeries, associated travel expenses including transportation, hotel accommodations and other reasonable expenses. Services considered cosmetic are not covered by UCSHIP.
There are two multi-stall restrooms available to people of all genders in our Law Library. There are several single-stall restrooms available to people of all genders in other buildings on the UCI main campus. On the front door to each building there is a sticker with the closest single-stall restroom location identified.
The law school does provide gender-inclusive restrooms and will be determining the process to convert restrooms throughout all of the law school buildings. The signage on the restroom states “Inclusive Restroom”. In accordance with the University’s non-discrimination policies, the guidelines for the provision of gender inclusive facilities including restrooms, affirm that individuals have the right to use facilities that correspond with their gender identity. https://www.ucop.edu/construction-services/facilities-manual/resource-directories-rds/rd4-project-programmatic-guidelines/rd-4-1.html
Routinely the law school offers a course titled “Sexual Orientation and the Law”. Other courses offered over the last three years: “GUILT: Gendered Understandings in Law and Legal Theory” and “Disparate LGBTIQ Criminalization & Incarceration”.
Any student can apply for travel or programmatic funding through our Student Bar Association.
Yes, mandatory for all students
Since the opening of the law school in 2009, UCI Law has remained committed to building and maintaining a community that is inclusive and welcoming for all students, faculty, staff and administrators. The culture and climate has been enhanced by both formal and informal mechanisms. The law school is enriched by the Committee on Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, comprised of a coalition of 1L, 2L and 3L students, faculty, alumni, staff and administrators. The Committee takes an active role to lead in the creation of a diverse, equitable, and welcoming environment and where possible strives to create change and address issues of equity and diversity through support, advocacy, and education. Informal mechanisms include the various opportunities that law school faculty and administrators engage in, both on-campus and off-campus to embrace the community. Whether hosting or sponsoring group events in their homes or attending the local LGBTQ bar association events, many faculty and staff make themselves available throughout the academic year and summer recess. Outlaw and other members of the student body are organized within the largest LGBTQ Center in Orange County. The Center, as it is known, in the City of Santa Ana offers a Gender and Name Change clinic one night each month where the general public is assisted with the necessary steps and completion of legal documents by members of Outlaw and other UCI Law school students. UCI Law also has two senior administrators dedicated to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. In Spring 2019 Dr. Jennah Jones was named Assistant Dean for Student Affairs and Inclusive Excellence and then in Summer 2020 a faculty position was added. Sameer Ashar was named the Associated Dean for Equity Initiatives in Spring 2021.
UCI Law endeavors to recruit diverse students overall, and specifically those who identify as members of the LGBTQ+ community. Part of how we do this is through targeted e-mails, attending available recruitment events, and working with OutLaw (a student organization focusing on the LGBTQ+ community) to host specific events for admitted students.