Black Law Students Association
The Black Law Students Association ("BLSA") exists to address the unique needs and concerns of the black law students at Duke University School of Law, and to promote diversity within the Duke Law community and within the legal profession. Through consistent social interaction and programming geared largely towards scholarship, career development, and community assistance, BLSA fosters academic achievement, community involvement, and, ultimately, the development of future black leadership in the legal profession.
Black Graduate and Professional Student Association
The Black Graduate and Professional Student Association (BGPSA) is an organization designed to represent all minority graduate and professional students on the Duke University campus. BGPSA’s primary mission is to enhance the Duke experience for our members through community service, social, and academically-based programming events. As an umbrella organization, we welcome students from the following groups: Black & Latino MBA Organization, Black Law Students Association, Black Seminarians Union, Bouchet Society, Hurston-James Society, and Student National Medical Association. Through our academic forums, luncheons, community service initiatives, social events, and recognition ceremony we hope to assist in the development of future minority leadership in the Duke community and in the world at large.
Latin American Law Students Association
The mission/purpose of LALSA is to aid new students in making the transition into law school, to encourage prospective Hispanic and Latino students to come to Duke, and to connect current students with alumni. By hosting various events, LALSA brings together students and professionals to discuss the issues faced by Hispanic lawyers, the responsibilities of a Hispanic lawyer in society, the need for positive role models in Hispanic communities, and the availability of inexpensive/free legal aid. These discussions are usually intermingled with social activities where Hispanic and other law students can experience the richness of Hispanic culture. Aside from its role in the law school, LALSA maintains ties with the wider Duke community through collaborations with the Duke University Hispanic Latino Alumni Association (DUHLAA) and the undergraduate group MI GENTE, which sponsors salsa parties and other social events celebrating Hispanic culture. We endeavor to enhance Duke Law School’s environment by sharing the richness of Hispanic culture with the school.