Detroit Mercy Law Unveils New, Inclusive, On-Campus Spaces for Students

University of Detroit Mercy School of Law unveiled two new, inclusive, on-campus spaces for students—the Parents’ Nook and the Inclusion and Equity Lounge—at a ribbon-cutting ceremony on November 16, 2023 in an effort to further promote an inclusive campus as part of the school’s commitment to diversity and student-centered services.

The Parents’ Nook was an idea formed by Parents in Law, a student organization at Detroit Mercy Law that supports all who manage their law school experience while raising children, as a place where caretakers could study on campus with children. The nook differs from the library and the atrium because it is designated for children. The space is stocked with toys and parents can study without concerns that others are being disrupted by children in the space.

The Inclusion and Equity Lounge was designed by Dr. Courtney Griffin, Assistant Dean for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging. The Lounge is a designated space for diverse students to hold meetings, study, decompress, or otherwise utilize. It showcases the diversity at Detroit Mercy Law and is welcoming to all.

“These spaces are a testament to the law school’s collective vision, commitment to the student experiences, their families, and the diversity of student body,” commented Griffin. She, along with Deacon Kurt Godfryd, Associate Dean for Finance and Operations, led the administrative efforts that made both of these spaces possible.

Detroit Mercy Law students come from a wide range of backgrounds. As a diverse, urban Catholic law school in the Jesuit and Mercy traditions, Detroit Mercy Law values diversity in all forms, including gender, race, religion, national origin, economic status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, physical ability, and learning style.

To learn more, visit www.law.udmercy.edu.