Racial Inequality in Bar Exam is Evident

Statistics are pointing to a racially biased bar exam, which has been required by 49 out of the 50 states in the U.S. for over 100 years. Statistics from an ABA survey, show that White law school graduates were favored to pass the bar exam compared to test-takers from other racial and ethnic groups in 2020.

Dayna Bowen Matthew, dean and Harold H. Green professor of law at the George Washington University Law School is standing up to this injustice.

“What I think needs to happen is that the legal profession has to wake up and take account for the fact it is our privilege and responsibility to correct the fact that our current system produces an inequitable access to justice,” Matthey said. “Justice, equality, and our democracy cannot continue to thrive under these circumstances.”

Alternate paths must be provided to support a diverse lawyer profession.

“Law schools are limited to the number of people of color with bachelor’s degrees,” Bill Adams, managing director of the American Bar Association’s accreditation and legal education said. “Until that universe is expanded, law schools will continue with their efforts to recruit diverse candidates.”

We can start by reforming the education system in America, so equal opportunity can be available for all, and all students have an equal chance on getting into law school.