College of Law faculty statement on institutional values

Dear College of Law Community,

We write this letter to recommit the University of Cincinnati College of Law community to its institutional values, which are reflected in the College’s statements on professionalism and diversity.  Among these values are mutual respect, integrity, and inclusion.

• Conduct themselves professionally and in a manner that will generate a level of esteem for the law and the profession.
• Actively listen.  They consider what others have to say before expressing their viewpoint.
• Treat members of the College of Law community as they would colleagues and supervisors ­– with courtesy, politeness, and kindness.
• Recognize that a series of small actions over time may erode respect.

• Learn and follow the College of Law Honor Code and the University Student Code of Conduct as well as incorporate the Rules of Professional Conduct into daily interactions.
• Demonstrate consistency between word and deed, and remain steadfast even in the face of negative consequences.
• Consider other points of view, ideas, and criticisms, while critically reflecting on their own actions and ideals.
• Build their reputation by presenting themselves professionally, both in person and online.
• Take responsibility for decisions and actions and credit others when appropriate.

• Commit to inclusion and ensuring every member of our community – no matter how they identify – has access to the opportunities the College of Law offers.
• Create an environment where divergent views and diverse members of our community are valued and supported.
• Acknowledge that we are a community that draws its vibrancy from members—faculty, staff and students—diverse in background, perspective and point of view.
• Strive to be a community in which all members are accountable for fostering critical discourse, engaging in meaningful interactions and contributing to the strength that flows from a diversity of thought and people for the benefit our College, our community and our profession. 

The faculty has spent considerable time and care in working to recruit to the College a highly talented and diverse student body.  A legal education is one that welcomes and fosters a respectful and robust discourse on a wide range of ideas and that demands high standards of civility.  This imperative is heightened for our community given the role that the rule of law plays in our democratic society.

As we move forward, we urge every member of our community to re-commit to strengthening and maintaining an atmosphere of mutual respect, compassion, and security.

Sincerely,

Marjorie Corman Aaron, Professor of Practice and Director, Center for Practice

Timothy K. Armstrong, Professor of Law

Lin Bai, Professor of Law

Jennifer Paschen Bergeron, Associate Professor of Clinical Law and Deputy Director, Ohio Innocence Project, Rosenthal Institute for Justice

Louis D. Bilionis, Dean Emeritus and Droege Professor of Law

A. Christopher Bryant, Rufus King Professor of Constitutional Law

Donald Castor, Associate Professor of Clinical Law, Ohio Innocence Project, Rosenthal Institute for Justice

Felix B. Chang, Associate Dean of Faculty, Professor Law and Co-Director, Corporate Law Center

Jacob Katz Cogan, Judge Joseph P. Kinneary Professor of Law and Director, Cincinnati Center for the Global Practice of Law

Nathan Ela, Assistant Professor of Political Science and Law

Mark A. Godsey, Daniel P. and Judith L. Carmichael Professor of Law and Director, Lois and Richard Rosenthal Institute for Justice/Ohio Innocence Project, Law Rosenthal Institute for Justice

Emily M.S. Houh, Gustavus Henry Wald Professor of Law and Contracts, Co-Director, Nathaniel R. Jones Center for Race, Gender, and Social Justice

Ann Hubbard, Professor of Law

Kristin Kalsem, Charles Hartsock Professor of Law and Co-Director, Nathaniel R. Jones Center for Race, Gender, and Social Justice

Elizabeth Lenhart, Professor of Practice

Bert B. Lockwood, Distinguished Service Professor of Law and Director, Urban Morgan Institute

S. Elizabeth Malloy, Andrew Katsanis Professor of Law

Sean K. Mangan, Professor of Practice, Co-Director, Corporate Law Center, and Director, Entrepreneurship and Community Development Clinic

Bradford C. Mank, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, James B. Helmer, Jr. Professor of Law

Elizabeth A. McCord, Assistant Professor of Practice

Stephanie Hunter McMahon, Professor of Law

Meghan L. Morris, Assistant Professor of Law

Nancy Oliver, Professor of Practice

Ronna Greff Schneider, Professor of Law

Rachel Jay Smith, Professor of Practice

Michael E. Solimine, Donald P. Klekamp Professor of Law

Sandra F. Sperino, Judge Joseph P. Kinneary Professor of Law

Joseph P. Tomain, Dean Emeritus and Wilbert and Helen Ziegler Professor of Law

Yolanda Vázquez, Professor of Law

Michael Whiteman, Associate Dean of Library Services & Director of the Law Library

Verna L. Williams, Dean and Nippert Professor of Law