Today, Scotiabank announced that Windsor Law is one of six Canadian law schools to receive a scholarship program to increase the number of students pursuing a career in the legal profession with the intent to become advocates for anti-racism. Scholarship recipients will be selected based on several factors including their demonstrated experience in anti-racism advocacy and a clear articulation of how they will leverage their legal careers to tackle systemic discrimination.
"Like banking, the legal profession benefits enormously from the diverse perspectives of its members," says Brian Porter, President and CEO, Scotiabank. "The Scotiabank Program for Law Students endeavours to give the next generation of legal professionals a stronger voice and presence in furthering the fight against racial discrimination. We are confident that this first-in-Canada program will help create positive and lasting change for the benefit of all Canadians."
The Scotiabank Program for Law Students will enable each affiliated university to award one student per year a $10,000 scholarship renewable annually for the duration of their three-year degree. Each scholarship recipient will have the opportunity to meet with Scotiabank executives and members of the legal community and select participants in the scholarship program will be offered an internship opportunity at either Scotiabank, a law firm or a legal advocacy organization. A total of $540,000 in scholarship funds will be awarded to 18 students throughout the duration of the program.
“During these times, it is crucial for our law school to build a community where everyone feels safe and welcome," says Katia Benoit, Assistant Dean (Admissions, Recruitment & External Relations).
"This scholarship is an important step in being able to provide more direct financial assistance to our Black-identifying students while recognizing the differential impacts of the pandemic on BIPOC communities and the burdens on Black-identifying students. We are so grateful to be partnering with Scotiabank on this important initiative.”