Diversity Statememt material?

[RyanM12]

Hello,

I come from a biracial background with a Hispanic mother and Caucasian father. I am thinking of writing a diversity statement in my law school application and I am in the very early stages (brainstorming).

If I wrote a diversity statement should I just focus on being Hispanic, or should I write about being from a biracial background? The reason I am wondering if it is fair to write about being biracial is because my fathers' side of the family is white (which is not an underrepresented group in law schools).

Members of my Hispanic family live in the same city as my parents, so I have been exposed to both cultures. I feel that because I have been exposed to both cultures, I have had a different experience than someone who is primarily Caucasian or primarily Hispanic. I know to have an effective diversity statement, I need to have concrete examples and to say why these examples have shaped me and consequently how they will lead me to have a unique perspective to a law school. But before getting into the nuts and bolts of the essay, I wanted to ask if I should focus on my experience as a Hispanic or as someone from a biracial backgrounds?

If you need any further information, please let me know in the reply.

[Jonathan Evans]

Ryan,

This is a great question, and while I cannot reply with 100% certainty about what will be most attractive to a law school admissions officer, I do know that you should write frankly and honestly about how your experience makes you a distinctive candidate who will increase the range of cultures and values present in the law school you seek to attend.

As a white guy and the parent of two bi-racial children, every day I see how the intersection of the two cultures in my children's lives shape their experiences. In fact, I would go so far as to remark that the fact that my children come from two disparate ethnicities is the overriding factor that shapes that aspect of their identities.

I would not shy away from your experience in a multi-ethnic household if your experience is at all similar to those of my children. Such an omission could paint a rather incomplete picture of who you are.

I offer these pointers only as ideas for reflection. I can't tell you what the right answer is for you. I would suggest introspection, then honesty and sincerity as you write your statement.

Please feel free to follow up if you'd like more assistance with this matter.