March 20, 1998 Contact Maureen Shine (541) 346-3145 Source: Katherine Jernberg, admissions director, UO School of Law, (541) 346-1553 EUGENE--Are minority students becoming even rarer at law schools due to challenges to affirmative action? If so, what does this mean for understanding and promoting cultural diversity in law schools, as well as among lawyers and the clients they serve? These are some of the questions to be explored during Minority Law Day, April 3, at the University of Oregon School of Law, Grayson Hall (UO Law Center), 1101 Kincaid St. The event, which is free and open to the general public, is targeting minority high school and college students, as well as all members of minority groups across the state who may be interested in attending law school. Minority Law Day is shared each year among Oregon's three law schools--the UO School of Law, Willamette University School of Law and Northwestern School of Law of Lewis and Clark College--with the goal of cultivating a stronger minority interest in attending law school. "Nationwide, the percentage of minority law students is falling due to a number of factors, including economic pressures and challenges to affirmative action," says Katherine Jernberg, director of admissions, UO School of Law. "We're trying to reach out to minorities in high schools and colleges, as well as in the general population to let them know that a law degree is an attainable goal which will open the door to a multitude of rewarding career opportunities." The event's sessions, located in rooms 125 and 129 at Grayson Hall, are: 10-10:30 a.m. "Ready, Set, Go"--A panel of law school admissions administrators will discuss the nuts and bolts of getting into law school. 10:30-11:15 a.m. "Following Dreams"--A panel of law students and lawyers will talk about their personal experiences involving law school and the legal profession. 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Box lunch and concurrent sessions. "The Assault on Affirmative Action"--Legal scholars will discuss the current state of affirmative action, including constitutional issues, lawsuits and California's Proposition 209. "The Trial of Goldy Locks"--High school and college students observe and participate in the trial of Goldy Locks, led by UO Law Professor Wayne Westling. 1-2 p.m. "The Image of Minorities in Mass Media"--Speakers include UO Law Professors Dennis Greene and Keith Aoki, and Rennard Strickland, dean, UO School of Law. 2:30-4 p.m. "Race to the Bottom: The Global Labor Process"--A panel discussion sponsored by the UO Race, Labor and Economic Justice conference. Additional sponsors for Minority Law Day include the UO Office of Multicultural Affairs (OMA); the Oregon State Bar Association; the Law School Admissions Council; and the OMA-sponsored Race, Labor and Economic Justice Conference, which takes place April 3-4 on the UO campus. For more information, contact Holly Parrish, UO School of Law, (541) 346-1558. -30- #P-4070/Local,OrDailies,OrLaw,PDX,Special