A Message from the Dean

The University of Chicago Law School is distinctive for its unabashed enthusiasm for the life of the mind—the conviction that ideas matter, that they are worth discussing, and that a single viewpoint or style of thought should not be imposed.

In any academic environment, this kind of commitment to the life of the mind requires an openness to other perspectives and a willingness to offer a new viewpoint or idea. This is particularly true at a law school. Law grapples with some of the most complex, important, and controversial issues in our world—which is what makes the study of the law fascinating. But the practice and study of law also require being able to understand, engage, and respond to people who hold differing views, often very strongly.

The ability to engage with differing viewpoints on tough questions is thus a professional skill that we seek to impart to students at the Law School. In our classrooms, the faculty expose students to contrasting views, develop students’ abilities to think critically, and instill in students the skills necessary to succeed after law school. We also aspire to do this through participatory teaching in each of our curricular offerings. In addition, the Law School offers a rich set of programs to welcome students, equip them to thrive in our academic program, and to build community.

In all these settings, however, the inquiry and learning are more rigorous when multiple perspectives are included in the discussion. This is why the intellectual life of the Law School is more vibrant when it includes highly talented students and faculty with diverse views and perspectives. It is also why our values of diversity and inclusion are closely linked to our commitment to free expression and academic freedom.

Best wishes,

Adam Chilton
Dean and Howard G. Krane Professor of Law