Columbus, OH – On Monday, The Buckeye Institute sent letters to bar associations and law firms that appear to operate or participate in race-based programs in violation of federal law. The Buckeye Institute also sent public records requests to Ohio’s public law schools requesting information on race-based programs operated by the schools.

“While the sentiments of these programs may be laudable, they violate federal law and are unconstitutional,” said David C. Tryon, director of litigation at The Buckeye Institute. “Excluding students from esteemed fellowships and scholarships because of their race is wrong, not to mention illegal, and these programs should be immediately opened to all applicants.”

Letters were sent to the following bar associations:

• Akron Bar Association regarding the Minority Clerkship Program;
• Cleveland Metro Bar Association regarding the Cleveland Legal Collaborative, the Louis Stokes Scholars Program, and the 1L Clerkship Program;
• Columbus Bar Association regarding the Minority Clerkship Program; and 
• Toledo Bar Association regarding the Summer Clerkship Program.

Letters were also sent to the following law firms that participate in the Columbus Bar Association’s Minority Clerkship Program:

• Eastman & Smith LTD;
• Reminger Co., LPA; and 
• IceMiller LLP.

The Buckeye Institute also sent public records requests to Ohio’s public law schools requesting information related to any race-based preferences, priority, scholarships, internships, externships, fellowships, or other job opportunities offered, sponsored, advertised, or supported by the schools:

• Cleveland State University College of Law;
• Moritz College of Law at The Ohio State University;
• University of Akron School of Law;
• University of Cincinnati College of Law; and
• University of Toledo College of Law.

Click on the organization’s name for a PDF of the letter.

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