When it comes to understanding legal considerations, most university staff involved in advancing diversity turn to the institution's legal counsel for advice and information. Still, staff have responsibilities to keep current in these matters as well, as they can have implications for your diversity programs and initiatives, especially at public institutions.

Work With Your Institution’s Counsel

Assuming you will want to rely on counsel for information about the law as it pertains to your work, you need to establish a good working relationship with your institution’s lawyers—far in advance of when you might need to create such a relationship. Make a point of cultivating a strong connection with your school’s legal advisors. Check in with them regularly to stay informed. Ask them to let you know as new developments occur. Your institution’s human resource department is also an invaluable source of insight and assistance.

Keep on Top of Legal News

As a professional, you need to have an informed perspective on elements of the law that affect your work. In addition to working with counsel, you need to keep aware of changes in the law and relevant cases. That means regularly visiting Web sites and reading publications that provide this kind of news, as well as talking with colleagues on your campus, in your community, and at other institutions. You have to stay plugged in, and you have to commit to doing your homework in this area.

One colleague's perspective:

Create and Follow Protocols

It’s important that your institution have in place policies and procedures for handling and addressing legal questions. Most often this will mean looking to your institution’s counsel for guidance and rulings. Know what your institution’s policy is—then follow it. Develop the wisdom to recognize when it’s appropriate that a question be fielded by counsel.

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