2016 LSAT Scholarship Winner Announcement

2016 LSAT Prep Course Scholarship Winner Announced

Johnston Law Firm, P.C. congratulates Grace Bonoma as the winner of the 2016 LSAT Prep Course Scholarship! Grace attends the University of Louisville where she is working towards a Master’s degree in Sports Administration, and later hopes to attend law school in the Fall of 2017. Congratulations!!!

As part of the application process, applicants were required to submit a 450+ word essay describing what they would do with a law degree, and how society would benefit. Grace has agreed to share her essay on our blog. We invite you to read it below.

The 2011 Office of Civil Rights “Dear Colleague” letter called on educational institutions to revisit their policies as it relates to allegations of sexual assault and violence under Title IX. The “Dear Colleague” letter put a spotlight on gender discrimination issues which resulted in historic lawsuits that have the potential to change the culture on college campuses as it relates to gender equality. On January 5, 2015 the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) released the names of 95 post-secondary institutions that have pending Title IX sexual violence investigations. When the OCR first publicly released the names of the colleges and universities under Title IX review there were only 55 schools on the list. This notable increase in Title IX lawsuits has led to a need for more qualified lawyers specializing in Title IX litigation.

I plan to use my law degree to pursue a career in Title IX compliance. As a former Division I student-athlete, I am a direct recipient of the equal opportunity benefits provided by the Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. My time as a student-athlete taught me the value of hard work and discipline and above all else gave me the confidence to pursue my dreams. My background as a Division I student-athlete and graduate assistant coach combined with the knowledge acquired through my sport administration master’s degree equips me with a unique skill set as it relates to Title IX. A law degree will provide me with the opportunity to fight gender discrimination in our society and advocate for equality on college campuses.

A law degree will also help me to better educate those on college campuses, in schools, and in our communities about issues related to Title IX. There are a number of misconceptions related to Title IX, for example many believe Title IX forces schools to cut men’s sports, others believe Title IX is only about athletics, and the most common misconception that Title IX only applies to females. I would like to continue the dialogue on collaboration between Title IX and prevention education through more accurate resources and education.

As a member of the National Association of Collegiate Women Athletics Administrators (NACWAA) I have access to a national network of female leaders on college campuses across Divisions I, II, and III. These are mentors I will seek out during my time in law school who will help enhance my education and knowledge of Title IX compliance. Additionally, as a member of the NACWAA Title IX Circle, I engage in monthly calls related to gender equity and inclusion in athletics. Circle members are from institutions in every division across the country and discuss current topics in inclusion, current and past Title IX investigations, and ideas for increasing awareness on campus. My passion for Title IX stems from my personal experience. Thank you for your consideration.

By Grace Bonoma