Before law school, Jake McMillian contends that his grasp of
the law ran about as deep as an episode of “Law and Order: SVU.” But after
three years in Green Hall, he’s armed with the knowledge and experience to
launch his legal career and advocate effectively for his passion, LGBTQ rights.
“Kansas is a tough place for LGBTQ rights,” he said. “That
being said, law is as effective a tool for creating change as any, and if I truly
want to do this work, then Kansas — my home — is a great place to do it.”
McMillian notes his role in planning the 2015 Diversity in
Law Banquet as his most enriching law school experience. Hosted
this year by the student group OUTLaws & Allies, the annual event is a
major fundraiser for the school’s diversity scholarship fund. “It was the first
time that the LGBTQ student group hosted the event, and we raised more money
than any banquet in history,” McMillian said. “It was a big moment for KU and
for OUTLaws.”
Classmates and faculty rely on McMillian for his tireless
support of the school and his peers, but he sees his allegiance as the natural
response to the support he received from KU.
“KU Law
administration, faculty and students have invested a lot in me as a student and as a professional,” he said. “KU
has demonstrated that they see value in me and my interests by recruiting me,
hiring me in Admissions to recruit diverse students, sending me to LGBTQ legal
conferences to focus my craft, and seeking my guidance and recommending me for
committees regarding student safety and inclusion.”
“I support KU Law
because KU Law has done so much to support me. Being valued by your institution
is the most any student can ever ask for.”
Labels: 3L, advocacy, career options, graduation, LGBTQ, OUTlaws & Allies, public policy, same-sex marriage, student experience