Black student enrollment doubles at Harvard Law School for 2028 JD class, ABA reports
Harvard Law School has seen a significant rise in Black student enrollment for its 2028 J.D. class, according to data released by the American Bar Association (ABA). The school enrolled 50 Black students, more than double the number from the previous class, which had hit a historic low.The jump comes after a sharp decline in Black enrollment in the Class of 2027, the first cohort admitted following the Supreme Court’s ruling against race-based affirmative action in higher education. Black students now represent 8.6 per cent of the 2028 class, up from 3.4 per cent the year prior.Outreach efforts credited for increased enrollmentBianca C. Williams-Alonzo, president of the Harvard Black Law Students Association, said the group enhanced outreach initiatives to prospective applicants after last year’s decline. She told the Harvard Crimson, “We are delighted to see the rise in Black enrollment. Our team reviewed applications and attended pre-law conferences to connect with prospective students.”Williams-Alonzo also highlighted the role of student organisations in the admissions process. She added in conversation with the Harvard Crimson, “Student groups play an important part in showcasing the HLS community, and this moment reflects our commitment to representation.”Comparison with other demographic trendsAsian student enrollment remained stable, with 126 students in the 2028 J.D. class, compared with 132 and 103 in the previous two cohorts. Hispanic student enrollment stood at 44, a slight increase from 39 in the Class of 2027 but lower than the 63 students in 2026.By contrast, Harvard College recently reported a decline in Black undergraduate enrolment, dropping by 2.5 and 4 percentage points over the last two cycles. This divergence suggests distinct trends between undergraduate and graduate admissions at Harvard.Other diversity milestones at HLSThe Class of 2028 also includes two American Indian or Alaska Native students, the first in three years, according to ABA data. HLS published its class profile on its website in September, detailing median test scores, total enrolment, and acceptance rates. Unlike prior years, the school did not disclose figures on students who are women, first-generation, low-income, LGBTQ+, international, or students of colour.Jeff Neal, HLS spokesperson, declined to comment on the demographics of the Class of 2028 and referred to last year’s statement noting that conclusions from one year of data are “necessarily limited,” as quoted by the Harvard Crimson.Institutional changes in identity and inclusion officesHarvard has recently rebranded its central Office of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging to “Community and Campus Life.” Some identity-focused centres have had web pages removed or altered. HLS, however, has not updated its Office of Community Engagement, Equity, and Belonging, according to the Harvard Crimson.
