Policies and Statements

Washington and Lee University Non-discrimination/Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

In compliance with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Virginia Human Rights Act, and all other applicable non-discrimination laws, Washington and Lee University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, ethnicity, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, military status, genetic information, or any other protected class under the law in its educational programs and activities, admissions, and with regard to employment. Inquiries may be directed to Lauren E. Kozak, Title IX Coordinator, Elrod Commons 237, (540) 458-4055, kozakl@wlu.edu, who is designated by the University to coordinate compliance efforts and carry out its responsibilities under Title IX, as well as those under Section 504 and other applicable non-discrimination laws.

The Coordinator has designated the following Title IX Assistant Coordinators:

  • Employment -- Jodi Williams, Executive Director of Human Resources, Two South Main 109, (540) 458-8318, jwilliams@wlu.edu; and
  • Gender Equity in Athletics -- Lauren Kozak, Title IX Coordinator and Director of Disability Resources, Elrod Commons 237, (540) 458-4055, kozakl@wlu.edu.

Inquiries may also be directed to the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education.

ABA Standards Compliance

As set forth by ABA Standard 510, a student may bring to the attention of the Law School a significant problem that directly implicates the school's program of legal education and its compliance with ABA Standards. A student may do so by filing a written complaint here, which will be directed to the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs. The Associate Dean for Academic Affairs shall investigate the allegations set forth in the complaint and within 30 days respond to the complaint in writing. The response must include a determination whether the Law School has failed to comply with an accreditation standard with respect to the issue identified in the complaint. Within 30 days after receipt of the Associate Dean's response, the student may appeal the Associate Dean's determination by filing a written statement with the Dean of the Law School, setting forth the basis for the appeal. Within 30 days thereafter the Dean shall either affirm or reverse in whole or in part the Associate Dean's determination.

2024-2025 ABA Standards and Rules of Procedure

Law Student Complaints Policy and Procedure

Contacts for Law Student Grievances and Concerns

Law students who wish to bring a grievance or concern pertaining to University policies, procedures, or operations are encouraged to address their concern in writing to the appropriate campus official. Students with disabilities who need assistance in addressing a grievance or concern should contact the Title IX Coordinator and Director of Disability Resources. If a student has any doubt as to whom to direct a concern, the following officials may be contacted:

Academic Concerns
Michelle Lyon Drumbl, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs

Financial Aid Concerns
James Kaster, Director of Financial Aid

Financial Charges/Payments Concerns
Irma Bailey, Associate Treasurer and Controller

Harassment/Discrimination and Disability Accommodations Concerns
Lauren Kozak, Title IX Coordinator and Director of Disability Resources

Student Employee Concerns
Kim Austin, Deputy Director of Human Resources and Director of Benefits

All Other Concerns (including student conduct, public safety, and other campus life issues)
Maria Saez Tatman, Associate Dean of Law Student Affairs, Community, and Belonging

SACSCOC Accreditation

Washington and Lee University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award baccalaureate, the master of laws, and juris doctor degrees. Washington and Lee University also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of Washington and Lee University may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097, by calling 404-679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC's website (www.sacscoc.org).

Reinstatement after Serving Active Duty

Students whose absence from the University results from being called to active duty for more than 30 days will be reinstated at the University with their same academic status if: 1) they provide notice of such service, and other documentation required by law, to the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs of the School of Law, as appropriate; 2) within three years of their completion of service (or within two years after any period necessary to recover from an injury incurred or aggravated during such service) they notify the Associate Dean in writing of their intent to return; and 3) the cumulative length of all absences from the University for service in the armed forces of the United States does not exceed five years. 

Law School Policies

Law School Policies on Accommodating Students with Disabilities