Requests the Board of Regents to study the feasibility of establishing a law school in the Shreveport-Bossier area.
Impact
If implemented, the establishment of a law school would represent a significant advancement in legal education accessibility in the northwest region of Louisiana. Currently, students aspiring to become lawyers face geographical obstacles and limited options for legal training, which SCR75 aims to rectify. This move is expected to not only provide educational opportunities but also contribute to the local economy by cultivating a workforce that is equipped to meet the legal needs of businesses and communities in the area.
Summary
SCR75 urges the Louisiana Board of Regents to study the feasibility of establishing a law school in the Shreveport-Bossier area. The resolution highlights the importance of addressing both the educational needs of students and the economic development requirements of the region, emphasizing that the northwest part of the state currently lacks access to legal education. By suggesting a collaborative law school that could potentially incorporate elements from existing university systems, the resolution aims to leverage resources and enhance higher education opportunities for prospective law students in the area.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding SCR75 appears to be largely positive, with broad legislative support reflected in the unanimous vote during the final consideration in the House. Lawmakers from both sides see the establishment of a law school as a progressive step forward in aligning educational resources with regional needs. There is an underlying recognition of the strategic importance of legal education in fostering economic growth and workforce readiness, particularly for an area that has been underserved in this regard.
Contention
While the resolution itself does not appear contentious, it raises important considerations about the specific structures and affiliations of a new law school. A potential point of discussion could involve which university system(s) should be involved in this initiative—either exclusively or in a collaborative manner. The study commissioned by the Board of Regents will need to address these issues, ensure stakeholder engagement, and present recommendations that balance educational goals with regional economic strategies.
Requests that Bd. of Regents study how to meet education, economic, and workforce needs of the Shreveport-Bossier region, including through establishment of Southern Univ. Law Center campus in Shreveport
Requests that the Board of Regents provide for an updated study and report relative to the issues addressed in the 2012 report by Eva Klein and Associates pertaining to postsecondary education in the Shreveport-Bossier region
Requests that the Bd. of Regents provide for an updated study and report relative to the issues addressed in the 2012 report by Eva Klein and Associates pertaining to postsecondary education in the Shreveport-Bossier region
Relative to the La. State University Shreveport Commitment Plan as unanimously endorsed by the LSU Board of Supervisors on April 27, 2012, provides legislative findings and for certain reports to the legislature, the legislative education committees, and the Board of Regents for the next three academic years.