Charlotte School of Law students taking Prof. Christie Matthews' Life and Liberty: The New Civil Rights Movement course created the following pledge to help lawyers and law students across the country think critically about implicit bias and to take a stand against racial injustice.  Take the pledge to #eRACEpreJuDice:

I pledge that in the study and practice of law, I commit to furthering racial justice, including judicial, social, economic, and educational equality. I recognize that as an attorney, I will hold a position of legal and social influence and that I have a personal obligation to use my position to the advancement of societal good. 

I acknowledge that I, like everyone else, am not immune to harboring implicit racial bias. Therefore, I commit to taking personal inventory, examining my own perceptions and preferences, and working toward becoming a culturally competent professional.

I pledge not to remain silent in the face of racism, whether overt or implicit, as I will not be complicit in furthering racial injustice through complacency.

I pledge to engage in a meaningful way with others who are different from myself in order to expand my cultural awareness and appreciation for others’ backgrounds, beliefs, victories, and struggles. I pledge, in doing so, to keep an open mind and to not shy away from honest, productive dialogue about racial injustice, no matter how uncomfortable the topic may be.

I pledge to move beyond superficial social media activism and to commit my time and resources in a meaningful way to help bridge the racial divide.  

I pledge to…#eRACEpreJuDice.