By: Cole Sundermann
This past orientation, Cleveland State University, College of Law welcomed their largest 1L class in recent memory. With the largest class in 15 years and a 99% increase in 1L enrollment, the school’s administration wanted to introduce the CSU Law Four Corner Pledge. The pledge is based on the law school’s core values: Professional Integrity, Civil Discourse, Academic Effort, and Living Justice. While taking the pledge was not mandatory, all 1Ls took the pledge and there will be an opportunity for senior law students to take the pledge as well.
To understand more about the pledge and what brought about its creation, I sat down with Dean Fisher to discuss. “We should all have core values in our lives.” Dean Fisher remarked that the values in the pledge were a good measure for students just starting their law careers. While Dean believes that this is a law school that encourages diverse viewpoints, he wanted to create core values that bring our law community together. “While every student has to take professionalism and legal ethics . . . this focuses primarily on professionalism after you graduate. This [pledge] is for education and after law school.”
When asked specifically about the “civil discourse” portion in the pledge, Dean mentioned that this is a unique time in history and this creates a need to speak to people with kindness and respect. “There will be disagreements and they have the right to disagree.”
Dean Fisher was adamant that this right to disagree does not create the right to violate others’ free speech. As I was reading the pledge to prepare for this interview, I was surprised to see that health and well-being was focused on. Dean Fisher mentioned that while the law school is here to support students with their health, there also needs to be self-responsibility. “You need to be healthy in body and mind and we want students to make this a priority.” For many senior law students, the phrase “live justice” has been seen and heard many times. So, it was no surprise to see it be part of the pledge. However, what was unique was the focus on pro bono work. I asked Dean Fisher why pro bono work was so important and why should law students start doing pro bono work now while a student. “A legal education is not just about establishing a legal career . . . it’s also about giving back.”
Dean Fisher explained that free legal assistance gives those who would not be able to afford the skills of a CSU law graduate a chance to work with our incredible students. So what about the law school community as a whole? Dean Fisher believes that faculty and staff should take a modified pledge and that it would be something he would discuss at one of their meetings. He also believed that while there may be a need to modify the pledge in the future, the administration felt good about its wording now. While the pledge is certainly a good thought, I was skeptical about its application. Can you really measure the success of a pledge? How do you know if it is working? “I want students to wear the pin every day as a reminder.”
Dean Fisher feels strongly that this pledge was not just a one-time recital of some words. “This is a conversation starter.” Dean also mentioned that he wants faculty and staff to wear the pin as well to reinforce its impact. Now, we know the story behind the pledge. But what about the story behind the man behind the pledge? How has Dean Fisher’s past helped shape the pledge’s creation? “Public service has been a big part of my life. As a state legislator, Ohio attorney general, lieutenant governor.”
I was surprised to learn that Dean Fisher was also involved in the non-profit sector. Dean was also the president and CEO for The Centers for Families and Children. “You need a calling . . . engage in a movement that changes people’s beliefs.” When asked about his hopes for the pledge’s impact on the school, Dean Fisher states that he wants the pledge to differentiate ourselves from other law schools. “We already have a collaborative culture here, but I would like to strive to make the culture even better.”
PRIVILEGES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
• I pledge, as a law student entering Cleveland State University College of Law, to acknowledge that with the unique privileges inherent in studying and practicing law come unique responsibilities to myself, the law school community, the legal profession, and society.
• I understand that my commitment to Professional Integrity, Civil Discourse, Academic Effort, and Living Justice begins now.
PROFESSIONAL INTEGRITY
• I pledge to conduct myself honorably, ethically, and with integrity as a law student and a lawyer.
• I pledge to be responsive and respectful in my communications with all members of the CSU|LAW community.
CIVIL DISCOURSE
• I pledge to conduct myself with dignity and civility and to treat all people with kindness, courtesy, and respect.
• I pledge to support freedom of speech and diversity of thought and to disagree respectfully, peacefully, and with an open mind.
ACADEMIC EFFORT
• I pledge to take responsibility for my legal education by giving my best effort and to persevere with a growth mindset.
• I pledge to care for my health and well-being.
LIVING JUSTICE
• I pledge to defend and support our constitutional democracy and to further the public’s understanding of and confidence in the rule of law and the justice system.
• I pledge to seek opportunities to provide leadership in my community, engage in pro bono work, and bring access to justice for all.
I take this pledge freely and upon my honor.
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