The Asian Pacific American Law Students Association at CUNY School of Law in Long Island City, NY represents a community-driven initiative rooted in the institution's foundational commitment to social justice and equity. Since CUNY Law's establishment in 1983, the school has been dedicated to training lawyers who use the law as a tool for social good, and APALSA embodies this mission by centering the experiences and concerns of Asian Pacific American students and communities.
This student organization recognizes that addressing overlapping and intersecting injustices requires sustained effort and diverse perspectives. APALSA members are united by their understanding of how racism, discrimination, and systemic inequities affect Asian Pacific American communities, and they work collectively to redress these disparities through education, advocacy, and relationship-building.
Operating within a law school that consistently ranks among the top institutions for diversity regarding both student body and faculty, APALSA benefits from an environment that values equity, inclusivity, and the pursuit of justice. The organization serves as a crucial support network for Asian Pacific American law students, providing spaces for cultural connection, academic collaboration, and exploration of legal issues unique to their communities.
Situated in Long Island City, a neighborhood celebrated as one of New York City's most vibrant and diverse areas, APALSA is positioned to engage with the real-world communities it serves. The organization exemplifies CUNY Law's broader commitment to transforming the legal profession by ensuring that diverse voices, experiences, and perspectives shape the next generation of lawyers dedicated to social change and community empowerment.
Long Island City, NY