A new scholarship fund at KU Law has been created to support students who are members or allies of the LGBTQ+ community. The fund, OUTLaws & Allies Scholarship for LGBTQ+ Equality, was founded by KU Law alum and current Board of Governors member Steve Young, L’84. It is the first of its kind at KU Law.
“I was honestly surprised when I learned there were no scholarships in the law school specifically earmarked for LGBTQ+ students and felt it was time to correct that,” said Young. “It is my sincere hope that it will encourage other LGBTQ+ alumni and friends to step up and add to it.”
Photo courtesy of Steve Young
After Young’s graduation in 1984, he spent a year in Illinois working as general counsel for the Illinois Press Association, then relocated to San Francisco, where he has served as general counsel of the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of California (IIABCal), with a specialty in insurance industry regulation. Though he may live in San Francisco, he left his heart in Lawrence and KU Law.
“I’ve had the opportunity to work with lawyers from law schools all over the country, and I would put my legal education up against anyone I’ve ever met,” he said. “In terms of the variety of the curriculum, quality of education and the preparation for what law calls for, what a successful legal career requires, KU Law is second to none.”
It is Young’s hope that this scholarship will open the doors for more LGBTQ+ youth who are interested in receiving a law degree.
“I hope that the kids who are in school now or who are thinking of applying to KU Law understand that all LGBTQ+ individuals are welcomed and encouraged to attend KU,” he said. “They will find a home that will help them professionally and personally as they go through law school.”
Make a gift to the OUTLaws & Allies Scholarship for LGBTQ+ Equality.
– By Emma Herrman