| In 1939, the North Carolina General Assembly authorized the North Carolina College for Negroes. The General Assembly sought to establish a law school to provide African-Americans with an opportunity for a legal education. At the time, African Americans had no in-state opportunities for a formal legal education. Although the school was scheduled to open in 1939, its opening was postponed until the following year due to initial insufficient enrollment. Nevertheless, the Law School formally opened for the study of law in 1940. The entering class was comprised of four students.
Always committed to providing opportunity, the school has continued to grow over the decades. In 1944, the school admitted its first women. In 1965, Caucasian students were enrolled. The year of 1981 marked the first year for the Law School's evening program; the only evening law school program between Atlanta, GA and Washington, DC. As a result of the Law School’s growth, the student body now includes over 550 students.
Founded during a time of lawful racial segregation, an important aspect of the Law School's mission is to attract capable persons from diverse backgrounds. NCCU Law seeks students who are committed to public service and to meeting the needs of the underserved.
Just as when the law school opened its doors nearly seventy years ago, students at North Carolina Central University School of Law receive a broad-based legal education which treasures diversity and encourages freedom of expression. Today, the Law School holds one of the most diverse student bodies in our nation and continues to be a school of opportunity. The School has a rich and brilliant history; one of racial segregation, adversity, triumph, transition, growth and development. We enter the 21st Century with a continued commitment to promote excellence and expand opportunity as we move forward on the cutting edge of change in our society.
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