OUTlaw is a student organization dedicated to equal rights for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) persons both at The University of Mississippi School of Law and in society at large. OUTlaw serves its population by providing support and a forum for the discussion of legal or political issues affecting GLBT individuals. OUTlaw also serves an important social function; it allows students, faculty, and staff at UM Law to establish friendships and identify other students, faculty, and staff with a commitment to the GLBT community.

MISSION

The mission of OUTlaw is to help create a climate at The University of Mississippi School of Law in which it is safe and comfortable to be openly gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, or an ally. OUTlaw members aim to promote education, awareness and advocacy of GLBT issues to UM Law students, faculty and staff. We seek to allay fear and ignorance; instill respect for fairness and civility; and combat homophobia, heterosexism, and any discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity. We support one another in our daily lives of being out and proud with dignity and integrity. We exist to provide friendships, political activism and a sense of community and family. We specifically acknowledge that we have a shared kinship with women and individuals of racial and ethnic minorities, and a common perspective on many of each others’ issues and interests.

HISTORY

OUTlaw was founded at the University of Mississippi School of Law in 2008.  The following 30 students were the 2008-’09 founding members:  Catie Ashburn, Russell Barksdale, Kristen Boyden, Bette Bradley, Hays Burchfield, Veda Chandler, Liz Crowell, Alexis Culver, Will Davis, Shelly Diaz, Lyle Gravatt, Nicholas Greene, Joseph Hamilton, Kourtney Ikard, Forrest Jenkins, Alex Martin, Michael McCauley, Mary McKenna, Kathryn McNair, Kristie Metcalfe, Maggie Middleton, Torri Parker, Dana Price, Niles Puckett, Kiger Sigh, Brian Thomas, Christy Vinson, Dietrich von Biedenfeld, Herb Wilson, and Sam Winnig.  During its first year, OUTlaw held several social events and hosted speakers at the law school who discussed issues ranging from employment discrimination to hate crimes and estate planning to domestic relations issues for the LGBT community.

2009-'10 officers
President Hays Burchfield, chburch1@olemiss.edu
Vice President Dana Price dlprice@olemiss.edu
Secretary/Treasurer Alexis Culver adculver@olemiss.edu 
 
Please send an e-mail to one of the officers to find out when OUTlaw events are throughout the school year.