Wayne State University Switches to Pass/Pass System

While the debate as to whether tier one law schools should adopt Yale’s pass/fail grading system has been going on for years, few would have predicted today’s move by Detroit, Michigan based Wayne State University Law School. Inspired to act by a student campaign called “It Just Doesn’t Matter,” administrators this afternoon announced that the Law School had changed its grading to a pass/pass system. The announcement was made on the front steps of the school with a large banner hanging above that proclaimed “Professors to students: Let’s let bygones be bygones.”

“The way I see it, students with a Wayne State law degree will likely have to persevere through many difficult times like passing the bar and getting a job,” explained Dean of Students Michael Batterton. “With this new pass/pass or let bygones be bygones system, we can send everybody off to their next life challenge, or career, knowing that we support them regardless of their legal skills.”

In mentioning difficult times, Dean Batterton was likely referencing the school’s traditional problems with having its graduates pass the bar on the first try. In addition, while most students are employed upon graduation, there is no indication how many of these jobs are law-related or whether students even typically end up in the general vicinity of a courtroom or law firm.

In a press release, the “It Just Doesn’t Matter” campaign heralded the school’s move. “At Wayne State we have finally taken a stand that you won’t be judged on how hard you try while your professor is playing a semester long game of ‘hide the ball’ via the Socratic method. Instead, we’ll let the real world be the judge and jury on your career.”

In related news, U.S. News and World Report is considering a new fifth tier of law school rankings.