Resolution N0. 2024-4
RESOLUTION SUPPORTING DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION PROGRAMS AT LAW FIRMS AND CORPORATIONS
WHEREAS, the National Bar Association was founded in Des Moines, Iowa, in 1925, and is the nation’s oldest and largest national network of predominantly African American attorneys and judges, representing the interest of approximately 67,000 lawyers, judges, law professors and law students and having over eighty affiliate chapters throughout the United States and around the world;
WHEREAS, the National Bar Association, from its inception, has fought to advance the science of jurisprudence; improve the administration of justice; preserve the independence of the judiciary and uphold the honor and integrity of the legal profession; promote professional and social discourse among the members of the American and international bars; promote legislation that will improve the economic condition of all American citizens, regardless of race, sex or creed in their efforts to secure a free and untrammeled use of the franchise guaranteed by the Constitution of the United States; and protect the civil and political rights of the citizens and residents of the United States;
WHEREAS, the National Bar Association was founded at a time when segregation and discrimination based on race were permissible under the law and there was no effective organization of lawyers promoting equal justice for all American citizens;
WHEREAS, the National Bar Association recognizes that the term diversity, in and of itself, does not solely mean diversity of race rather diversity of thought and experiences with emphasis on the belief that the inclusion of diverse backgrounds from a broad range of ethnic groups, socioeconomic status, cultures, genders, sexual orientations, and faiths are required, beyond repudiation, to further the advancement of the fair administration of justice in this country;
WHEREAS, the National Bar Association further recognizes that diversity is imperative to the advancement of our legal jurisprudence and is essential to the longevity of the legal profession;
AND WHEREAS, the National Bar Association further recognizes the vital role that diversity serves to impact the economic growth on the American economy and the global economy as a whole;
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the National Bar Association supports all law firms and corporations in their efforts to advance the legal profession and provide opportunities that might have otherwise not existed;
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the National Bar Association supports all law firms’ and corporations’ efforts to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion and further calls on those organizations to affirm, remain steadfast and resolute in its commitment to the belief of our Founding Fathers that E. Pluribus Unum – “Out of Many, One”;
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the National Bar Association calls on other bar associations, professional and social organizations, nonprofits, and corporations that share the National Bar Association’s commitment to the advancement of jurisprudence within the legal profession to stand with the National Bar Association in voicing unwavering support for diversity, equity, and inclusion at law firms and corporations; and
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that a physical or electronic copy of this resolution will be made available upon request, without cost, to all members of the National Bar Association and, equally, at a minimal cost, to all individuals seeking this resolution.
Done this 21st day of September in the year 2023 in the city of Washington, D.C.
Signed:
Dominique D. Calhoun
President, National Bar Association
Attested and subscribed to
Bethew “Bert” Jennings
Secretary, National Bar Association