Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Action Plan

To achieve the goals outlined in the SLD DEI Mission, SLD dedicates to:

Create an atmosphere of respect and enthusiasm for welcoming diversity, equity and inclusion in our membership and full active participation of Judges, law students and other legal professionals in SLD leadership, programming and publications. 

Membership

We actively will market, recruit and do outreach for membership to national affinity bar associations and other professional organizations, tribal entities, legal communities, and law schools, including Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), and student organizations serving and representing historically underrepresented communities.

We will create liaison relationships with the diversity focused entities of the ABA, appoint persons who will be active and engaged liaisons and by welcome active and engaged liaisons from the entities.

Engagement

We will provide information about what committee positions and leadership, including liaison, positions available and any requirements to apply for these positions.

We will create a Mentoring program to encourage active participation by Judges, law students and other legal professionals to become leaders at all levels within the Division.

We will create a Nominating Committee dedicated to embracing diversity, equity and inclusion in recommending individuals to all leadership positions.

Programming And Projects

We will allocate the resources needed to address barriers that might exist to interfere or preclude diversity, equity and inclusion in our membership, programming and projects.

We will appoint individuals who will be active and engaged substantively in authorship, editorial policy, and content of publications and programs that is respectful of diversity, equity and inclusion consistent with SLD’s subject matter specialty.

We will seek content of publications that appeals to communities from diverse backgrounds, consistent with SLD’s subject matter specialty.

We will seek program locations, venues, and virtual platforms, as well as social media, to enhance opportunities for active participation.

We will ensure content of publications is accessible to persons with disabilities and compatible with assistive technologies they use.

We will ensure that marketing and member solicitation materials are diverse and inclusive.

We will seek co-sponsorships with bar associations and other organizations, within and outside the ABA, who can contribute to diversity, equity and inclusion.

Advocacy

We will advocate for and support ABA policies and actions that encourage diversity, equity and inclusion of Judges, law students and other legal professionals.

Evaluation

Each year we will review our membership rolls, materials, programs and projects to evaluate and assess our efforts to achieve these Goals and Objectives and to recommend any changes, if needed.

Each year we will report the results of our review to the membership of SLD for comments and suggestions for maintenance and improvement of our efforts to encourage diversity, equity and inclusion in SLD and in the legal profession and Judicial system