Following the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling against race-conscious admissions policies at Harvard and the University of North Carolina deemed unconstitutional, the American Bar Association (ABA) has responded regarding their approach to diversity within the profession.
Mary L. Smith, who noted history by becoming the ABA’s first Native American female president on August 8, issued a statement calling for introspection and adjustment within the legal profession. She stressed the need for a thorough review of its programs along with the development of new strategies to champion diversity and inclusion, while staying within the remits of the new law.
Smith emphasized her aspiration for the legal industry to reinforce its commitment towards fostering a more inclusive and diverse environment. In order to ensure that, she calls upon law firms, law schools and employers. Her statement read, “Now is the time to rededicate themselves to creating a more diverse and inclusive environment.”
For more in-depth information on this statement and its potential implications for the legal profession, visit the original article detailing Mary L. Smith’s announcement.