In a revealing Q&A session published on JDSupra, Dr. Sandra Johnson, the first Black woman to receive a Ph.D. in computer engineering, shares insights into her professional journey that spans from academia into the executive suites of technology corporations. With a career steeped in electrical engineering, Johnson has surmounted considerable hurdles to establish herself as…
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…
In a significant development, the Department of Education (DOE) has issued the latest guidance to colleges and universities following the Supreme Court’s limiting ruling on race-conscious admissions in education. According to the DOE’s statement, which is outlined in a “Dear Colleague” letter and a series of Q&As, educational institutions can still foster diverse and inclusive…
The push for diversity in educational institutions has seen a significant milestone as Rutgers Law welcomes a record number of female students in its latest intake. According to reports, approximately 59 percent of the 400 students starting their law courses are women – the highest in the history of the prestigious law school. This marks…
Five former employees of media conglomerate Gannett have recently lodged a class action complaint against their former employer, alleging reverse discrimination. The ex-staff members claim that Gannett terminated non-minority staff members and intentionally hired diverse but less-qualified individuals in a bid to meet inclusion quotas. The fresh legal challenge laid against Gannett accuses the company…
The United States Supreme Court’s recent verdict to invalidate affirmative action admissions in colleges and universities is creating a ripple effect – but not just within the realm of academia. It is the private sector, particularly private employers and their Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, that is feeling the indirect, yet substantial consequences of…
The recent decision by the United States Supreme Court on affirmative action, as reported in the Wall Street Journal, can be seen as a potential deterrence to corporate diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts. This decision has supposedly led some organizations to reconsider their DEI programs and initiatives. However, it should be understood that this decision…
In an era where social progress is at the forefront of public conversation, it is alarming to read that black women lawyers still encounter discrimination in the workplace. This unsettling reality was brought to light through a recent survey, demonstrating that the issue is far from resolved and is still a detriment to equal opportunities…
Internationally renowned law firm, Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP, announced on Tuesday, August 8, 2023, that it is initiating a specialized team directed towards scrutinizing how its clientele manages aspects of diversity, equity, and inclusion. This prominent move towards advancing social justice on the legal scene substantiates the growing importance of advocating for civil rights…
On June 29, 2023, a decision by the U.S. Supreme Court definitively altered the landscape of affirmative action in higher education admissions. With its landmark verdict in the cases of Students for Fair Admission v. UNC and Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard, the Supreme Court set a precedent that will undoubtedly compel colleges and…
Recent discussions with Brian Goodrich and Katherine Skeele have highlighted the crucial importance of open engagement on LGBTQ+ issues within professional spaces, including major law firms. Holland & Knight’s Diversity Council and LGBTQ Affinity Group recently shared insights from these conversations, discussing their experiences with professional openness about their identities. In a video address, both…
Southwest Airlines, a major U.S. airline, has recently been embroiled in a racial discrimination lawsuit. A white passenger claims to have been unjustly targeted by an airline employee who allegedly reported her to police for suspected child trafficking. The incident in question took place while she was travelling with her Black daughter. The customer asserts…
In a recent landmark ruling, the US Supreme Court has determined that race-based college admission programmes are unlawful. The implications of this decision are now resonating globally as it underscores a shift in the approach to diversity and inclusion, particularly as it pertains to affirmative action. As reported by JDSupra, the court’s decision deviates from…