(New York, NY, Friday, July 28, 2023) – The Women’s Bar Association of the State of New York (“WBASNY”) reaffirms its steadfast commitment to promoting equality, diversity, equity, and inclusion (“DEI”) in all aspects of employment and hiring practices. The recent joint decision by the Supreme Court of the United States in Students for Fair Admissions v. University of North Carolina and Students for Fair Admissions Inc. v. President & Fellows of Harvard College which struck down affirmative action as a consideration in college admissions does not alter any employer’s existing obligations to DEI. It is critical to note that both federal law and the New York State Human Rights Law prohibit discrimination on the basis of “age, race, color, creed, national origin, sexual orientation, military status, sex, marital status or disability” in employment.

WBASNY acknowledges that racial and gender disparities persist in the workplace and commends employers who have taken, and continue to take, proactive steps to promote a fair and equitable work environment. Diversity in the workplace brings a multitude of benefits to organizations and society as a whole. A diverse workforce fosters innovation, creativity, and different perspectives, which can lead to better decision-making and problem-solving. Moreover, promoting inclusivity creates an environment where employees feel valued, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential, contributing to increased productivity, job satisfaction and retention.

WBASNY remains dedicated and stands in solidarity with all those committed to breaking down barriers to ensure diversity in the workplace and stresses the importance of continued efforts to achieve the goal of promoting a fair and equal work environment. As an organization committed to the advancement of a diverse and inclusive workplace, WBASNY remains resolute in ensuring that all employees are afforded equal opportunities in the workforce and stands firm in its support of diversity, and recognizes it as one of our nation’s greatest strengths.

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The Women’s Bar Association of the State of New York (“WBASNY”) is the professional membership organization of choice for nearly 4,000 attorneys throughout New York State, and the largest statewide women’s bar association in the country. For four decades, WBASNY has been a singularly important resource for women lawyers, providing professional networking, continuing legal education programming, leadership training, and advocacy for the rights of women, children, and families. Through involvement with WBASNY’s 20 regional chapters and its 40-plus substantive law committees, WBASNY’s members collaborate with one another on a variety of issues and perform public and community service, in furtherance of its mission to promote the advancement of the status of women in society and women in the legal profession; to promote the fair and equal administration of justice; and to act as a unified voice for its members with respect to issues of statewide, national and international significance to women generally and women attorneys in particular. WBASNY holds United Nations NGO status with the U.N.’s Department of Public Information, and Special Consultative status in association with the U.N. Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). WBASNY is also a founding member of the National Conference of Women’s Bar Associations.