New York, NY, Friday, February 14, 2025 – The Women’s Bar Association of the State of New York (“WBASNY”) an organization whose mission includes the advancement of the status of women in the legal profession and in society at large and the promotion of the fair and equal administration of justice, reaffirms its steadfast commitment to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion (“DEI”). In 1964, the Federal Civil Rights Act was enacted. At the time, it was a landmark law that prohibited discrimination based upon “race, color, religion, sex, and national origin.” New York State laws provide protections against discrimination by individuals, entities, and the State or any agency in its employment practices, union contracts, and training policies or programs. In November 2024 New York also passed landmark legislation marking a significant milestone for New York’s residents.
New York residents voted to amend the New York Constitution to include a New York Equal Rights Amendment. This amendment prohibits discrimination based on “sex, age, race, color, ethnicity, disability, creed, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy outcomes, and reproductive healthcare and autonomy.” This amendment further solidifies New York’s commitment to fostering a fair and inclusive society along with State leaders dedicated to combatting discrimination by enforcing the state and federal anti-discrimination laws.
As Alicia Keys recently said at the 2025 Grammys, “diversity is not a threat, it is a gift.” WBASNY echoes this sentiment and recognizes that DEI should be integrated into all workplaces, schools, and sports. Racial and gender disparities persist in the workplace and WBASNY 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 schools, sports, and the workplace. As the largest women’s bar association in the United States, we stand firm in our support of diversity, recognizing it promotes democracy, equity and makes our nation stronger.
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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 more than 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