Traditionally, DEI efforts around racial/ethnic diversity have focused on African Americans/Blacks, Asian Americans/Pacific Islanders, Hispanic/Latino/a/x, and Native Americans/American Indians. But in doing so, a broad group of people of Middle Eastern and North African (“MENA”) heritage has been overlooked. The US Census has historically counted these individuals as “White” or “Caucasian” even though many who identify as MENA do not see themselves or identify that way and experience forms of prejudice, bigotry, and discrimination not unlike that experienced by other people of color. Efforts are underway to change the Census designation. Some organizations within the legal profession are already including MENA as a diversity category and establishing MENA affinity groups and bar associations. It’s time that DEI efforts in the broader legal profession fully embrace the MENA community, too. Please join us as we explore who this community is, the issues community members face, and how the legal profession can better include MENA under the DEI umbrella.
Speakers:
The program is being offered free of charge to all lawyers and staff for IILP’s Visionary Partners, Partners, and Allies. Unsure if your firm/company supports IILP? Find out here.
The program is open to the public.
Questions/Contact: info@theiilp.com.
