New ABA CLE policy affirms commitment to diversity

The American Bar Association’s Board of Governors on Tuesday approved a policy that affirms the association’s strong commitment to diversity and inclusion, and its support for proactive measures to ensure individuals from all backgrounds have fair opportunities to participate in Continuing Legal Education programs sponsored or co-sponsored by the ABA.

The newly adopted policy specifies that ABA CLE programs and those the ABA co-sponsors advance the aspirations of Goal III of the ABA Mission and Goals: to eliminate bias and enhance diversity.

“With the policy the ABA Board of Governors approved today, the ABA’s commitment to diversity and inclusion will be showcased in every CLE program it makes available to lawyers,” ABA President Reginald Turner said. “Our nation and our profession are blessed with a great diversity of people, from every conceivable background. The ABA has long supported equal opportunities for all. Everyone benefits when participation in ABA programs, including our CLE panels, is maximized.”

The Board created a committee which will have authority to engage and assist any ABA entities to ensure continued progress on presenting CLE panels that reflect the diversity of the legal profession and demonstrate the ABA’s commitment to Goal III. The new policy calls for the continued monitoring of ABA CLE programming to ensure the association’s entities conduct CLE programs in accordance with this policy.

The Board of Governors will receive reports on adherence to the policy at all scheduled board meetings, which take place four times a year.