The Commission on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the Michigan Judiciary (DEI Commission) recently released a strategic plan to guide its work going forward.
The panel, co-chaired by Michigan Supreme Court Justice Elizabeth M. Welch and retired State Court of Appeals Judge Cynthia Stephens, was created by the state Supreme Court in June of 2022 to prepare a strategic plan aimed at “the elimination of demographic and other disparities with the Michigan judiciary and justice system.”
The commission will hold a virtual meeting on the matter on Friday Dec.15 from 1-3 p.m.
A press release issued by the court said the plan highlights five key strategic objectives and details 17 recommendations to achieve them:
• Community — Those served by the justice system are heard, valued and respected.
• Talent — A judicial workforce that reflects the communities served.
• Value & Connection — Judiciary employees experience high morale, high retention rates and opportunities for growth.
• Judicial vitality — Pathways to judgeship and judge leadership are more inclusive, varied and transparent.
* Alignment — Equity initiatives are coordinated and supported within judicial systems across Michigan.
In their letter introducing the plan, the co-chairs asked the public “to support their local courts as they develop implementation plans and to join us in working together toward building a judiciary that reflects Michigan’s diversity and is trusted by all.”
“Much of the work of the commission will require collaboration with other judicial commissions and outside stakeholders,” they continued. “For that reason, this plan is not a step-by-step agenda but rather a high-level vision to inspire and guide us as we move forward to advance fundamental principles of the rule of law.”
Welch and Stephens urged Michigan citizens as well as “judges and attorneys across the state to carefully review this plan, to participate in our implementation workgroups and to enthusiastically collaborate with us in this important work.”
There are 24 members of the commission, representing courts, professional associations, advocacy groups, law schools, affinity and/or special purpose bar associations along with community members who have had contact with the justice systems.
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