This panel provides an educational review from a historical perspective of discrimination and the lack of diversity and equity in the military, including historical changes in military justice designed to remove these disparities. It also discusses the status of these matters in today’s Armed Services.
The discussion includes a review of several historic/seminal courts-martials where minority Soldiers were convicted of crimes without adequate legal defense. It includes a brief discussion of the current findings related to disparity in military justice for minority service members. We review several of the Defense Department’s initiatives related to diversity and inclusion. Finally, the discussion includes any current initiatives/measures to counter this historically inequitable treatment in each of the services.
This panel includes senior military veterans and retirees who have an interest and desire to help further the dialogue, understanding, and education of all legal professionals in these areas. The death of George Floyd has highlighted the fact that change is still needed.