The ABA Section of Civil Rights and Social Justice is proud to launch the 21-Day Practice on Creating Inclusive Spaces and Combating Islamophobia. The current movement for equality in America provides an opportunity for us to consider how we — as individuals, as lawyers, and as a Section — are meeting this moment. Are we moving on with our daily lives, or are we willing to grow in our knowledge and understanding to help shape our profession? What responsibility do we bear? It is with these thoughts in mind that the Section is sharing some resources and an opportunity for members to participate in a 21-Day Practice on Creating Inclusive Spaces and Combating Islamophobia. The “21- Day Challenge©” was conceived several years ago by diversity expert Eddie Moore, Jr. to advance deeper understandings of the intersections of race, power, privilege, supremacy and oppression. Other ABA groups have undertaken similar 21-Day Challenges, including the Diversity & Inclusion Advisory Council, the Labor & Employment Law Section, and the Judicial Division.
Thank you to our co-sponsors: the ABA Coalition on Racial and Ethnic Justice and the ABA Business Law Section's Young Lawyers Committee
The Goal of the Practice
The goal of the 21-Day Practice is for each of us to augment our awareness, empathy, compassion and determination to stand for religious freedom. It transcends our roles as lawyers. Non-lawyers are also welcome to participate.
How it Works
It is, of course, completely voluntary to do, and participation in the Practice shall not be construed as agreement with every word of every assignment nor a commitment by any person to a particular professional position or strategy. Further, participants are free to opt-out of participating along the way. There is no grade at the end of the Practice. While it is not the intention of the Practice to cause offense, some participants may be offended by some language or images used in the lessons.
The Practice invites participants to complete a syllabus of 21 daily, short assignments (typically taking 15-30 minutes), over 21 consecutive days, that includes readings, videos, or podcasts. The assignments seek to expose participants to perspectives on elements of the Muslim American experience, including perspectives on Muslim history, identity and culture, and the experience of anti-Muslim bias in America, there are assignments that focus on the unique experience of Muslim lawyers in America, as well as assignments that explore how lawyers of all races can and must share in the work of bringing greater racial equity to the legal profession. This syllabus is but an introduction to what we hope will be a rewarding journey that extends far beyond the limits of this project.
Access the Syllabus
See a day-by-day breakdown of the Syllabus below, or you can access the full syllabus, including reflection/discussion questions, additional links from ABA entities, and ABA entity-recommended resources at this link.
Disclaimer
The opinions expressed in these resources are those of the authors. They do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of the American Bar Association or Section of Civil Rights and Social Justice. The resources listed in this syllabus and the presentation of material therein do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the American Bar Association or Section of Civil Rights and Social Justice. Content Warning: Videos and podcasts may include strong language and may not be suitable for some viewers. Viewer and listener discretion is advised.
21-Day Racial Equity Habit-Building Challenge is the registered copyright of America & Moore, LLC. 2014.
Sign Up to Join the Practice!
- If you would like to pledge to join the Practice, click here. (ABA affiliation is not required to participate).
Come back regularly to check new discussion questions and Additional Resources!