Chris Rock once jested that he does not believe he should have a leg up on another person simply because of his race if he’s not qualified for the position. But, if both parties are equally qualified, then the fact that other person had a 400-year head start should be taken into consideration. His joke implied that the purpose of affirmative action was to right the wrongs of this nation we call home. There’s no secret that the darker skin people of the United States have been disadvantaged since the birth of this nation. This country, through the help of entities such as the American Bar Association (“ABA”), have made great strides toward balancing the scales for all people. However, as of late, some have had the audacity to wage a war against those efforts. Following the U.S. Supreme Court decision seeking to eradicate affirmative action, the attacks on diversity, equity, and inclusion programs and initiatives has increased.
July 30, 2024 Lawyers Conference
LC Chair's Column
The Attack on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Mr. Colemon Potts
Just recently we were informed the American Bar Association is in fact dealing with a Complaint that seeks to dissolve programs that aim to help underprivileged individuals claiming that these programs discriminate on the basis of race. In my opinion, this Complaint is just an attack on humanity. The ABA is constantly making efforts to provide opportunities to those who aren’t afforded the same opportunities as their counterparts. At its simplest form, this Complaint has the intent to prevent the ABA from helping people. Throughout my tenure with the ABA, I have held a leadership position with the Minorities in the Professional Committee and the Men of Color Project. The Men of Color Project particularly helped advance conversations that we simply were afraid to discuss like mental health and why it’s so hard for black males to survive in the legal guild for more than five years. With all the efforts put forth for the advancement of minorities, we still make up only 10% of the legal profession. The fact that there are people trying to decrease that number is troubling but an unfortunate reality.