Milwaukee Bar Association issues statement on Supreme Court DEI CLE decision

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Last week, The Milwaukee Bar Association issued a statement in the wake of the Wisconsin Supreme Court‘s July decision to deny Petition 22-01 (In the Matter of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Access Training for Continuing Legal Education Credits) without a hearing.

“In our increasingly multicultural world, the Milwaukee Bar Association asserts our belief in the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion education in the legal profession to both increase collegiality and professionalism among lawyers and to develop a deeper understanding of clients’ needs. The mission of the Milwaukee Bar Association is to be an inclusive, equitable, and diverse organization that serves the interests of the lawyers, judges, and the people of Southeast Wisconsin,” said Sarah J. Martis, Executive Director.

As previously reported by the Wisconsin Law Journal, the Wisconsin’s Supreme Court denied the State Bar of Wisconsin’s petition that would have allowed licensed Wisconsin attorneys to earn some of their CLE credits through education programs related to diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility (DEIA).

“We will continue to support our legal community with opportunities to know and understand the breadth and depth of the lawyers that make who comprise it. We will continue to provide educational programming that unites through understanding differences. We will continue to reach out to neighborhood organizations who represent diverse communities and provide them with legal expertise to expand their efforts in the populations they serve. Through our DEI Committee we have embarked on a strategic planning process to assess and provide resources to continue to build a united community of diverse attorneys serving diverse populations,” Martis added.

The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) previously told the Wisconsin Law Journal that DEI is critical.

“Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) programs are critical to creating a just society and an equitable work environment. Through ADL’s Workplace Pledge to Fight Antisemitism, we are collaborating with companies and organizations across the Midwest to ensure that antisemitism and religious accommodations are addressed as part of DEI strategies. Values of education and learning about the experience of different communities are at the core of ADL’s mission to create a more inclusive society and fight hate on all fronts,” said David Goldenberg, ADL Midwest Regional Director.