Executive Order 14173 should be concerning to all who value fairness and justice for all, because it seeks to limit, undermine and villainize diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility (DEIA) initiatives within bar associations. The Brooklyn Bar Association, which comprises legal professionals, is committed to upholding principles of fairness, equal opportunity, and access to justice—values that are directly supported by DEI policies.

Bar associations play a critical role in fostering professional growth, education, and engagement among attorneys from a broad spectrum of backgrounds with a shared goal toward establishing a qualified bench and bar that reflect the diverse communities we serve. DEI initiatives are not about exclusion or preferential treatment; rather, they are about ensuring that all individuals, hardworking people, regardless of background, have equitable opportunities to contribute and succeed within the legal profession. These efforts strengthen our justice system by promoting a wider range of perspectives, improving legal representation for all community stakeholders, and enhancing public trust in the legal profession.  Restricting DEI policies would not only undermine these critical objectives but could also have long-term implications for access to justice and the overall integrity of the legal system.

In Brooklyn, we embrace societal differences based upon race, color, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age and disability.  Policies that discourage the celebration and promotion of individuals based solely on the false presumption they are unqualified are misguided and designed to eliminate advocacy and destroy communities. We urge policymakers to stand with the Brooklyn Bar Association and recognize the importance of DEI initiatives in advancing fairness and equality under the law.

Anthony W. Vaughn, Jr., President of the Brooklyn Bar Association