I WOOD READ THAT

by Angela Wood
The Broader Perspective – Navigating Change: Unity and Resilience in Uncertain Times

Date

As we usher in a new year, we find ourselves at a pivotal moment in our nation's history. A new president has been elected and sworn into office, stirring varied emotions across our community. The recent election has been a source of significant division, with many expressing concerns about the future. Feelings of uncertainty can be unsettling.

Adaptation

As I wrote the first version of this article, I was thrilled and excited to share that I joined the Maricopa County Bar Association’s Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee. The year’s first meeting took place on January 22nd, the day after the president issued his Executive Order ending all DEIA initiatives. In light of this development, something I was very proud of now feels like a politically divisive lightning rod.

The president’s Executive Order revokes Executive Order 11246, a directive from 1965 that prohibited federal contractors from discriminating based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin. It also mandated affirmative action to promote equal employment opportunities. Critics argue that rescinding Executive Order 11246 will undermine decades of progress in promoting workplace diversity, addressing systemic discrimination, and reduce equal employment opportunities. The good news is that protections against employment discrimination remain under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. This act prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, and national origin.

Most troubling to me is that this Executive Order, among other things, instructs the Attorney General of the United States to identify targets for enforcement against DEI programs, including state and local bar associations. Under the Executive Order, any DEI program is considered to be illegal. The MCBA (and other bar associations) will pivot and make necessary changes to be compliant with the law.

Discussing this topic is not easy due to its potentially divisive nature. Nonetheless, it is important to address it with honesty and empathy. Our resilience, hope, and unity become essential in times like these. While feeling apprehensive is understandable and natural, we must seize opportunities to come together, support one another, and work towards a brighter future. Through dialogue, understanding, and cooperation, we can navigate challenging times and differences of opinion.

As we begin a new year, I hope we can all actively seek ways to be inclusive, kind, and just good humans. Let us remain hopeful and steadfast in our commitment to progress.