Banner artwork by bob boz / Shutterstock.com
On December 6, 2023, the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History in the heart of Philadelphia played host to the third annual Diversity Summit, a beacon of knowledge and collaboration in the ever-evolving landscape of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). This year's summit, titled "DEI Under Siege: Legally Compliant Strategies to Combat the Attack on DEI Initiatives," brought together thought leaders, legal experts, and advocates to dissect the challenges facing DEI initiatives and explore legally compliant strategies to navigate these complex waters.
Organized by the ACC Greater Philadelphia's Diversity Inclusion Equity & Belonging committee, the summit proved to be a powerhouse of insights and solutions. The summit aimed to provide a roadmap for organizations to foster inclusivity while remaining legally resilient — no small task as corporations grapple with increasing scrutiny over DEI efforts in the workplace. The summit featured five compelling panels, each hosted by prominent law firms dedicated to advancing DEI. Anderson Kill P.C., Armstrong Teasdale LLP, Blank Rome LLP, Cozen O’Connor, and Dechert LLP took the stage, offering a comprehensive exploration of pressing issues within the DEI space.
Throughout the summit, participants engaged in lively discussions, exchanging ideas and best practices. The event provided a platform for professionals across industries to connect, fostering a community dedicated to driving positive change in the DEI landscape. Louis Abrams and Dave Dambreville, the co-chairs of the ACC Greater Philadelphia’s Diversity Inclusion Equity & Belonging’s Summit Sub-committee, expressed their satisfaction with the event's outcomes. "The third annual Diversity Summit exceeded our expectations. It was a testament to the collective commitment of organizations and legal experts to proactively address the challenges facing DEI initiatives. By combining legal expertise with practical strategies, we hope to empower organizations to champion diversity while safeguarding their legal standing."
As organizations continue to grapple with the complexities of DEI, the insights shared at this summit serve as a guiding light, ensuring that diversity remains at the forefront of the corporate agenda.
Disclaimer: the information in any resource collected in this virtual library should not be construed as legal advice or legal opinion on specific facts and should not be considered representative of the views of its authors, its sponsors, and/or ACC. These resources are not intended as a definitive statement on the subject addressed. Rather, they are intended to serve as a tool providing practical advice and references for the busy in-house practitioner and other readers.
