Diversity Matters

The newsletter of the ISBA’s Diversity Leadership Council

2023 Articles

Appropriate Discomfort About ‘Comfort Women’ By Sharon L. Eiseman June 2023 Reflections from a KAN-WIN event in August 2022 that educated the public about the forced servitude of "comfort women" during World War II.
Becoming the First Black Woman Judge in DuPage County: The Honorable Judge Chantelle Porter By Kenya Jenkins-Wright June 2023 A spotlight on Judge Chantelle Porter, the first black woman to become a judge in DuPage County.
Book Review: ‘Dinners With Ruth: A Memoir on the Power of Friendships’ by Nina Totenberg By Hon. Patricia Piper Golden, (ret.) June 2023 A summary and analysis of the Nina Totenberg memoir, Dinners With Ruth: A Memoir on the Power of Friendships.
Can You Hear Me? Communication Tips—Hearing Impaired Clients By Lisa Knauf June 2023 Tips to improve communication with clients that are hearing impaired.
Catharine Waugh McCulloch: Lawyer, Suffragist, and Activist By Eun K. Yoon June 2023 A short biographical profile of Catharine Waugh McCulloch.
Celebrating Women’s History Month By Juan R. Thomas June 2023 A look at the economic disparities that still exist for women in the U.S. and around the world.
Editor’s Note By Sanda M. Blake June 2023 An introduction to the issue from the editor.
Family Leave and Civility By Paloma Holloman June 2023 A call to extend civility and professionalism beyond the courtroom and office.
For the First Time, the Majority of the Illinois Supreme Court Is Held by Women By Laura Castagna June 2023 For the first time in the Illinois Supreme Court's history, the majority of the justices are women.
Illinois Appellate Court Rules Athletic Organizations Are Subject to the Illinois Human Rights Act By Ronald S. Langacker June 2023 In a matter of first impression, the appellate court held that youth athletic organizations and sports teams cannot engage in discriminatory actions as defined by the IHRA.
Impacts of Roe v. Wade Overturn By Tessa Richards & Erin Wilson June 2023 A look at the impact of the U.S. Supreme Court overturning Roe v. Wade.
‘Increasing Impact Through Diversity: The Importance of a Diverse Pro Bono Volunteer Pool’ & Highlight of Pro Bono Network By Paloma Holloman June 2023 Diverse representation in the legal community matters, especially for minority clients who require pro bono services.
Interview With Justice Rita B. Garman: Blazing a Trail for Women in Law By Jennifer Bunker Skerston June 2023 The Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Professionalism recently shared a 20-minute video on its website as part of its “Profiles in Professionalism Series” honoring Justice Rita B. Garman (ret.).
It’s a Sign of the Times By Sandra M. Blake June 2023 A look at some of the diversity and inclusion advancements in our society.
Meet the Diversity Fellows June 2023 The purpose of the Diversity Fellows Program is to increase diversity and meaningful inclusion in the active membership of the ISBA and its section councils and committees; to give further emphasis to ongoing efforts to raise awareness of the importance of diversity and inclusion within the ISBA; and to develop a diverse group of future leaders of the ISBA.
Message From the Chair By Bianca B. Brown June 2023 A note from the chair of the Diversity Leadership Council.
The Power of Persistence By Susan M. Goldberg June 2023 The ISBA’s International and Immigration Law Section Council was an agent of change at the ISBA Midyear Meeting in Chicago.
President’s Message: DLC Leaders’ Work at Forefront of ISBA’s DEI Efforts By Rory T. Weiler June 2023 A note from the outgoing president, Rory T. Weiler, on the progress of the Diversity Leadership Council.
Puerto Rican Bar Association Wins Diversity Leadership Award By Edwin Reyes June 2023 Congratulations to the 2022-23 winner of the Diversity Leadership Award, the Puerto Rican Bar Association of Illinois.
Reflections on the Life of Vernon Jordan: 1935-2021 By Sharon Eiseman June 2023 A look at Vernon Jordan's life and work.
Resolution on Ukraine June 2023 The International and Immigration Law Section Council drafted and adopted a Resolution on violations of international law in Ukraine, which was adopted by the ISBA General Assembly in December 2022.
Sikh Americans Banned From Serving in the Marines Get a Reprieve By Hon. Geraldine D’Souza June 2023 It took a recent federal court ruling to stop the U.S. Marine Corps practice of denying entry to Sikhs.
Some Personal Observations From the Chair of the ISBA Standing Committee on Disability Law By Barbara Goeben June 2023 A note from the chair of ISBA's Standing Committee on Disability.
Supreme Court Immigration Run Down By Angela Peters & Carlos Cisneros-Vilchis June 2023 Summaries of recent U.S. Supreme Court cases impacting the areas of immigration, immigration enforcement, and national security.
Update on the ISBA’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility Initiatives Regarding Disability and Disabled People By Patti Chang June 2023 Updates on the ISBA's diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility initiatives with respect to disability and disabled people.
Violette Neatly Anderson: The First African American Admitted to Practice Before the U.S. Supreme Court By Ashly McCants Giddens June 2023 A look at the life and career of Violette Neatly Anderson, who made history by being the first black woman to be admitted to practice law in front of the U.S. Supreme Court.