Articles on Diversity Matters | Illinois State Bar Association

Book Review: Stories from Trailblazing Women Lawyers by Jill Norgren By Maura Ashe Diversity Leadership Council, June 2025 A review of a book that was born from the ABA's Commission on Women in the Profession's oral history project.

A Brief Summary of the International Court of Justice Advisory Opinion on Israel’s Policies in the Occupied Palestinian Territory By Junaid Afeef Diversity Leadership Council, June 2025 On July 19, 2024, the International Court of Justice rendered an advisory opinion concerning the legal consequences arising from Israel’s policies and practices in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem.

Broadening Gender-Based Claims for Asylum: K and L v. Staatssecretaris van Justitie en Veiligheid (State Secretary for Justice and Security, Netherlands) By Cindy G. Buys Diversity Leadership Council, June 2025 The European Court of Justice issued a ruling interpreting the “particular social group” language of the refugee definition expansively to apply to young women who had been “westernized” during their time in Europe and who feared persecution as a result if they returned to Iraq.

Dark Times for DEI By Ronald S. Langacker Diversity Leadership Council, June 2025 It’s important that entities and individuals who support DEI initiatives continue to do so, and not immediately be pressured into dropping these initiatives simply because it’s no longer convenient.

Editor’s Note By Sandra Blake Diversity Leadership Council, June 2025 While the issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion come under fire, members of the ISBA continue to honor those ideals that make us a welcoming and vital organization. We strive to have our membership representative of the very people we serve professionally.

Equal Rights Amendment Update: Where Are We Now? By Cindy G. Buys Diversity Leadership Council, June 2025 At its Annual Meeting in Chicago in July 2024, the American Bar Association adopted a resolution recognizing the ERA as the 28th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution because it satisfies all requirements of Article V of the U.S. Constitution. The ABA did so with support of the ISBA. The ABA Resolution rejects the argument that the ratifications are time barred because the time bar is not part of Article V of the Constitution and because it was contained in the text of a congressional resolution and not in the language of the amendment itself.

Event Recap: What It Takes to be a Trial Lawyer if You’re Not a Man By Kristine Honiotes Diversity Leadership Council, June 2025 A synopsis of the University of Illinois College of Law's Fall Symposium from November 8, 2024, entitled, "Teaching the Next Generation of Trial Lawyers: What It Takes to be a Trial Lawyer if You’re Not a Man."

An Expeditious and Economical Path to Justice By Judge Brian Weinthal Diversity Leadership Council, June 2025 As the result of statutory changes that took effect on January 1, 2025, the Illinois Human Rights Act now provides up to two years for individuals to assert allegations of discrimination, harassment, sexual harassment, and retaliation in connection with purported civil rights violations. In addition, the Human Rights Act now prohibits unlawful discrimination against individuals on the basis of “reproductive health decisions” and “family responsibilities.” Attorneys seeking to file civil rights lawsuits under the newly-amended law in 2025 should strongly consider bringing their claims before the Illinois Human Rights Commission.

Governor J.B. Pritzker Signs Into Law the House Bill 5142 By Olga Beznashchuk Diversity Leadership Council, June 2025 On July 29, 2024, Governor J.B. Pritzker signed into law HB5142, also known as the Birth Equity Act. The Act amends the Illinois Insurance Code and Illinois Public Aid Code to expand coverage for pregnancy, postpartum, and newborn care. The Act also mandates comprehensive abortion coverage without extra costs and deductibles.

Illinois Extends Time for Filing Discrimination Claims Under Illinois Human Rights Act from 300 Days to 2 Years By Ronald S. Langacker Diversity Leadership Council, June 2025 On August 9, 2024, Governor Pritzker signed into law legislation that extends the deadline to file an administrative charge based upon employment discrimination, harassment, or retaliation with the IDHR from 300 days to 2 years. The law took effect on January 1, 2025.

Initiating Arbitral Proceedings in International Commercial Disputes By H. Vincent Draa Diversity Leadership Council, June 2025 International commercial arbitration is a means of resolving business disputes among two or more transnational parties by one or more arbitrators outside of a formal court system. It is a voluntary process, conducted according to the parameters determined by the agreement of the parties. Given all its advantages over traditional litigation, it is not much of an exaggeration to call international commercial arbitration the “only game in town.”

Is Free Speech for Everyone in America? By Junaid Afeef Diversity Leadership Council, June 2025 It sounds like a rhetorical question; of course, it is. Right? For decades, flag burning, hate group marches, vile protests at servicemembers’ funerals, and more were deemed protected under the First Amendment. The idea was to ensure all political speech remains uncensored; to do so, we must tolerate polarizing, offensive, or even hateful speech. Although noncitizens enjoy First Amendment protections, the government's plenary authority over immigration allows it to penalize them in ways that effectively chills free speech.

Message from the Chair By Khara Coleman Diversity Leadership Council, June 2025 A message from the chair reflecting on the important work done by the Diversity Leadership Council.

New Help Stop Hate Hotline By Cindy G. Buys Diversity Leadership Council, June 2025 Help Stop Hate is a confidential service that provides support and resources to people and communities affected by hate.

No More Backsliding: It Is Time to Push Forward By Junaid Afeef Diversity Leadership Council, June 2025 The article explores why the U.S. legal profession remains predominantly white and male despite long-standing diversity efforts. It argues that historical exclusion and structural barriers—not lack of merit—explain the imbalance. It refutes claims that DEI undermines merit, showing that diversity can improve fairness and performance. The Illinois State Bar Association’s past work is highlighted as a basis for renewed commitment in the face of current backlash.

President’s Message By Sonni Choi Williams Diversity Leadership Council, June 2025 It cannot be stressed enough how diversity matters more than ever. As we continue to fight to protect the growth and progress of the ISBA because of diversity, we must look at the history of this newsletter.

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