Law firm opens DEI fellowship to all following discrimination lawsuit.
A Top Law Firm Alters Scholarship Language to Embrace Diversity
A top law firm that recently faced a lawsuit over its DEI scholarship has made a significant change to its website, signaling a shift towards inclusivity. Morrison Foerster, a renowned firm ranked in the Am Law 100, modified the eligibility criteria for its diversity, equity, and inclusion fellowship in response to the legal action.
The Keith Wetmore Fellowship for Excellence, Diversity, and Inclusion previously required applicants to be “members of historically underrepresented groups in the legal industry.” However, the firm now welcomes students “with a demonstrated commitment to diversity and inclusion in the legal profession.”
Lawsuit Challenges Racial Exclusivity
The lawsuit, filed by the American Alliance for Equal Rights, alleges that the firm violated the Civil Rights Act of 1866 by excluding applicants based on their race. The legal group, led by anti-affirmative-action advocate Edward Blum, aims to end racial discrimination in higher education and private contracting.
The Supreme Court’s recent ruling against race-based admissions policies for universities has put corporate diversity efforts in the spotlight. While the ruling did not directly address private contracting, it has raised concerns about the future of corporate DEI programs.
Perkins Coie, another firm targeted by the lawsuit, has not made any changes to its eligibility program, which still focuses on historically underrepresented students. The firm plans to challenge the lawsuit and remains committed to its diversity efforts.
As the legal landscape evolves, law firms must adapt their methods for fulfilling diversity commitments. While the outcome of this lawsuit remains uncertain, it serves as a reminder that inclusivity should be a priority for all organizations.
The Washington Examiner has reached out to both firms for their response to the lawsuit.
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