The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed and, in some cases, deepened some of the nation’s persistent racial divides, including discrimination against minorities seeking healthcare, anti-Asian/anti-immigrant bias, and even fear-born violence against those perceived as “other.”
Haynes and Boone, LLP, which is committed to fostering diversity and inclusion in the legal profession and the communities it serves, is addressing these issues head-on. The firm has organized a lunchtime webcast and panel discussion on Wednesday, April 22, to explore how the pandemic has disproportionately impacted communities of color and ways the legal profession can address such discrimination.
Click here to register to attend the April 22 webcast, titled “Bias and Discrimination in the U.S. During Times of Crisis.”
During the discussion, panelists will share personal stories of bias they have witnessed or experienced as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Event moderator and Haynes and Boone Partner Albert Tan will discuss the important role law firms play in denouncing hatred and racism. Tan, a leader in the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) community, will also share some of his personal experiences and insights. Haynes and Boone is among dozens of signatory firms and companies supporting NAPABA’s “Stand Against Hate” messaging, which denounces racism and issues a call for unity.
“It is important for us to look at the implications of bias and to take a stand against hate, both in our industry and beyond,” said Haynes and Boone’s Director of Diversity and Inclusion Jennifer Reddien. “We want to educate our audience about anti-Asian attacks, xenophobia, and racist language during this pandemic and be a voice of change.”
Haynes and Boone has an unwavering commitment to diversity and inclusion. The firm plays an active role in leading legal diverse organizations such as the Leadership Council on Legal Diversity, Texas Minority Counsel Program and National Association of Women Lawyers. The firm is also committed to becoming Diversity Lab Mansfield 3.0-Certified, which promotes increased representation of diverse lawyers in leadership roles and activities in the firm.
“At times like these, fear and anxiety can stoke racism and bigotry,” said Managing Partner Tim Powers. “The legal industry must take a coordinated response to bias and discrimination and identify ways it can manifest during challenging times. We must also begin to prepare for the possibility that some of the prejudices that have arisen may carry over to the workplace once we resume our pre-pandemic lives.”
The webinar panelists include:
James Han - Principal Real Estate Counsel, Whole Foods
Sufyan Sohel - Deputy Director and Counsel, CAIR-Chicago
Sandra Yamate - Chief Executive Officer, The Institute for Inclusion in the Legal Profession (IILP)
In addition, Haynes and Boone Partner Tamara Devitt in the firm’s Labor and Employment Practice Group will provide some commentary on the current impact of the labor market.
If you have questions about the webcast, please contact Haynes and Boone’s Diversity and Inclusion Department at DiversityDepartment@haynesboone.com.