Mission
To increase diversity and inclusion in The Florida Bar, to develop opportunities for community involvement, and to make leadership roles within the profession and The Florida Bar accessible to all attorneys, including those who are racially, ethnically and culturally diverse, women, members of the LGBTQ community and persons with disabilities.
History
Following recommendations from the Program Evaluation Committee, in 2010 The Florida Bar created the Diversity and Inclusion Committee.
The Board of Governors approved the 12 recommendations, including adopting a definition of diversity, transferring functions of the Member Outreach Committee to the new committee, and creating a Florida Bar diversity grant program for local bars.
Definition of Diversity
The term “diversity” has a dynamic meaning that changes as the demographics of Floridians change. Apart from differences in race, color, gender, national origin, religion, age, sexual orientation, citizenship, and geography, to mention a few, the public and our profession will experience changes in thought, culture, and beliefs. These demographics are constantly in flux. Defining “diversity” based on current differences would limit its application to future changes, and likewise restrict or limit The Florida Bar’s consideration of and response to such changes.
–The Florida Bar Board of Governors, May 2010
Commitment to Promoting Diversity
The Florida Bar is fully committed to the enhancement of diversity within the Bar, the legal profession, legal education, and in the justice system, and affirms its commitment toward a diverse and inclusive environment with equal access and equal opportunity for all.
–The Florida Bar Board of Governors, May 2010
The Florida Bar President’s Special Task Force
Florida Bar President Eugene Pettis appointed an 11-member task force in February 2014 to determine why diverse candidates were not applying for Judicial Nominating Commission appointment or for judgeships. The task force issued a report in May 2014.
- Appendices to the Task Force Report (318 pages.)