The Relationship Between Civil Rights Law and DEI: Implications for the Delivery of Public Services

Amidst the recent Executive Orders issued by the Trump Administration prohibiting the use of DEI-related words and activities throughout the federal government and its grantees and contractors, there is much confusion and uncertainty regarding the legality of such measures and their implications for public service delivery. Join us for an engaging discussion with two scholars of civil rights law and legislation as we examine how the recent roll back of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) words and activities is being shaped by recent SCOTUS rulings relative to the reinterpretation of Equal Protection clause of the 14th amendment. Panelists will discuss the shifting nature of legal doctrine as it relates to governments’ obligations to address systemic barriers relative to the general welfare of all peoples, including specific protected classes.

Panelists:

• Chris Koliba (moderator), Edwin O. Stene Distinguished Professor at the University of Kansas
• Julie Novkov, Dean of Rockefeller College of Public Affairs and Policy, University at Albany
• Justin Levitt, Professor of Law and Gerald T. McLaughlin Fellow, Loyola Law School

Co-sponsored by The H. George Frederickson Center for Social Equity and the National Academy for Public Administration's Standing Panel on Social Equity in Governance.

Register Here