In Support of Disability Diversity in the Legal Profession
Resolution 13: In Support of Disability Diversity in the Legal Profession
WHEREAS, the courts have an important responsibility to set an example for the legal system and the public concerning (1) eradication of bias, prejudice, stereotypes, stigma, and discrimination against persons with disabilities, and (2) fostering and advancing their right to equal employment opportunities within the judicial system; and
WHEREAS, the court system should be representative of the diverse community that it serves;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Conference of Chief Justices encourages its members to:
- Urge the state judiciaries to work actively to foster a diverse workforce that includes qualified persons with disabilities;
- Urge the state judiciaries and individual judges to work actively to advance the employment of qualified persons with disabilities in the judicial system; and
- Encourage the state judiciaries to conduct educational disability awareness programs that focus on the abilities of persons with disabilities, rather than their impairments.
Adopted as proposed by the CCJ Professionalism and Competence of the Bar Committee at the 2012 Annual Meeting on July 25, 2012.