The Wisconsin State Bar has had a Diversity Clerkship for years—a program that defined diversity based on race and gender. Wisconsin Institute for Law and Liberty brought a lawsuit against the state bar’s program, alleging it is illegal to hire anyone based on race or gender. To settle the discrimination suit, the State Bar earlier this month redefined diversity to mean “including people with differing characteristics, beliefs, experiences, interests, and viewpoints.”
While this redefinition of diversity doesn’t resolve the whole issue, it’s a good first step. Diversity programs that are restricted based on race or gender are patently illegal. WILL has gone after the UW’s DEI programs as well. These programs typically promote racism and advance liberal agendas. They aren’t diverse, they distort equity, and they are certainly not inclusive.
