In response to a recent lawsuit alleging racial discrimination, Morrison Foerster, a prominent corporate law firm based in San Francisco, has expanded the eligibility of its diversity fellowship program. Previously, the program was exclusively available to law students from underrepresented racial and ethnic backgrounds.
The legal action against Morrison Foerster was initiated by the American Alliance for Equal Rights (AAER), led by conservative activist Edward Blum, known for his involvement in cases that challenged affirmative action in college admissions. The lawsuit alleged that the Keith Wetmore Fellowship for Excellence, Diversity, and Inclusion at Morrison Foerster was discriminatory as it excluded nonminority applicants based on their skin color.
This change in the program’s eligibility criteria follows the removal of all references to race from Morrison Foerster’s website a few weeks after the lawsuit was filed. This shift reflects a broader uncertainty about the future of diversity initiatives in the private sector and their alignment with the Supreme Court’s stance on race-blind policies in college admissions.
The revised program now recognizes outstanding first and second-year law students who demonstrate a commitment to diversity and inclusion in the legal profession. While Morrison Foerster has not officially commented on this adjustment, the change was initially reported by the Washington Free Beacon.
Applicants for the fellowship are assessed based on their capacity to bring diverse perspectives to the firm, stemming from adaptability, cultural awareness, resilience, and life experiences. Additionally, a demonstrated commitment to promoting diversity, inclusion, and accessibility is a key criterion.
Recent legal developments, including the Supreme Court’s ruling against affirmative action in college admissions, have spurred a flurry of legal activity aimed at challenging the consideration of race in employment matters. A letter from 13 attorneys general to Fortune 100 CEOs warned of potential consequences for corporate diversity, equity, and inclusion programs.
The legal debate surrounding diversity initiatives in the corporate world continues to evolve, and its outcomes will likely shape the future of inclusive practices in various sectors.
