June 9, 2020

The FBA mourns the loss of George Floyd and countless other victims who have suffered the disparate impact of police brutality, hate crimes, and prejudice. Too often and for too long, equality has been denied to people of color.

The arc of the moral universe does not bend toward justice on its own.  As attorneys we are duty-bound to support the Constitution of the United States. As members of the association, we are compelled by the organization’s mission to strengthen the administration of justice by serving the interests and the needs of every member of the public we serve. We must move with intention and action to end all injustice that degrades the sanctity of our laws and to ensure the promise of equality and justice for all.

We call on ourselves to do better as a profession. We are deeply cognizant that the legal profession remains one of the least diverse professions in the nation. The FBA is dedicated to the full and equal access to, and participation from all individuals in the association, the legal profession, and the justice system regardless of race, gender, ethnicity, national origin, religion, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or any other unique attribute. We are committed to working to ensure that our entire legal community fully reflects and includes the rich diversity of our nation.

The FBA’s Diversity and Inclusion Committee will continue to play a leadership role in our association’s renewed dedication to equal justice. We are further committed to working with allied organizations to equip our membership to engage in justice-seeking causes in ways big and small.  For those who are looking to assist those in need of legal representation or assistance in the wake of recent events, please visit our resources page.

To the members of the legal profession and beyond who have dedicated their lives to equal justice, we are grateful for your leadership as we forge our path ahead together.

Board members with judicial and other governmental positions did not participate in the issuance of this statement.

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