Council on Racial & Ethnic Justice

The Council on Racial and Ethnic Justice is comprised of eleven members appointed by the ABA President and is committed to:

eliminate racial/ethnic bias in the justice system by educating and involving lawyers and their bar associations
engage lawyers and their bar associations in programs designed to eliminate racial/ethnic bias in their communities.

Monetary contributions to the Council on Racial & Ethnic Justice are tax deductible if payable through the Fund for Justice and Education (FJE). Payments for Council events and programs may also be tax deductible if made to the FJE with notation of the name of the Council event. This will ensure that funds are applied to the Council’s account.

Council on Racial and Ethnic Diversity Overview

In 1992 a Presidential Task Force on Minorities in the Justice system was created in the aftermath of the Rodney King disturbances. Shortly thereafter, a report was issued with recommendations by the Task Force. The Task Force became the Council on Racial and Ethnic Justice in 1994. It was designed to implement the recommendations and develop partnerships among community groups, civil rights organizations, businesses, religious organizations, and bar associations for the purpose of eliminating racial and ethnic bias in the justice system. Its primary goal is to serve as a catalyst for eliminating racial and ethnic bias in the justice system with a focus on systemic change.

The Council services include:
(1) Assistance with the development of educational programs;
(2) Hosting public forums for dialogue between legal and non legal institutions; and
(3) Providing technical assistance and advice on how to implement specific programs, strategies, and partnerships

Since its inception, the Council has been on the cutting edge of social justice issues. Over the past 12 years, the Council has focused on a number of substantive and diverse issues such as racial profiling, access to the justice system, overrepresentation of juveniles of color, indigent defense, racial profiling and the war on terrorism, voting disenfranchisement and the impact of technology, election protection, injustices and discrimination in Tulia, Texas and the impact of Katrina on the impoverished.

Election Protection 2008

The ABA Council on Racial and Ethnic Justice, ABA Section of Individual Rights and Responsibilities, ABA Standing Committee on Election Law and the Lawyers’ Committee seeks the pro bono assistance of lawyers, law firms, bar associations, and corporate legal departments with the many aspects of Election Protection 2008.

Assistance is needed with local Legal Committees; staffing and hosting the national voter hotline; and preparing materials. Individual law firms and corporate legal departments may volunteer for one or all of the above. Volunteer Now! Online or Print & Fax

CLE at Annual Meeting

Alternative Solutions to the Impact of Drugs on Communities of Color
Saturday August 9, 2:00-3:30pm
Marriott Marquis, Music Box, Majestic Complex, 6th Floor

Conclave with the leaders of color from the medical, dental, legal and other pertinent professions to discuss the impact of drugs and drug policies on communities of color. Crucial issues that confront communities of color that are combating these issues will be addressed, and an in-depth discussion on how to obtain the necessary resources, networks and tools will be discussed. This will be a complimentary CLE program. Register Now!