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Regular Session, 2010 ENROLLED
SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTI ON NO. 89
BY SENATOR MURRAY
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTI ON
To urge and request Louisiana law firms, law departments, and courts to execute the
Louisiana State Bar Association Statement of Diversity Principles.
WHEREAS, in seeking to foster diversity in the legal community, the Louisiana
State Bar Association has pointed out that meaningful diversity advancements occur when
the leaders of an organization embrace diversity, and demonstrate through their actions that
diversity is a priority to the organization; and
WHEREAS, the bar association has developed a voluntary Statement of Diversity
Principles, which provides:
"Those signing this Statement of Principles, hereby commit themselves to
foster diversity in the legal profession. The LSBA recognizes that diversity is an
inclusive concept that encompasses race, color, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation,
age, religion, national origin, disability and other aspects of diversity.
We believe that with greater diversity, we can be more creative, effective and
just, bringing more varied perspectives, experiences, backgrounds, talents and
interests to the practice of law and the administration of justice. We further believe
that a diverse group of talented legal professionals is critically important to the
success of every law firm, corporate or government legal department, law school,
and public service organization and every other organization that includes attorneys.
We recognize that to fully and equitably pursue justice our profession must
reflect the full spectrum of our communities. To this end we pledge to make our best
efforts to increase the diversity in our hiring, retention and promotion of attorneys
and the elevation of attorneys to leadership positions within our respective
organizations. We believe that all members of the bar should participate equally and
fully in our profession. Ultimately, we believe that diversity in the legal profession
is good for the profession, good for business, good for our communities and critical
for enhancing the public's confidence in the judicial system.
We recognize that achieving diversity within our organizations and creating
inclusive environments are evolutionary processes that require a continued effort and
commitment on our part. We pledge to promote and participate in appropriate
diversity awareness training programs. We further agree to participate in programs
to measure our progress in the pursuit of these stated principles. "; and
WHEREAS, the Statement of Diversity Principles can be downloaded from the
website of the L ouisiana State Bar Association at
www.lsba.org/diversity/DiversityPrinciples.asp; and SCR NO. 89 ENROLLED
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WHEREAS, the signed statement can be sent to the Louisiana State Bar Association
address shown at the bottom of the form; and
WHEREAS, the Louisiana State Bar Association is asking all Louisiana law firms,
law departments, and courts to execute the voluntary Statement of Diversity Principles.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Legislature of Louisiana does hereby
urge and request Louisiana law firms, law departments, and courts to execute the Louisiana
State Bar Association Statement of Diversity Principles.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be transmitted to the
Louisiana State Bar Association.
PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE
SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES