Adopting a Plausibility Standard for the Plaintiff’s Initial Burden Under Title III of the ADABy Dakotah HublerDiversity Leadership Council, June 2024Although the text of the Americans with Disabilities Act itself provides statutory requirements regarding the provision of reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities, the federal courts have reached different interpretations of the text of the statute as it relates to a plaintiff’s initial evidentiary burden.
Hon. Azeema N. Akram Receives Diversity Leadership Award 2024By Emily N. MasalskiDiversity Leadership Council, June 2024The Illinois State Bar Association honored the Honorable Azeema N. Akram with the 2024 Diversity Leadership Award on May 16, 2024.
Islamophobia at the ISBA CaféBy Junaid “J” AfeefDiversity Leadership Council, June 2024The DEI efforts at ISBA are commendable and need to continue to be supported. In addition to the work being done, the Code of Conduct adopted three years ago must be more robustly enforced.
Making Nightlife AccessibleBy Alicia BridgesDiversity Leadership Council, June 2024Despite their obligations as public accommodations under Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act, many bars and nightlife options continue to exclude many individuals with disabilities.
Pursuing the Gift to Empower OthersBy Hon. Megan E. GoldishDiversity Leadership Council, June 2024An effective leader must use their voice to cultivate respect, learn from others, and lead by example.
It’s a Sign of the TimesBy Sandra M. BlakeDiversity Leadership Council, June 2023A look at some of the diversity and inclusion advancements in our society.
Meet the Diversity FellowsDiversity Leadership Council, June 2023The purpose of the Diversity Fellows Program is to increase diversity and meaningful inclusion in the active membership of the ISBA and its section councils and committees; to give further emphasis to ongoing efforts to raise awareness of the importance of diversity and inclusion within the ISBA; and to develop a diverse group of future leaders of the ISBA.
Update on the ISBA’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility Initiatives Regarding Disability and Disabled PeopleBy Patti ChangIntellectual Property, June 2023The Illinois State Bar Association (ISBA) strives to increase diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) in many ways and is making DEIA a top priority going forward. This article provides an update on the ISBA’s DEIA initiatives with respect to disability and disabled people. The ISBA also believe that ePorts around DEIA are helpful to all.
Illinois Expands Workplace Protections Against Race-Related Hairstyle DiscriminationBy Terrill A. WilkinsYoung Lawyers Division, April 2023On January 1, 2023, the Create a Respectful and Open Workplace for Natural Hair Act went into effect, ushering in an expanded definition of “race” under the Illinois Human Rights Act that broadens workplace protections against race discrimination for employees across the state.