Seacoast Human Resources Association: DEI Initiatives and Reverse Discrimination Claims

Jackson Lewis P.C. attorney Debra Weiss Ford is pleased to present at the September Monthly Programming for the Seacoast Human Resources Association (Affiliate of Society of Human Resources) on DEI Initiatives and Reverse Discrimination Claims.

A jury recently awarded $25.6 million in damages to a white former Starbucks manager who claimed she was terminated as part of a public relations effort in response to public uproar over the treatment of two Black customers. Please join us for an interactive discussion of the current status of DEI initiatives. Employers – whether motivated by a view that DEI is a business imperative or in response to calls to action by employees, customers, shareholders, boards, and other stakeholders – have taken bold steps to advance their DEI goals, including training their many constituencies on everything from unconscious bias to inclusive leadership to DEI in hiring to effective mentorship. These initiatives have faced backlash from employees and government actors who view DEI initiatives themselves as discriminatory. For every ardent supporter of DEI measures, there are those who believe equally strongly that such measures are improper. At its core, the discussion requires an examination of the interplay between the legal requirement to make employment decisions that are not based on protected characteristics and the desire to ensure underrepresented groups are included and fully considered in the employment process. Can employers do both?

Breakfast and Networking: 7:30-8:00 a.m.
SHRA Updates: 8:00-8:30 a.m.
Guest Presentation: 8:30-10:00 a.m.

$25 for members, $45 for non-members