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New & Newsworthy:Diversity & Inclusion SummitThe 2nd Annual UCS Diversity & Inclusion Summit was held on Teams on Thursday, April 28, 2022, and nearly 800 judges and court employees attended the program! The theme for the 2022 Summit – “Words Matter: Language as a Tool to Break Down Barriers and Build Bridges” – explored the power of words, how the words we use affect how we act, and how others react. A dynamic keynote address was provided by Dr. Tyrone Holmes, an esteemed educator, consultant, and author. Dr. Holmes provided practical tips for navigating “uncomfortable conversations” and shared real-life experiences for how, despite our differences, we can connect with others in a positive way. Following Dr. Holmes’ keynote, there were three additional, interactive presentations focusing on Inclusive Language for Disabilities, Equal Justice through Language Access and Cultural Humility, and LGBTQ Identity and Pronouns. 
Dr. Tyrone Holmes spoke with attendees at the Diversity Summit about how to effectively navigate “Uncomfortable Conversations.”
Those who attended the Summit said: This program could not be more timely. The speakers were very knowledgeable and they held my attention throughout the Summit. It’s good to be reminded that while people may not think their language is insulting across race, disability and orientation - it can be. The interaction and engagement was excellent. Extremely informative. I learned a lot! I enjoyed listening to the speakers and their real-life experiences. When things happen to you, it's easy to forget that someone else has gone through the same or similar experiences. The personal, real-life examples of bias experienced by the various speakers. It really hits home that these sentiments and behavior are very present in our communities despite what we would like to think. I like that I can use this information at work and in my personal life. The subject is evolving and it is important to stay current with the acceptable words and practices. Although I thought I was enlightened and knowledgeable, I still have more to learn to make others feel included. The video recording of the 2022 Summit is now available on the ODI website. We hope that you will watch the recording of the Summit, perhaps viewing it with colleagues, so that you can discuss the presentations and content together. 
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Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage MonthIn celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, the Franklin H. Williams Judicial Commission partnered with the Office of Diversity and Inclusion, Asian American Judges Association of NY, South Asian Bar Association of NY, Asian Jade Society of the NYS Courts, Asian American Bar Association of NY, and the Network of Bar Leaders, to present an event on May 31 at the New York County Supreme Court’s Rotunda, titled: Cultivating Leaders to Stand Against Hate. The program (with limited in-person seating, and a livestream for those attending remotely) featured trailblazing leaders from the judiciary, local community, and U.S. Congress for a discussion on the importance of developing leaders to stand against racial violence. Key speakers included Grace Meng, the first and only Asian American Member of Congress from New York State; NYC Councilmember Sandra Ung; Orange County Court Judge Hyun Chin Kim; Professor Mary Szto of Syracuse University College of Law; and Co-Executive Director of the Coalition for Asian American Children and Families, Vanessa Leung. As Chief Judge Janet DiFiore noted in her opening remarks, although the AAPI program was “first conceived in response to the rise in violent attacks against Asian Americans” its “universal call for leadership against hate” is relevant for every community. 
Congressmember Grace Meng at the May 31 AAPI event.
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FHW Commission Town HallThe Franklin H. Williams Judicial Commission held a virtual Town Hall (“Part 4”) last month, to continue the dialogue from previous Town Hall meetings regarding systemic racism and bias in the courts. The most recent Town Hall featured remarks from several court leaders, and a keynote address from (former Secretary of Homeland Security) Jeh Johnson, who discussed his 2020 independent review of the court system, and the recommendations to ensure equal justice within the New York State courts. The Town Hall of May 19, 2022 highlighted the UCS’ efforts to implement Secretary Johnson’s recommendations, through a panel discussion with representatives from OCA offices that have been working on these initiatives, such as: the Office for Justice Initiatives; Franklin H. Williams Judicial Commission; Office of Diversity and Inclusion; Inspector General’s Office; and the Division of Human Resources. During the discussion, court employees were able to submit questions to the panelists regarding steps that have been taken to implement Secretary Johnson’s recommendations. All of the Town Hall meetings have been recorded, and are available to view at the FHW Commission website.
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Court Clerk ExamsCourt Clerk and Senior Court Clerk promotional examinations will be administered statewide on Saturday, August 13, 2022. The filing period begins June 1, 2022 and ends June 30, 2022. 
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