| NEWSLETTER |  |
SPRING 2021 |
Town Halls |
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On January 7, 2021, the Commission held a Town Hall, entitled Dismantling Systemic Racism in the Courts. The purpose of the Town Hall was to engage in an honest discussion regarding systemic racism and bias in the courts and to hear from attendees as the Commission takes steps to address the issues of race and bias in the judicial system and implement the recommendations of the Special Adviser on Equal Justice in the Courts. Greetings and opening remarks were provided by Hon. Janet DiFiore, Chief Judge of the State of New York; Hon. Lawrence K. Marks, Chief Administrative Judge; and Hon. Edwina G. Mendelson, Deputy Chief Administrative Judge for Justice Initiatives. The Co-Chairs of the Commission provided an overview the Commission, its mission and purpose, and its action plan for addressing systemic racism in the courts. The keynote speaker was Deborah N. Archer, Professor of Clinical Law and Co-Faculty Director, Center on Race, Inequality, and the Law, New York University School of Law. Other speakers included Tony Walters, Director of the Office of Diversity and Inclusion; Sherrill Spatz, Esq., Inspector General; and Kay-Ann Porter Campbell, Esq., Managing Inspector General for Bias Matters. The Town Hall was moderated by Hon. Llinét M. Rosado, Justice, Supreme Court, Bronx County, and FHW Commissioner. On March 11, 2021, the Commission held Part 2 of the Town Hall to continue the dialogue on systemic racism and bias in the courts. This Town Hall was primarily an opportunity for those who attend to actively participate by directing questions to panelists. The entire Town Hall was dedicated to questions and answers from the attendees. Nearly a thousand judges and court employees attended both Town Halls. The Commission intends to host quarterly Town Halls to continue the conversation and provide updates on the implementation of the recommendations of the Special Adviser on Equal Justice. |
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