New York's judicial system emphasizes a comprehensive understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusivity

The Office of Diversity and Inclusion (ODI) has been instrumental in bringing historical research and a focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion to the New York court system. Under the leadership of department director Tony Walters, ODI has been working tirelessly to address discrimination and improve access to justice.

Since the 1990s, ODI's emphasis has shifted from equal employment opportunities to cultural awareness and the creation of a respectful workplace. This shift is evident in the office's wide range of programs and trainings, which cover topics like power, oppression, implicit bias, and understanding shared humanity.

One of the most notable initiatives is the "Intro to Cultural Consciousness" program, designed to help judges and other court personnel gain a deeper understanding of these complex issues. Walters is also working to create a "trainer of trainers" model to address the office's struggle to meet the high demand for its training and programs.

ODI's influence has moved away from direct recruitment efforts to providing guidance and support for other entities to encourage underrepresented candidates to apply for jobs in the court system. The office works with a network of churches and religious groups in upstate regions to pass on news of new openings to underrepresented groups.

Last year, ODI held programs on antisemitism, Islamophobia, and understanding shared humanity. These efforts align with the office's mission, as stated by Walters, who considers diversity, equity, and inclusion an access to justice issue.

In a significant move, ODI visited a lynching site in the Adirondack Mountains in mid-August. The visit was part of a staff retreat and was coordinated with Alabama's Legacy Museum, which gathers soil from sites of racial terror to raise awareness and honor victims. The museum engraves jars with names, dates, and locations as a kind of burial rite.

The administration under Chief Judge Rowan Wilson has taken a more proactive role on diverse employment. This is evident in the top three administrative judges, Wilson, Chief Administrative Judge Joseph Zayas, and First Deputy Chief Administrative Judge Norman St. George, who are all people of colour.

ODI's efforts have been successful, with the professional development academy, run in partnership with the Williams Commission, seeing forty-four percent of its participants receiving promotions across the court system.

In conclusion, the Office of Diversity and Inclusion is playing a crucial role in shaping the New York court system, fostering a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion, and working towards a more just and equitable legal system for all.