It is a growing practice among business community to engage in diversity initiatives in hiring, promotion, outside contracting. A network of interrelated state and federal laws and regulations enforced by the EEOC, including Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, outlaw discrimination on the basis of race, sex, religion, and national origin. But it may not be clear what the law permits when it comes to discrimination on the basis of race.

Should preferences for race or sex be unlawful in the context of hiring, promotions and other professional opportunities, or contracting? How should diversity and inclusion officers navigate legal precedent in this area? Is diversity training helpful in the existing legal environment? Does functionally eliminating diversity training via government action benefit the public or create new pitfalls?

Featuring:

Prof. Theodore M. Shaw, University of North Carolina School of Law

Jonathan Berry, Partner, Boyden Gray & Associates

Moderator: Judge Paul B. Matey,United States Court of Appeals, Third Circuit

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As always, the Federalist Society takes no position on particular legal or public policy issues; all expressions of opinion are those of the speaker.