Phi Alpha Delta - Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Plan

Dear Sisters and Brothers,

Today, we recognize Juneteenth and commemorate the ending of slavery in the U.S. But we must acknowledge that racism, inequality, and inequities still exist in our nation and commit to actions that address these wrongs. We are moving forward with our commitment to doing more to ensure that we are living up to our mission. It is through devotion to the ideals of Integrity, Compassion, Courage, Professionalism, Service, Diversity, and Innovation that we better both our profession and our community. Through accepting our differences we become not just a law fraternity, but a family.

As I announced at the June 11, 2020 board meeting, the International Executive Board (“IEB”) received an initial proposal from Franklin Dickerson Turner, Ph.D. to implement a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Plan (“DEI Plan”).  Since that meeting, the IEB has voted to hire Dr. Turner to move forward with his recommended 5-phase DEI Plan, which he believes will take between five (5) to six (6) months to complete.

First, Dr. Turner will work with the IEB to draft a diversity, equity, and inclusion mission statement that encapsulates the values, missions, and intentions of enhancing the diversity, inclusion, and equity of Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity, International (“P.A.D.”).  The IEB will also work with him to create a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee, and Dr. Turner will provide training to these Committee Members.  Finally, Dr. Turner will help the Executive Office (“EO”) develop a diversity, equity, and inclusion resource section on all of our social media platforms and website. He estimates this phase will take approximately four (4) weeks.

Second, he will interview the EO, IEB, and other P.A.D. members about their experiences, vision, and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Dr. Turner will also review existing policies and diversity, equity, and inclusions activities. This phase is projected to take four (4) weeks to complete.

Third, Dr. Turner will work to assist the IEB and the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee to define concrete, mission-critical goals with measurable outcomes in order to enhance the diversity, inclusion, and equity of our Fraternity. He believes this phase will take approximately eight (8) weeks.

Fourth, he will assist us in developing and implementing a series of interventions to increase the capacity to boost diversity, equity, and inclusion within the P.A.D. once these goals have been developed.  This phase will last approximately four (4) weeks.

Fifth, Dr. Turner will create quantitative and qualitative assessments to measure the effectiveness of the diversity, equity, and inclusion interventions toward meeting the goals set by the IEB and the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee. He projects this phase will take four (4) weeks to complete.

After completion of this 5-phase DEI Plan, the IEB, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee, and the EO will continue to work with Dr. Turner to analyze the assessments of the interventions to see if any adjustments need to be made to the goals, outcomes, and solutions in order to continue to support Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity, International as it strives to increase equity, and inclusion within the Fraternity.

If you wish to serve on the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee, please email me.

Fraternally,

Jason Michael Ross

International Justice

Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity, International