Symposium on structural racism in New York hosted by State Bar Association

March 14, 2024 Robert Abruzzese, Courthouse Editor

Albany Law School, the host of an upcoming symposium on structural racism in New York.
Photo: Albany Law School/Wikimedia Commons

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The New York State Bar Association and Albany Law School are set to host a symposium focused on the historical impact of structural racism in New York.

Scheduled for March 20 at Albany Law School, this event marks a collaborative effort between the bar association’s Task Force on Racism, Social Equity and the Law and the Government Law Center at the school. It aims to shed light on the discriminatory laws and policies that have perpetuated disparities across various facets of life, including education, healthcare, employment, and access to voting rights.

Richard Lewis, president of the New York State Bar Association, emphasized the importance of this initiative, noting, “Sixty years after the Civil Rights Act was passed, we are committed to addressing and eliminating discriminatory practices that hinder equal access to fundamental rights and opportunities.” The symposium will feature discussions on the enduring effects of structural racism on wealth equity in relation to housing, health, and education within the state.

The event will also highlight the recommendations from the New York State Bar Association’s Task Force on Racism, Social Equity and the Law. Kapil Longani, senior vice chancellor for legal affairs and general counsel at the State University of New York, will deliver the keynote address, underscoring the significance of legal and educational institutions in combating systemic injustices.

Participants will include a broad range of experts and leaders, such as Richard Lewis; Cinnamon Carlarne, president and dean of Albany Law School; and Julia Iyasere, senior vice president of health justice and equity at New York – Presbyterian.

The forum is designed to foster a comprehensive dialogue on strategies to dismantle systemic racism and promote social equity across New York.

The involvement of distinguished figures like Judge Leslie E. Stein, director of the Government Law Center at Albany Law School, and Clotelle L. Drakeford, from The Legal Aid Society of Westchester County, further highlights the collaborative nature of this effort.

Concluding remarks will be delivered by T. Andrew Brown, a past president of the New York State Bar Association, encapsulating the insights gained and the actionable steps forward. This symposium stands as a testament to the ongoing efforts of the legal community to address and rectify the deep-seated issue of racism in society.