MLAC Statement on the Importance of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion in our schools, neighborhoods, institutions, and organizations is vital to the work of building a more collaborative, innovative, and compassionate society.

MLAC understands that the work of civil legal aid is deeply connected to the tenets of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Equal access to justice and opportunity have historically been denied to marginalized groups based on race, ethnicity, economic status, and other factors that are directly tied to the effects of institutionalized racism. Countering this reality takes intentional efforts to ensure people from all backgrounds are welcomed into the rooms and halls where knowledge, power, and influence are cultivated—intentional efforts that are not achieved and then abandoned. This is an ongoing pursuit and must be continually prioritized. MLAC stands behind this principle and will continue to lead in its efforts to create a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive legal aid community that values the lived experiences of all people – especially those that have been historically marginalized. We serve these communities every day as we fight for access to justice through civil legal aid.

We implore all our partners to join us and continue in this persistent work to overcome the institutional barriers that have stalled, for far too long, the pursuit of justice for all.