Group also criticizes revoking of invitation to Syrian refugee keynote speaker at end-of-term dinner
The Canadian Association of Black Lawyers (CABL) has expressed concern about recent decisions that could show a trend of players within the legal community backing away from their commitments to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the legal profession.
First, the CABL said it was disappointed by McCarthy Tétrault LLP’s decision to pause its hiring program for Black and Indigenous law students without a clear reason.
In its statement, the CABL noted that the firm has a commitment to DEI and that its program promoted hiring young and racialized individuals notoriously underrepresented in the legal profession.
Second, the CABL also expressed disappointment in the decision of The Advocates’ Society (TAS) to revoke its invitation to Tareq Hadhad as keynote speaker at its end-of-term dinner based on possible disagreements between his perceived political views and the views of some members.
In its statement, the CABL noted that the political views of Hadhad – a Syrian refugee who is now a Canadian entrepreneur and humanitarian advocate – were not the proposed topic of his keynote speech, given that TAS had invited him to share his personal story of perseverance.
The CABL called the TAS decision troubling, as it suggested racialized voices deserved greater scrutiny and had value only if other voices did not oppose them.
“We urge McCarthy Tétrault LLP and The Advocates’ Society to reconsider their decisions that reflect a step backwards from their stated principles,” said the CABL’s statement. “We further encourage other law firms, legal organizations, and corporations to reaffirm their commitments to diversity, equity, and inclusion, not just through words, but through meaningful action.”
The CABL’s statement provided context for why DEI commitments are important in recent times. In 2020, law firms and legal organizations committed to promoting DEI in their workplaces. The current climate has seen challenges to DEI principles and a suppression of the voices advancing these values, the CABL said.
To genuinely promote DEI values, law firms and legal organizations should remain principled, uphold their previous commitments despite political, financial, or social pressures, and respect diverse thought, religion, and politics, the CABL added.
“These commitments arose from vital conversations during a global reckoning with anti-Black racism and racial justice following the tragic murder of George Floyd,” said the CABL’s statement. “We believe the current shift away from these commitments represents a dangerous retreat from the necessary work required to create a safer and more inclusive profession and society.”
The CABL lamented that systemic discrimination has prevented Black, racialized, and other underrepresented groups from availing of opportunities and leadership roles.
The CABL said systemic discrimination, colonialism, slavery, segregation, and other deep-rooted inequities have negatively impacted Canada’s legal profession, which has a history of exclusion. The CABL added that these issues hold back the profession from ensuring marginalized groups can access justice.
