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Message from National Bar President, Alfreda Robinson
COVID-19 is not an excuse for suspending federal civil rights protections!
The National Bar Association has fought for equal opportunity and civil and human rights since its founding in 1925. To advance the cause of equality, we have spoken truth to power during America's previous crises. We do so again.
The U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) OFCCP is required to ensure that federal government contractors and subcontractors do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.
OFCCP issued a National Interest Exemption memorandum that permits
OFCCP to grant exemption and waiver from some of the requirements of laws administered by the agency. https://www.dol.gov/ofccp/. We note that this is Women's History Month.
We challenge this policy. Civil Rights protections are derived from the U.S. Constitution. Therefore, Civil Rights safeguards are universally and perpetually applicable as American jurisprudence makes clear.
Indisputably, due to historic inequities, this crises disproportionally burdens Americans of Color and Women. They need continued Federal protections and oversight, not abandonment. The suspension of Equal Opportunity requirements in this crisis would not only penalize those protected by the civil rights laws, but it would also hinder the government’s work. The research is clear and compelling – diverse workforces produce better results.
This Government policy should be reversed at once.
I call on all NBA members to contact members of Congress, OFCCP, the White House, local bar associations, sororities,
fraternities, and other organizations to demand that the Administration reverse this policy immediately.
As always, your health and safety are our paramount concerns.
Stay Healthy,
Alfreda Robinson
President & Chief Executive Officer
National Bar Association
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