Straus Institute to Host Symposium on Diversity and Equity in ADR

On Friday, April 23, the Straus Institute will host a virtual symposium, ADR at the Roots: Exploring Diversity and Equity in the Field, from 8:30 am - 12:30 pm. Please click the link here for event information and registration for ADR at the Roots.

This symposium brings together scholars, thinkers, and practitioners to consider the role of dispute resolution in advancing fairness and justice in our field, the legal system, and society at-large. The program's plenary discussions will center upon the potential for ADR to devise innovative solutions that empower marginalized communities, as well as its limitations of accessibility and process that may impede equitable outcomes.

Beginning with an inspiring keynote from Professor Phyllis E. Bernard, the symposium will open with a panel on promoting diversity in conflict resolution education and practice. Distinguished panelists include Professors Jacqueline Font-Guzman, Homer C. La Rue, and Sharon Press. The conversation for the next discussion will then shift to addressing bias in dispute resolution practice, where three scholars--Professors Lisa B. Amsler, Isabelle Gunning, and Andrew Mamo--will present insights on process-based interventions and systems designs. Judge Daniel Weinstein, who serves as Straus' Distinguished Mediator-in-Residence, will provide special remarks and present Professor Blake Morant with a Champion for Diversity in ADR award.

The symposium is organized by Aparna Gupta, Associate Director at the Straus Institute and Professor Sukhsimranjit Singh, Judge Danny Weinstein Managing Director of the Institute. Professors Stephanie Blondell and Singh will serve as moderators for the plenary sessions.