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Diversity and Inclusion Statement

The CBA is committed to promoting opportunity, inclusion, and belonging for all persons, regardless of their personal attributes unrelated to merit, fitness, or the respect and value they deserve as human beings. Such attributes include, but are not necessarily limited to, race, color, sex, religion, national origin, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, marital or parental status, or socioeconomic status. We believe in these values both in opposition to discrimination and in support of the positive good achieved from the participation of people with diverse viewpoints, backgrounds, experiences, and circumstances in our organizations, institutions, and communities.

These values are not only important as a statement of principle. Tangible progress in their direction enhances the public’s confidence in the judicial system and removes barriers to justice. Such progress makes the CBA a stronger, more effective organization, improves the quality and delivery of legal services in the Cincinnati region, attracts and retains talent in the Cincinnati legal community, and addresses historic barriers to career development and advancement in the legal profession.

To foster progress, the CBA:

  • Encourages conditions in which legal professionals are hired, engaged, evaluated, promoted, supported, treated, rewarded, and paid based on the merits of the value they contribute or have the potential to contribute, rather than their personal attributes unrelated to performance;
  • Supports the conditions under which minority and underrepresented legal professionals are encouraged to participate and lead;
  • Supports organizations and activities that promote shared values, including those supporting the success of minority and underrepresented legal professionals;
  • Supports the rule of law in no uncertain terms, including binding authority governing the treatment of persons based on their attributes described above, as well as constitutionally-protected rights to speak and assemble for the promotion of shared values or changes in the law; and
  • Supports education and engagement within the CBA, the Cincinnati legal community, and the broader Cincinnati region.