WSBA Board holds first reading of Equity and Justice Plan; committee seeks measurable implementation

The Washington State Bar Association Board of Governors on a virtual meeting conducted a first reading of a draft Equity and Justice Plan presented by the DEI Council, outlining three goals, a five‑year framework for implementation and a process for collecting further feedback.

Francis Adewale, president‑elect (acting chair for the item), said the draft is the product of two years of work and urged board members to read it closely. “This plan is a plan that is like no other in the nation at this particular moment,” Adewale said.

Sharon Sakamoto, co‑chair of the Equity and Justice Plan Committee, reviewed the drafting process and outreach. Sakamoto said the committee relied on a 2024 membership demographic study and on focus groups and noted the committee “ultimately heard from over 80 people through that effort,” encompassing outreach to affinity bar associations and statewide surveys. She described the draft as intentionally concise and said the committee expects to refine specific language before a second reading.

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