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Board declines to eliminate DEI Section after debate on legal risks and member retention
Summary
After discussion about legislative scrutiny and member recruitment, the Board voted unanimously against a motion to eliminate the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Section, with supporters noting the section’s CLE focus and compliance with Keller restrictions and opponents warning about recruitment harms.
The Wyoming State Bar Board debated whether to eliminate its Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Section on Aug. 22 before overwhelmingly rejecting a proposal to dissolve it.
President‑Elect P. Craig Silva said the decision to review the section followed a presidential executive order and expressed sensitivity to legislative criticism. Executive Director Sharon Wilkinson told the Board the DEI Section Council reviews its activities for Keller‑doctrine compliance and focuses mainly on continuing legal education for members. Bar Counsel Mark W. Gifford confirmed the section’s activities remained within Keller limits.
Commissioner Dona Playton urged caution about eliminating the section, saying it could be counterproductive to retaining young lawyers in Wyoming. Vice President Alison O. Gee and others emphasized that the Council had already reviewed its activities and found no legal conflict. Silva moved to eliminate the DEI Section; Commissioner Kevin K. Kessner seconded and the motion failed unanimously.
The Board did not direct immediate policy changes to the section; the discussion highlighted an ongoing tension between perceived legislative scrutiny and the Bar’s efforts to support young and diverse lawyers.
