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LIVE WEB - The End of Affirmative Action? The Effect and Future of Admissions and Other Programs in the Public and Private Sectors After SFFA v. Harvard/UNC

Presented by the ISBA Education Law Section, ISBA Human & Civil Rights Section,
and ISBA Labor & Employment Law Section
Co-sponsored by the ISBA Diversity Leadership Council

L ive Webcast
Tuesday, February 6, 2024
2:00 – 4:05 p.m.

2.0 hours MCLE credit, including 2.0* hours Professional Responsibility MCLE credit in the following category: Diversity & Inclusion MCLE credit

In 2014, the Students for Fair Admissions (SFFA) filed lawsuits against both Harvard College and the University of North Carolina in which they argued that each school’s race-based admissions process violated Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment. On October 31, 2022, the U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments for these two cases and, on June 29, 2023, issued their ruling that sided with SFFA. Join us for a comprehensive look at this landmark case and a discussion on how this ruling changes law around affirmative action and diversity initiatives. Attorneys with all levels of practice experience who attend this online program will better understand:
  • The history and past decisions surrounding this case;
  • The recent guidance from the Department of Education and Department of Justice;
  • The potential risks moving forward for IHEs, private and public sectors, and not-for-profits; and
  • Steps to take to minimize the risk of litigation and enhance the likelihood of initiatives surviving.

Program Coordinators:
Craig Colbrook, Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, Springfield
Robert P. Lyons, Attorney at Law, Addison

Program Moderator:
Jill D. Leka, Clark Baird Smith LLP, Rosemont

Program Speakers:
Prof. Cindy Buys , SIU School of Law, Carbondale
Jessica L. Galanos , Bricker & Eckler, Ohio


*Professional Responsibility MCLE credit subject to approval

For best practices, before attending the program using ISBA's Zoom platform, please visit our Technical Support page.

Program Information

  • Fees:
    • ISBA Member - $60
      • ISBA sponsoring section members get a $10 registration discount (which is automatically calculated in your cart when you log in to register).
    • Non-Member - $100
    • New Attorney Member (within the first five years of practice) - $25
    • Law Student Members - Free
    • Special pricing is available for Legal Service Attorneys.
  • If you cannot attend the live web event, a full refund is available, if you cancel your registration up to the start of the live web event on the program page in your “My CLE Account”. 
  • Please Note: MCLE credit is available to registrants only on the day of this live event – and you must attend the entire program to earn MCLE credit. All registrants will receive access to a recording of the event a few days after the program, but credit is NOT available for the recording.