Understanding the Legal Attacks on Racial Health Equity Programs

In recent years, opponents of civil rights have introduced legislation and brought legal challenges to policies and programs seeking to reduce inequities in education, employment, and other sectors. Health equity programs have also been targeted. These legal actions are designed to be confusing and intimidating with the goal of eliminating our ability to identify and address racial discrimination. For those who work in racial health equity, it is critical to understand both the current risks and protections available to the important programs and services that you provide to your community. 

On October 22nd, the Legal Defense Fund will provide a high-level overview of the recent legal and legislative attacks against racial health equity that have been advanced or proposed across the country. Attendees will take a deep dive into the legal landscape and will walk away with an understanding of:

1. A brief history of race-conscious programs;
2. Court decisions and advocacy efforts that may impact racial health equity programming and efforts; 
3. Recent legal challenges to racial health equity programs, and their implications; and
4. Takeaways on what can be done to protect health equity work. 

To ensure we have a valuable discussion during audience Q&A, we encourage you to submit your questions, concerns and barriers in advance during registration.

Please note that the topics and information covered in this discussion do not constitute legal advice. Furthermore, this panel shall not be construed as forming an attorney-client relationship between LDF staff members and attendees.

Speakers

1. Arielle Humphries, Assistant Counsel, Legal Defense Fund
2. Amalea Smirniotopoulos, Senior Policy Counsel and Co-Manager of LDF’s Equal Protection Initiative, Legal Defense Fund
3. Pilar Whitaker, Special Economic Justice Counsel, Legal Defense Fund
4. Philip M. Alberti, PhD, Founding Director of the AAMC Center for Health Justice & Senior Director, Health Equity Research Policy at the Association of American Medical Colleges (moderator)