As a follow-up to last week’s podcast about a proposed law to ban private companies from delivering diversity or discrimination-prevention training that inflicts any “guilt,” “anguish,” or “discomfort” due to historic wrongs, this episode explores the implications for employers.

Littler Principal Cindy-Ann Thomas and her guests, Lori A. Brown, Littler Shareholder and Andrea Cisco, Chief Operating Officer of the Future Work Institute:

- Discuss the socio-cultural factors in the national clamor for “guilt-free” learning zones

- Consider the benefits of “discomfort” for effective learning initiatives 

- Explore the potential challenges that such mandates pose for companies seeking to preserve their Faragher-Ellerth defense to hostile work environment claims

- Identify the steps that employers should take to safeguard their current anti-discrimination training programs from mounting “discomfort” claims

- Share additional strategies that business leaders can take to resist an increasing call for such orders

145 - Guarding Against Guilt: The War on “WOKE”- At Work (Part 2)

We help organizations develop customized diversity and inclusion initiatives that advance strategic objectives within the legal margins. The purpose of Littler's podcasts is to provide helpful information for employers, addressing the latest developments in labor and employment relations. They are not a substitute for experienced legal counsel and do not provide legal advice or attempt to address the numerous factual issues that arise in any employment-related issue.

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Littler Women's Leadership Initiative co-chair Margaret Parnell Hogan, interviews fellow Littler attorney Dionysia L. Johnson-Massie, about how respecting women in the workplace helps recruit and retain crucial talent, among other IE&D efforts.

166 - Conversations with Women: Recruiting and Retaining Women in the Current Legal Landscape

As February comes to a close, we end our celebration of Black History Month with a podcast featuring Littler attorneys and authors in honor of this year’s theme “African Americans and the Arts.” Littler attorney Karimah Lamar, has a thought-provoking conversation with fellow Littler attorneys Michael Wilder and Tiffany Obeng, who share their journey to becoming published authors and the influence it has had on their careers.

165 - Celebrating Black History Month: From Litigation to Literature

Since the United States Supreme Court issued its ruling in Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard University and the University of North Carolina on June 29, 2023, striking down race-conscious admission processes in higher education, it has sent shock waves throughout the corporate community as business leaders consider the decision’s potential impact on their own diversity, equity & inclusion (DEI) initiatives.

Littler Principal Cindy-Ann Thomas and her guest, Littler Shareholder Kim Carter, explore:

- The real significance of SCOTUS’ decision on the corporate sector

- The challenges associated with language and terms associated with DEI initiatives

- Strategies for reshaping and broadening the concept of “diversity” in screening and evaluating talent going forward

- Business considerations for reinforcing commitments in this evolving space

164 - Why DEI Doesn’t Have to DIE: Employer Considerations for Thriving in a Post-Harvard/UNC Era

In celebration of Disability Pride Month, Jennifer Duke, Littler Learning Group Director and attorney, talks with Anna Curry Gualano, Littler Principal and co-chair of the firm’s Individuals with Disabilities affinity group, about the importance of disability inclusion and its impact in the workplace for both employers and employees.

163 - Celebrating Disability Pride Month: Adding Disability Inclusion to the IE&D Conversation

As May comes to a close, we end our celebration of Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month with the second of two podcasts that feature the personal stories of some of our ‘Ohana group attorneys. Littler attorney Brandon Mita has an inspiring conversation with fellow Littler attorneys Nicole LeFave , James Lee and Urvi Morolia about leading through community service, non-profits and pro bono organizations that make a difference in their communities.

145 - Guarding Against Guilt: The War on “WOKE”- At Work (Part 2)

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