The Association’s House of Delegates adopted a diversity policy on November 8, 2003, which reads:
The New York State Bar Association is committed to diversity in its membership, officers, staff, House of Delegates, Executive Committee, Sections and Committees and their respective leaders. Diversity is an inclusive concept, encompassing gender, race, color, ethnic origin, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age and disability.
We are a richer and more effective Association because of diversity, as it increases our Association’s strengths, capabilities and adaptability. Through increased diversity, our organization can more effectively address societal and member needs with the varied perspectives experiences, knowledge, information and understanding inherent in a diverse relationship.