Belmont Law Hosts Nashville Bar Association’s 2024 Diversity Summit

Summit draws 100 attendees from various law firms, law schools, and professionals from Nashville’s legal and general community 

Various members of Nashville’s legal community gathered in Belmont University’s College of Law for the Nashville Bar Association’s 2024 Diversity Summit, Sept. 20.  

“As the dean of the law school and as a lawyer, I understand the importance of the rule of law and protecting and promoting diversity,” Belmont Law Dean Alberto Gonzales said in his welcome to kick off the summit. “As citizens, we all know the prominence of this topic in our political debate today. It’s important that we have a rigorous debate and discussion about this topic and hopefully, at the end of the day, you learn something new.” 

This is the third year for Belmont Law to serve as the host site for the biennial summit, bringing individuals from diverse backgrounds, perspectives and experiences into the broader conversation about diversity, equity and inclusion in the legal profession.  

“Belmont administrators, faculty, staff and students – especially law students – appreciate the opportunity to attend such events on our campus,” said Dr. Tracey Carter, Belmont professor of law and summit planning committee member. “It is imperative to have diversity in the legal profession in order to have a representative legal system, which has a positive impact upon our society as a whole.” 

The day-long conference assembled a venerable list of panelists and speakers to focus on topics relating to the summit’s theme: Navigating Diversity After “Students for Fair Admissions” Supreme Court Ruling. 

“The Supreme Court decision changed how many universities, corporations and government agencies look at diversity,” Mary Beard, diversity summit committee chair said. “We want to make sure that when we leave today’s summit, we all understand the importance of diversity and its significance in our society, especially in the legal profession.” 

Plenary sessions & panels

Associate Dean of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion at Vanderbilt Law School Yesha Yadav set the stage for the summit with a riveting opening plenary conversation. Referencing her experience and research, she provided a high-level overview about the implications of the “Students for Fair Admissions” ruling. 

Hon. Bernice Donald — whose 40-year judicial career began in 1982 by winning election to the General Sessions Criminal Court for Shelby County, Tennessee, making her the first African American woman judge in the state — delivered the keynote address. 

Judge Donald examined the negative impact of implicit bias on various aspects of society, including the legal profession and education.  

"Our history, our stereotypes and our biases shape how we see the world around us, and if we see a world that is not aspirational of our values, then we have to work to change that situation," she said.  

Panel discussions explored diversity from different perspectives including  

• Navigating law and business as a first-generation immigrant  

• How inclusion impacts decision-making on nonprofit, corporate and government boards 

• Elevating health, equity and success through workplace well-being  

• Navigating diversity with consideration of artificial intelligence 

Belmont’s inaugural Vice President for Hope, Unity & Belonging Dr. D’Angelo Taylor concluded the summit in a plenary session, further examining the implications of the “Students for Fair Admissions” ruling while drawing on his career experiences in diversity, equity and inclusion in higher education. 

“The theme of today and the message is very simple: press on,” Taylor said. “Generation Z students are going to be looking for places that value diversity, equity and inclusion.” 

As speakers and panelists reinforced the importance of diversity and inclusion in the wake of the “Students for Fair Admissions” Supreme Court ruling, NBA’s 2024 Diversity Summit highlighted the challenges and opportunities the legal profession and other sectors face in fostering equitable environments.