Marshall Gerstein Celebrates Pride Month 2019 with Equality Illinois
Marshall, Gerstein & Borun LLP celebrated Pride Month 2019 with Michael P. Ziri, Director of Public Policy at Equality Illinois. Mr. Ziri discussed five areas of policy and legislation that are of particular interest in the ongoing effort for inclusion and protection of the LGBTQ population in Illinois and across the country.
Five Emerging Trends in LGBTQ Policy and Legislation:
- Non-discrimination practices in employment
- Working against licenses to discriminate
- Creating safer schools for LGBTQ youth
- Proper treatment of LGBTQ people in the criminal justice system
- Adequate and affirming healthcare
Equality Illinois was founded in 1991 to secure, protect, and defend the basic civil rights of LGBTQ Illinoisans. Equality Illinois builds a better Illinois by advancing equal treatment and full acceptance of the LGBTQ community. Marshall Gerstein is proud to support Equality Illinois in that mission.
Two of the firm’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee members, Mary Hannon, Patent Agent and Michael Silver, Ph.D., Technical Specialist co-chaired this presentation for Marshall Gerstein professionals, administrative leaders, and staff. The presentation was followed by a catered reception where attendees were invited to engage in discourse about Pride Month and the presentation.
At Marshall Gerstein, we are committed to the recruitment, retention, and advancement of the most talented and qualified people from all backgrounds. We value and seek the different perspectives that diversity of race, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, and diverse abilities bring.
The collective strength of our differences fosters diversity of thought, which drives innovation and enables us to better serve our clients. We also recognize that as we embrace an inclusive environment of different perspectives, we create enduring relationships with each other and our community.
We advance our commitment to diversity and inclusion through a strategic plan that includes a strong and active Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee. Our Committee is chaired by Lynn L. Janulis, Ph.D., a partner in the firm’s biotechnology practice, and includes a diverse representation of partners, associates, and other leaders from the firm’s management.
The Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee works closely with our recruiting, professional development, pro bono, and business development committees, as well as the practice groups to ensure that diversity and inclusion are prioritized in all of the firm’s strategic decisions.