How Changes to the Mansfield Certification Reflect Shifts in DEI Language
In the current climate where initiatives promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are facing significant challenges, particularly under the policies of the Trump administration, the Diversity Lab has taken steps to revise the language featured on its Mansfield Certification website. According to reports from The American Lawyer, notable alterations include the elimination of terms that previously indicated candidate pool quotas and modifications to the DEI acronym itself. These have been replaced with more neutral terms like “equal” and “fairness.” This shift exemplifies a broader trend in the legal industry’s approach to diversity initiatives.
The earlier version of the Mansfield Certification page, preserved by Internet Archive on January 12, emphasized how the “Mansfield Difference” contributed to improving “inclusivity, access, and diversity” in leadership roles at participating firms. However, by January 27, the language shifted to highlight the certification’s role in promoting “inclusivity, equal access, and transparency in advancement processes and leadership roles,” indicating a nuanced change in focus.
Furthermore, the term “equitable” was removed from the “Purpose” section of the Mansfield Certification page, while “diversity” was also omitted from the context of “leadership diversity” in descriptions related to expanding talent pools within law firms. These changes suggest a strategic pivot in how the organization communicates its mission.
The changes to the Diversity Lab’s homepage were also significant since a snapshot taken on January 22 by Internet Archive. The revised opening paragraph now excludes a sentence that previously stated, “The more diverse the leadership, the more inclusive their decisions for the benefit of their workforces and communities.” The conclusion of the same paragraph has also been altered to declare, “Our north star is fairness,” which further illustrates the evolving narrative.
While some may interpret these adjustments as an attempt to mitigate the perceived divisiveness associated with DEI, Caren Ulrich Stacy, the founder and CEO of Diversity Lab, attributes the changes to “normal website refinements.” Stacy noted that prior to the implementation of Trump’s Executive Orders targeting “illegal” DEI programming, the website underwent frequent updates, sometimes changing nearly every day. She assures that even now, the site will continue to adapt in response to the evolving landscape.
What remains steadfast, however, is the core mission of the Diversity Lab. Stacy emphasizes that “our work remains the same: we are focused on equal access, equal treatment, and equal opportunities.” Additionally, she acknowledges the heightened scrutiny on language at a national level, expressing a desire to communicate their objectives transparently to avoid any potential misunderstandings. “With greater inclusion, comes greater diversity,” she asserts, reinforcing the importance of their mission.
Stay Updated on Diversity Lab Initiatives and Legal Trends
Diversity Lab Alters DEI-Centered Verbiage on Mansfield Certification Website [American Lawyer]
Staci Zaretsky is a senior editor at Above the Law, where she has contributed since 2011. She welcomes your feedback, so please feel free to reach out with any tips, questions, comments, or critiques. You can follow her on Bluesky, X/Twitter, and Threads, or connect with her on LinkedIn.
For more insights into the latest trends in litigation, regulation, deals, and financial services, sign up for Finance Docket, a collaborative effort between Breaking Media publications Above the Law and Dealbreaker.
