As employers continue to grapple with the complexities of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), negative stereotypes and legal challenges persist. Cara Crotty and Punam Rogers, co-chairs of Constangy's DEI practice group presented a webinar on Oct. 24 exploring strategies to combat negative DEI stereotypes and outlined emerging best practices for balancing legal risks against impactful DEI initiatives that champion meaningful change and foster an inclusive workplace. SHRM and HRCI credits were offered for this webinar.
To access a recording of this webinar, click the link below.
Cara advises employers on ways to avoid litigation and has defended employers in cases involving virtually every aspect of the employment relationship, including discrimination, harassment, and retaliation claims and various other federal and state law claims. As the chair of the Affirmative Action/OFCCP Compliance practice group, Cara is at the forefront of guiding contractors through intricate compliance landscapes. Cara assists federal contractors in their affirmative action compliance obligations by assisting with Affirmative Action Plan preparation, completion of EEO-1 and VETS-4212 Reports, and defending OFCCP compliance evaluations. As co-chair of Constangy’s DEI practice group, Cara counsels employers on compliant DEI initiatives and provides comprehensive DEI training.
Punam’s practice focuses on Business Immigration law and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion. On the DEI front, Punam partners with employers—both large and small—to review, develop, and implement DEI programs that will enable each business to achieve maximum performance. She assists employers in strengthening morale among team members and building confidence with customers, vendors, and the public at large. Punam’s team has deep DEI auditing capabilities, and are able to pinpoint areas for improvement in organizations’ operations where diversity, equity, and inclusion can be utilized as a competitive advantage. Putting DEI initiatives in place does not only provide an opportunity to significantly decrease litigation exposure, it can also help provide an advantage over competitors to increase the perspective and performance of an organization’s most valuable asset—its employees.