In June 2020, in the wake of George Floyd’s death and as part of the New York State Court’s Excellence Initiative, Chief Judge Janet DiFiore announced an independent review of institutional racism within the New York State Court System, and appointed Secretary Jeh Johnson, Former United States Secretary of Homeland Security, to lead this effort. In September 2020, the New York City Bar Council on Judicial Administration released a letter report entitled “Racial Inequalities in the New York State Courts” regarding systemic racism in the New York City Courts. This report cites NYLPI’s “Accessible Justice” report and NYLPI’s continued advocacy to make the NYC courts accessible for people with disabilities. The City Bar’s report made recommendations that include expanding training for all court staff and improving access for people with disabilities.

The New York City Bar Council’s letter report can be read here.