Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives are facing unprecedented challenges. From the rise in reverse discrimination claims to the coordinated legal and political attacks on both public and private DEI programs—particularly in the wake of the Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard (SFFA) decision—and now the implications of the recent Trump administration Executive Orders, organizations must navigate an increasingly uncertain landscape. In this webinar presented by SEPA SHRM, Dee Spagnuolo and Brian Pedrow from Ballard Spahr will examine the evolving threats to DEI and explore the implications for employers. Join us for a critical discussion on the future of DEI and learn strategies for responding to these ongoing challenges. Click below to register through the SEPA SHRM website. There is a registration cost for non-members, paid to SEPA SRHM.

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Presenters:

Dee Spagnuolo is a partner in the White Collar Defense / Internal Investigations Group, where she focuses on investigations and compliance advice in corporate, educational, and non-profit settings. She co-chairs the firm’s Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Counseling initiative and, for the last decade, has advised a wide range of clients on the development and implementation of their organizational DEI programs. As Ballard’s Partner in Charge, Attorney Career Advancement, Dee serves as the firm’s Executive Team and is responsible for the recruitment, professional development, compensation, evaluation, and promotion of lawyers across the firm’s 18 offices. She also serves as a member of the firm’s Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Council.

Brian Pedrow, partner and co-chair of the DE&I Group, advises Fortune 100 companies, government entities, and industry leaders on developing and implementing DEI programs and compliance strategies. With extensive experience in employment litigation, labor matters, and employee benefits disputes, Brian guides organizations through legal complexities while promoting inclusive workplaces. He represents clients in a wide range of employment-related issues, including discrimination, harassment, retaliation, and breach of contract, as well as labor negotiations, arbitrations, and compliance with key regulations like Title VII, ADA, ADEA, FMLA, NLRA, and OSHA.