Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Menu Home Resources Programs Reports History History In 1996, a report revealed racial bias within the Connecticut judicial system. In response, the Judicial Branch initiated a comprehensive reform effort, including focus groups, specialized trainings and anti-discrimination policies. The culmination of these efforts led to the development of the Judicial Branch Strategic Plan, which outlined a vision for a more equitable and inclusive justice system. To further advance these goals, the Advisory Committee on Cultural Competency (ACCC) was established in 2010, followed by the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Unit in 2023. Both entities work collaboratively to promote cultural awareness, address systemic bias, and foster a more equitable justice system for all. Timeline Judicial Branch Task Force on Minority Fairness The Task Force Report confirmed that both real and perceived racial bias existed within the judicial system. To address this issue, the Task Force recommended several measures, including mandatory diversity training for all Judicial Branch employees, the More Info 1996 Focus Groups Following the implementation of the Task Force's recommendations, the Branch conducted focus groups with both internal (Branch Employees) and external (the public) stakeholders. These discussions revealed that perceptions of racial and ethnic bias within the judicial system still existed. 2007 Judicial Branch Strategic Plan The overall goal of the Judicial Branch Strategic Plan was to "provide a diverse and culturally competent environment that is sensitive to the values and responsive to the needs of all who interact with it." The Branch More Info 2008 Advisory Committee on Cultural Competency Richard A. Robinson In response to the 2008 Strategic Plan, the Judicial Branch established the Advisory Committee on Cultural Competency (ACCC). The ACCC was charged with assessing the training needs of the Branch, and to develop an ongoing, comprehensive training program for all Branch staff. Chief Justice Richard A. Robinson was the first chairperson for the ACCC. 2010 Internal Focus Groups Three years after implementing its new Strategic Plan, the Judicial Branch conducted extensive focus groups with its internal stakeholders. These focus groups found that despite all previous efforts, very little changed in the perception of how people experience and are treated within the Judicial Branch. 2011 Foundations in Cultural Responsiveness 100 Foundations in Cultural Responsiveness 100 (FCR 100) is a two-day in-person training session for Branch employees that was created and co-facilitated by members of the ACCC. This foundational session covers topics such as world view, stereotypes, bias, More Info 2012 Diversity Week The ACCC hosted its first ever Diversity Week. The Opening Ceremony, held at the Legislative Office Building in downtown Hartford, CT, featured Professor Dan Kahan of Yale Law School as the keynote speaker, along with six (6) More Info 2014 ACCC proposal for an Office of Diversity With the mounting responsibilities of ACCC members to continue moving the Branch's efforts forward, an official proposal was put forward to the ACCC Chair, Chief Justice Robinson, for an Office of Diversity. 2020 Judge Sanchez-Figueroa appointed ACCC Chairperson Norma I. Sanchez-Figueroa Chief Justice Richard A. Robinson steps back as the ACCC Chairperson due to increasing responsibilities within the Office of the Chief Justice. Judge Norma I. Sanchez-Figueroa was appointed as the new chairperson for the ACCC by Chief Justice Robinson. Judge More Info 2021 The Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Unit Troy M. Brown Three years after the initial proposal for an Office of Diversity, the CT Supreme Court voted in favor of appointing a Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) for the Judicial Branch. This endeavor was supported by More Info 2023 General Information or Questions DEI.CTJudicial@jud.ct.gov