Rooting Out Racial Bias

Following their National Conference of Bar Presidents keynote, Dana and Keith Cutler share high-level strategies bar groups can use to address racial bias in a conversation with host Alisha Udhwani.

One step is learning how to spot and address microaggressive behavior, which is more subtle and can be an intentional or unintentional form of racial bias.

Alisha Udhwani identified a common statement — “you speak such good English” — which Keith Cutler described is often considered a backhanded compliment.

But no matter how unintentional, microaggressions can create tension and put recipients on edge. Dana Cutler shares how an individual subject to microaggressions can withdraw and become less adventurous. This is especially detrimental for diverse lawyers who build a business by making contacts and building relationships.

The Cutlers offer suggestions for bar organizations to combat bias through training and a transparent process for leadership opportunities.

Dana Cutler is the diversity and inclusion officer at Holistic Industries.

Her husband Keith Cutler is a civil trial attorney practicing with W. Tippin & Associates in Missouri.

Alisha Udhwani is a National Conference of Bar Presidents Diversity Scholar and serves on its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee.