Diversity: can include differences in ethnicity, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, socioeconomic status, physical ability, veteran status, etc.

      Equity: the process of ensuring that practices and programs are impartial, fair and available on an equal basis – “leveling the playing field.”

      Inclusion: creating a workplace and classroom culture where people feel a sense of belonging and feel comfortable and supported by the organization.

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    At first glance, these principles seem reasonable but a large number of Americans believe just the opposite – that DEI doesn’t create fairness but promotes injustice and division. Approximately half the states have legislation in place to dismantle DEI programs in state-run institutions.

    At LAF’s April 24th Critical Issues luncheon, we’ll hear from legal expert Lucien “Skip” Capone, who will discuss the genesis of DEI, the reasons why it is being criticized and the strategies being employed to change or terminate it with a focus on how that is impacting DEI programs at North Carolina institutions of higher education.

        Dr. Capone was University Counsel with the University of North Carolina at Asheville from April of 2010 until his retirement in 2015. Prior to that, he was the University Counsel at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro from 1991 until his move to Asheville. Capone was a Navy Reservist in the Judge Advocate General’s Corps from 1982 to 2002. He served on active duty during Desert Storm and retired as a Commander.  Capone received the North Carolina Bar Association’s Citizen Lawyer award in 2008. He is a general aviation pilot and flight instructor.

Here are the details:

WHAT: LAF's April 24th Critical Issues Luncheon

          WHERE: The Country Club of Asheville, 170 Windsor Road

          TIME: Food Service begins at 11:45am, the program at 12:00pm

          COST: $25 for LAF members, $35 for nonmembers

         RESERVATIONS REQUIRED, by 12 Noon Wednesday, April 17th.

Luncheon Reservations for April 24th

   LAF is working to simplify and expedite the reservation process. To that end, we strongly encourage everyone to use our new on-line reservation system. Reserve by clicking this link https://forms.gle/Zvs9vX26oNJREkej7, and you will receive an email confirmation upon submission.

   If you prefer, you may still email LAF board member, David Bennert at lafregister@gmail.com. to reserve.  Nancy Williams hopes to be back at the helm later this spring!