Dear Colleagues,
Last week, we saw a series of policy changes at the federal level that have likely left many in our community, and within the communities we serve, feeling concerned, confused and even disenfranchised, disheartened, and unsure of the path forward.
Please take to heart that there are some things that will not change – first and foremost that the Philadelphia Bar Association will continue to support the same ideals it has always stood for and to further our mission of promoting respect for the rule of law and equal access to justice. These ideals include protecting our immigrant communities and celebrating the diversity and strength they bring to our City.
In addition, we remain committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging as tenets of our Association’s core values. It is imperative that our profession reflect the communities that it serves and that our Association reflects different perspectives and backgrounds.
Our commitment includes support of the transgender and nonbinary community and their right to embrace their identities and conduct their lives free from fear.
As 2025 brings challenges to these ideals, we will not be silent. We will convene thought leaders, communicate through education and collaborate with our legal community and the wider Philadelphia community. Plans are already in the works within our Association to respond to some of the pressing needs that policy changes put forth last week have created.
- We will be posting a number of resources to our website to help attorneys and the public understand the law and their rights.
- As necessary, we will prepare and sign on to an amicus brief supporting the birthright citizenship as recognized in the 14th Amendment.
- We will convene communities both affected by the policies and those who can lend help across the City beginning with an informational summit, focused on protecting the rights of immigrants living in Philadelphia and around the City.
We hope you will join us in meeting the moment. At times like these, it becomes even more important to embrace, protect and proclaim our core values. We have the responsibility and the power to use our voices to protect the rule of law and defend democracy.
With hope and light,
Your 2025 Chancellor, Katayun Jaffari
