Hon. Nan R. Nolan (ret.) has been appointed to the Racial Justice Diversity Committee (the “Committee”) for the United States District Court - Northern District of Illinois, Eastern Division.  The Northern District of Illinois' 11-member Committee includes five retired judges.  It aims to identify areas of racial disparity within the Court and will review potential methods that could help it address those issues.

According to the announcement issued by the Northern District of Illinois, the Committee has adopted this Mission Statement:

The Diversity Committee for the Northern District of Illinois (the “Committee”) will independently review any procedures or practices that might be helpful in aiding the Court to address racial disparities. The Committee will seek to evaluate methods that may help overcome any barriers to achieving the goal of equal justice for all.

The Committee will specifically study diversity at all staffing levels of the federal district court, as well as the general bar, trial bar, court monitors, special masters and receivers, CJA panel, and lawyers who serve as lead and liaison counsel in MDL proceedings.

The Committee will release a public report which outlines its recommendations to the Court and bar.

Judge Nolan was selected for inclusion by Chief Judge Rebecca R. Pallmeyer, who, in the announcement, stated, “Ongoing systemic racism has long existed in our nation, justice system, and legal profession. The Court recognizes that real change requires ongoing commitment and sustained effort. The appointment of a Diversity Committee is an important next step in examining and addressing these injustices. The Court is grateful to this esteemed panel for undertaking this critical task for the Northern District of Illinois.”

The full Northern District of Illinois press release can be read here.  Additional coverage by Law360 can be read here.