The Road Ahead for DEI: HR Compliance Amid Legal Challenges and Changes

The Road Ahead for DEI: HR Compliance Amid Legal Challenges and Changes

This webinar, presented by Jane Kow of HR Law Consultants, provides HR leaders with crucial insights into managing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs in light of current California laws and recent U.S. Supreme Court decisions. Attendees will explore practical approaches for ensuring compliance while fostering a fair and inclusive workplace. Topics include managing recruitment practices, addressing discrimination claims, and understanding the role of local agencies in enforcing workplace policies.

Jane’s intent is to guide HR professionals in navigating these complexities, ensuring workplace practices align with legal standards while supporting inclusivity.

Key Takeaways:

1. Aligning DEI Programs with Compliance: Learn how to design and maintain DEI initiatives that support underrepresented groups while adhering to legal standards.
2. Case Law Considerations: Gain insights into the impact of cases such as Students for Fair Admission v. Harvard/UNC on affirmative action and workplace statements about diversity commitments.
3. California-Specific Considerations: Understand how laws like SB 1137 address intersectionality in discrimination claims and how SB 100 protects undocumented workers’ rights related to employment eligibility.
4. Workplace Communication Policies: Discover best practices for managing sensitive workplace discussions and protecting employees under SB 399, which ensures freedom from coercion in employer-sponsored discussions.
5. Local Government Oversight: Learn how SB 1340 empowers local agencies to conduct audits and enforce anti-discrimination laws, requiring a proactive approach to compliance.

This session will provide actionable guidance for HR professionals to navigate the evolving landscape while supporting inclusive and compliant workplace practices.

About the Speaker Jane Kow:

With over 30 years of experience in employment law and HR consulting, Jane Kow, founder of HR Law Consultants, is a trusted expert in workplace compliance and best practices. A distinguished Super Lawyer in 2025, Jane has advised companies across industries, conducted high-profile investigations, and delivered tailored training on topics like harassment prevention, disability accommodations, and employment law compliance.

Jane has testified before the EEOC in Washington, D.C., trained thousands of professionals, and shared her expertise at leading conferences and universities. She has also appeared as a guest on NPR-affiliated radio programs, addressing workplace legal issues. Jane’s practical, customized solutions empower organizations to navigate complex workplace challenges with confidence.

About Merit HR

Merit HR focuses on one thing: Human Resources. We connect innovative organizations and talented HR and People Operations professionals in the San Francisco Bay area and beyond. Any industry. Any size organization. Any focus. Only HR. Find us here!

Webinar Qualifies for Recertification Credits

• HRCI: 1.5 General
• HRCI 1.5 Business
• HRCI 1.5 California
• SHRM: 1.5 PDC

*Recertification codes will be made available for those in attendance

Host or Publisher Merit HR