Illinois courts to get diversity and inclusion officer

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) - The Illinois Supreme Court is recruiting a chief diversity and inclusion officer for the judicial branch of state government to address racial justice.

The court said Monday the officer will propose practices, procedures and rules for Illinois courts to protect the constitutional rights of the public. It said the position will work with the Supreme Court and leaders throughout the judicial branch to achieve goals related to diversity, equity and inclusion.

Recent events 'œhave exposed frailties in our public institutions and brought to the forefront the disproportionate impact the application of certain laws, rules, policies and practices have had on the African American population, the Latinx community, and other people of color in Illinois and nationally," the court said in a statement.

'œPeople of color have no less expectation of fairness, equity and freedom from racial discrimination than others, yet they are continually confronted with racial injustices that the Courts have the ability to nullify and set right,'ť it said.