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Florida Law
A Question of Diversity
Many in Miami still steam over the remarks of Colorado Republican U.S. Rep. Tom Tancredo last fall when he called Miami "a Third World country" in an interview that pointed to the region as an example of how "the nature of America can be changed by uncontrolled immigration."
But how do Miami's professionals, including lawyers, "contribute to this impression either by action or inaction?" That question comes from Elizabeth M. Hernandez, new president of the Cuban American Bar Association, who has served as chief legal officer for the city of Coral Gables for the past dozen years.
Earlier this year at her swearing-in, Hernandez delivered a pointed speech to fellow lawyers that turned the diversity question right back on them: "What have we done to ensure that the outside world views our community in a manner that accurately reflects a rich and diverse populace?" she asked. "Do our law firms reflect the community? Does your board of directors accurately reflect the many diverse populations in this community? Many welcome diversity at the lower rungs but not throughout their organizations. At your next board meeting, take a look around the table. If all the members look alike, you have failed this community, your family and, more importantly, yourself."
