A Statement from NAWJ President, Hon. Bernadette D'Souza

Now is a pivotal moment in our nation’s history, one that bears witness to citizens speaking out against the pernicious effects of inequality. Now is the moment when NAWJ is called to reaffirm its core mission: to promote the judicial role of protecting the rights of individuals under the rule of law through strong, committed, diverse judicial leadership; fairness and equality in the courts; and equal access to justice. 

NAWJ is deeply rooted and founded in diversity.  Our organization began with Justice Vaino Spencer and Judge Joan Dempsey Klein, an African American Judge and a White Judge, who established a tradition of diverse judicial leadership that has continued for forty years. Each of us is a part of this legacy. Each of us is committed to ensuring equal enforcement of laws.  Each of us is committed to ensuring that every person who comes before us receives the same justice.  

Our commitment is born out of vital tenets of our role as leaders in the judicial field. Our judicial canons universally require that we recognize and correct processes that impede access to justice or foster unequal application of law.  As Judges, we are duty-bound to protect the principles emblazoned in our constitutions; Constitutions which were established to ensure fair justice for all. 

NAWJ was founded upon a principle of equal justice for all. Today we take the opportunity to promote and reaffirm our commitment to this mission, and vow to continue to prioritize equity, inclusion and diversity in all that we do. 
In solidarity,

Hon. Bernadette D’Souza

Judge – Orleans Civil District Court
NAWJ President