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Reuters
6 days ago
- Politics
- Reuters
Wisconsin Bar redefines ‘diversity' to settle discrimination lawsuit
July 17 (Reuters) - The State Bar of Wisconsin has modified its definition of 'diversity' for applicants to its leadership programs, ending a two-year-old lawsuit brought by a conservative legal group alleging the programs discriminate based on race. The change, announced by the state bar on Wednesday, comes more than a year after the organization made similar modifications to a diversity program for law students following a partial settlement in the same lawsuit. The latest settlement, disclosed in a joint court filing on Tuesday by the state bar and the Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty, requires the Wisconsin bar to make clear in promotional and application materials that its leadership and law student diversity clerkship programs are open to all law students and state bar members. Those changes will allow the G. Lane Ware Leadership Academy and Leadership Summit to 'continue unencumbered,' the state bar said. The Ware Leadership Academy is a leadership development course over three two-day sessions annually for "a diverse and inclusive group of lawyers." The Leadership Summit is an annual luncheon for 24 young lawyers who "possess the potential to be the next generation of state bar leaders." 'We are pleased to have reached an amicable agreement that resolves the outstanding litigation,' said Ryan Billings, the Wisconsin Bar's immediate past president, in a statement. Dan Lennington, deputy counsel at the Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty, said Thursday that the state bar 'was caught red-handed using race to discriminate against applicants for its programs,' and that diversity and inclusion 'is over at the state bar.' 'We will continue to monitor them, and if they backslide, we will sue them again,' Lennington said. The state bar's leadership program applications previously referenced 'race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, gender, gender identity, age, sexual orientation and disability,' in their diversity definitions. Under the new definition, diversity means "including people with differing characteristics, beliefs, experiences, interests, and viewpoints.' The Wisconsin lawsuit is among a series of legal challenges to diversity programs after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in 2023 that colleges and universities cannot consider race in admissions. The Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty sued the state bar, opens new tab in December 2023 on behalf of attorney Daniel Suhr, asserting he should not have to pay for the bar's law student diversity fellowship program. Using Suhr's mandatory dues for what he claimed was an illegal program violated his First Amendment rights under the U.S. Constitution, the lawsuit said. After the bar agreed to a partial settlement addressing the law student fellowship program in April 2024, Suhr filed an amended complaint alleging that the bar's leadership programs were discriminatory. A federal judge declined to dismiss the case in August, ruling that Suhr should have the opportunity to establish through evidence whether the bar is using mandatory dues to fund 'non-germane' activities. Read more: Discrimination lawsuit prompts Wisconsin Bar to modify diversity program Conservative group sues Wisconsin bar to block diversity clerkship program
The Print
01-07-2025
- Business
- The Print
Private capital crucial for sustainable development: FM Sitharaman
In an era of volatile FDI flows and mounting global uncertainty, she said private capital has emerged as an increasingly important source of development finance. Addressing the Leadership Summit of the International Business Forum at Sevilla, Spain, she said that private investment is a catalytic force, unlocking capital, boosting productivity, fostering innovation, and introducing technological rigour — all essential for inclusive, sustainable economic growth, according to an official statement. New Delhi, Jun 30 (PTI) Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Monday underlined the crucial role of private capital in driving sustainable development, saying it is both an urgent necessity and a significant opportunity. 'In recent years, we have witnessed encouraging growth in private investment, supported by the rise of innovative financial instruments alongside traditional sources. However, private capital mobilization remains significantly below what is required, with low- and middle-income countries receiving a disproportionately small share,' she said. This underscores the urgent need for targeted efforts to overcome investment barriers and better align financial flows with development priorities, she said. 'Mobilizing private capital is not merely a financing strategy — it is a development imperative. With coordinated action, thoughtful regulation, and shared ambition as reflected in Compromiso de Sevilla, we can ensure that private investment becomes a force for inclusive, sustainable, and resilient growth,' she said. Talking about key challenges for emerging economies, she said these include the high cost of capital, a shortage of bankable projects, regulatory and institutional constraints, limited local capacity, and high perceptions of risk – both country-specific and currency-related. Effective mobilization of private capital demands a multi-pronged strategy, combining robust domestic reform with strengthened international cooperation, she said. Pointing out seven strategic areas where transformation is both necessary and achievable, she said, strong domestic financial markets, addressing perceived risks through institutional reforms, creating scale in investment opportunities and scaling up of blended finance. Besides, she said Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) and Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) must assume a stronger enabling role for mobilization of private capital. Stressing that international credit rating methodologies must evolve to better reflect the structural strengths and long-term resilience of EMDEs, she said, current sovereign ratings often understate key fundamentals. Reforming rating methodologies would not only enhance fairness but also reduce financing costs and unlock far greater volumes of private investment, she added. Finally, she said, unlocking capital at the grassroots level requires support for MSMEs. 'These engines of inclusive growth need access to credit, technology, and capacity-building, along with simplified compliance frameworks. India's initiatives, ranging from credit guarantees and stress-period financing to E-Commerce Export Hubs, have improved MSME creditworthiness and global value chain integration,' she said. Sitharaman on Monday embarked on a three-nation official visit. She is leading an Indian delegation to Spain, Portugal and Brazil to attend a host of events, including the BRICS Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors Meeting (FMCBG). PTI DP MR This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.
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Business Standard
27-06-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
'Very big' trade deal with India soon: Trump as he signs pact with China
President Donald Trump on Thursday (local time) said that the US has signed a deal with China and hinted that a "very big" deal with India will follow soon. Trump made the announcement while speaking at an event for the Big Beautiful Bill. He said, "Everybody wants to make a deal and have a part of it. Remember a few months ago, the press was saying, 'You really have anybody of any interest? Well, we just signed with China yesterday. We are having some great deals. We have one coming up, maybe with India. Very big one. Where we're going to open up India, in the China deal, we are starting to open up China." His remarks come at a time when the 90-day deadline for the tariff pause is likely nearing its end on July 9. It was previously reported that the Trump administration is likely to extend the deadline and will send out letters mentioning the terms of trade deals to dozens of countries. On April 2, Trump imposed reciprocal tariffs on more than 100 countries, including India and China, a move that rattled global markets. However, soon after, he announced a 90-day pause as countries scrambled to sign a deal with the US to save themselves from the reciprocal tariffs. During his speech at the Big Beautiful Bill event, Trump added that deals will not be made with every other nation. He added, "We're not going to make deals with everybody. Some we are just going to send them a letter, say thank you very much. You are to pay 25, 35, 45 per cent. That's the easy way to do it, and my people don't want to do it that way. They want to do some of it, but they want to make more deals than I would do." It was previously reported that the US signed its first trade deal with the UK. At the same time, the T rump administration was in talks with several other countries, including India, Japan, and South Korea. US-India deal Trade talks between India and the US have been underway for quite some time, however, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar previously indicated that the trade deal is far from being finalised. Earlier this month, US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick hinted at a possible deal between India and the US. Speaking at the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum's (USISPF) Leadership Summit in Washington, Lutnick said, "a trade deal between India and the US is likely to happen in the 'not too distant future, adding that the two countries have found a place that works for both of them. Days after Lutnick's statement, India's Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said that the two nations were in the process of negotiating a fair and equitable trade agreement that will benefit both economies. US-China deal While Trump did not elaborate on the details of the US-China deal, he said, "But we're having some great deals. We have one coming up, maybe with India. Very big one. Where we're going to open up India, in the China deal, we're starting to open up China. Things that never really could have happened, and the relationship with every country has been very good." This comes after tensions escalated between the two countries following fears of a trade war. After Trump announced a 90-day deadline for countries to negotiate deals with the US, it excluded China. Following this, China imposed reciprocal tariffs on US-made goods.. Earlier in June, CNN reported that the US and China reached a new trade agreement, reviving terms first agreed to in Geneva last month.
Yahoo
21-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
ICAI to host Global Capability Centres Summit
The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) is set to host a summit series under the theme "From Ledger to Global Leadership: Chartered Accountants Shaping Global Capability Centres". The inaugural event is scheduled for 27-28 June 2025 in New Delhi, with subsequent regional editions in Ahmedabad (GIFT City), Mumbai, and Hyderabad. The summit aims to showcase India's leadership in the Global Capability Centres (GCC) ecosystem and the significant role of Indian Chartered Accountants in the global services sector. The summit will gather industry experts, policymakers, academicians, and global stakeholders to explore emerging trends, create strategic partnerships, and drive innovation within the GCC domain. Government bodies, including the Ministry of External Affairs, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, IFSCA, SEPC, Invest India, NSDC, and IIM Sambalpur, have pledged support as Eco Partners for the series. India is home to more than 1,800 GCCs, employing upwards of 1.9 million professionals. ICAI president CA. Charanjot Singh Nanda said: "India is uniquely positioned to lead the next phase of the GCC evolution. Chartered Accountants are central to driving digital finance, regulatory integrity and global governance. Through this summit, industry experts and Chartered Accountants will come together to share insights, provide practical solutions and foster policy dialogue that can address these pain points and further strengthen India's position as a global GCC hub." ICAI vice president CA. Prasanna Kumar said: "While the GCC ecosystem in India continues to grow rapidly, it faces persistent challenges around regulatory clarity, taxation policies and evolving operational frameworks. The Summit will serve as a platform for collaboration, insights and leadership as we shape the future of the GCC ecosystem." The Delhi summit will feature panel discussions, keynote addresses, and networking opportunities, with a focus on strategic partnerships, digital transformation, and the evolving role of finance professionals in the GCC ecosystem. ICAI has established a dedicated group under its Directorate of International Trade, Services & WTO to promote India as a global hub for accounting and finance-focused GCCs. This initiative is stated to be a part of ICAI's commitment to the profession and national development, aiming to enhance the role of Chartered Accountants in finance leadership and global operations, and to prepare a skilled workforce for the GCC sector. ICAI invites industry professionals, GCC leaders, policymakers, and Chartered Accountants to engage in this dialogue that will shape the future of India's global financial leadership. Additionally, ICAI recently announced its plan to limit the number of tax audits that a partner can sign off in each year. "ICAI to host Global Capability Centres Summit" was originally created and published by The Accountant, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
USA Today
20-06-2025
- Business
- USA Today
This NFL owner has donated $10 million to First Tee for youth programs
Blank Family Foundation has now donated more than $25 million to First Tee Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur M. Blank has made a $10 million grant through his family foundation to First Tee, bringing the total of grants from Blank to more than $25 million to the national program that combines golf instruction with a life skills curriculum for youth 7-18 at golf courses, schools and community centers worldwide. The First Tee impacts more than 3 million children and youth, according to the Ponte Vedra Beach-based organization, which was founded in 1997 by the World Golf Foundation. Blank, who also owns the PGA Tour Superstore, the TGL champions Atlanta Drive and is the founder of Home Depot, became involved with First Tee through a grant to First Tee-Metro Atlanta and has served as a National Trustee since 2011. The new grant will help First Tee reach more youth across the U.S. and strengthen the curriculum for teen members. 'Junior golf is the fastest-growing segment of the sport, and that's no coincidence," Blank said in a statement. "It's a testament to the power of First Tee, which has made the game more accessible and enjoyable for young people, helping them experience golf in new and fun ways. The innovative and engaging experiences that First Tee provides help kids build self-confidence and inner strength, qualities that will serve them throughout their lives." PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan said in a statement that the grant from the Blank Family Foundation was "transformative." "We are grateful to Mr. Blank and his family of businesses for their continued support of First Tee,' said Monahan, who is also the chairman of the First Tee Board of Governors. 'Arthur's vision and commitment reflect a deep understanding that investing in First Tee is truly an investment in the future." The Blank Family Foundation made a $9.5 million grant to First Tee in 2020. Grant will help teens develop life skills The new grant extends programming established by a $9.5 million grant in 2020 and will support First Tee's efforts to keep teens engaged with the organization, where they have access to safe spaces, educational opportunities and positive role models. First Tee chapters in PGA Tour Superstore markets, such as First Tee-North Florida (based at the Brentwood Golf Club within the urban core) will receive grants to support youth in developing life and golf skills. To date, grants have impacted 50 First Tee chapters across the country, a number that will grow as PGA TOUR Superstore's footprint continues to expand. The grant also will go to a five-week in-store leadership series with PGA Tour Superstore general managers to help teens uncover their strengths and personal values and explore potential career opportunities. The program was offered at 44 PGA TOUR Superstore locations in 2024 and plans to expand to 70 by 2029. Blank presented grant in Atlanta The grant also ensures that the First Tee's Leadership Summit, held each summer since 2021 at Blank's ranch in Emigrant, Montana, will continue. Each summer 40 First Tee teens participate in challenges such as whitewater rafting, ropes courses and horseback riding. The grant was formally presented to First Tee this week in Atlanta, where 48 First Tee teens learned best practices in how to lead a successful organization with visits to the PGA Tour Superstore headquarters, the Atlanta United training ground, the Atlanta Falcons practice facility and the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation.
