Page 12 - Delaware Lawyer - Summer 2023

FEATURE | THE SUPERIOR COURT
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
“The beauty of the world lies in the diversity of its people.”
– Unknown
For far too long, our bench and bar have not reflected the community we serve. However, I am optimistic that “the times, they are a-changin’...”19
Developments over the past couple of years give me confidence that the ju- dicial branch is moving in the right di- rection and gaining momentum. Take a look at the Superior Court bench. The Superior Court had all white male judges for years until Judge Susan Del Pesco joined the Court in 1988. By 1999, there were only two judges of color — Judge Charles Toliver and Judge Haile Alford, and two women — Judge Alford and Judge Del Pesco.
Up until May 11, 2023, when our col- league and friend, the Honorable Abi- gail M. LeGrow, was elevated to Jus- tice of the Delaware Supreme Court, there were eight female judges — the most we have ever had — and five judges of color.20
The old adage that a picture is worth a thousand words holds true when it comes to the court photo in the 2022 Delaware Judiciary Annual Report.21(See below.) As we posed for that photo, I was overcome with emo- tion when I looked to my right and left. In that photo, I see progress. But I also see there is much work left to do. I will not rest until the composition of the Court reflects the rich diversity of our community. My faith in our abil- ity to get there, and soon, is buoyed by the work of the groundbreaking
Council on Racial Equity (CORE) — the brainchild of my friends from Fam- ily Court, Judge Natalie Haskins and Judge Arlene Coppadge;22 the energy and commitment of the Chief Justice and members of the Supreme Court, the presiding judges and the bar; the good work of the Supreme Court’s Bench and Bar Diversity Project;23 and the onboarding of the Judiciary’s first DEI Coordinator, Kaelea Shaner. This past year, the Superior Court Judges and Commissioners participated in DEI training conducted by Ms. Shaner. We will continue to work closely with her and learn from the trailblazing work of the Family Court CORE. DEI is, and will continue to be, embedded in every aspect of our operations and strategic planning.
© 2022 PHOTOGRAPH BY ERIC CROSSAN.
Superior Court Judges. Back Row (left to right): Judge Danielle J. Brennan, Judge Robert H. Robinson, Jr., Judge Francis J. Jones, Jr., Resident Judge Craig A. Karsnitz, Judge Sheldon K. Rennie, Judge Meghan A. Adams, Judge Mark H. Conner, Judge Reneta L. Green-Streett, Judge Patricia A. Winston. Middle Row (left to right): Judge Abigail M. LeGrow, Judge Ferris W. Wharton, Judge Paul R. Wallace, Judge Eric M. Davis, Judge Vivian L. Medinilla, Resident Judge Jeffrey J. Clark, Judge Noel Eason Primos. Front Row (left to right): Judge Mary J. Johnston, Judge William C. Carpenter, Jr., President Judge Jan R. Jurden, Judge Calvin L. Scott, Resident Judge Charles E. Butler.
10 DELAWARE LAWYER SUMMER 2023