The law society’s board was elected in a vote that ended April 30, and most lawyers who won do not support the required statement of principles— a document lawyers must write pledging their support of diversity, equity and inclusion.

Lewis says she isn’t an organizer of the #DemandInclusion group but will attend on June 10 to show her support for keeping the statement of principles as a law society requirement.

“The law society has a mandate to regulate within the public interest. I think fundamental to that mandate is that ensuring that our profession reflects society at large,” says Lewis. “Our clients are diverse. And if we, as a profession, are unable to understand that and be thoughtful in our approach to law with diversity and inclusion in mind, then I don’t think we are doing our jobs as lawyers and paralegals.”

Lewis says the purpose of the statement of principles has gotten lost in the debate over the election, and supporters need to bring that discussion back to the forefront.

“What we’ve seen is the Stop-SOP slate has reclaimed the moral imperative with respect to the statement of principles,” she says. “The statement of principles came to be in 2016 as part of a package of recommendations after a thorough and significant consultation by the law society. [Stop SOP] really is an attack on equity and diversity initiatives. That’s why it’s important, especially when those who oppose it and seek to repeal don’t propose an alternative measure.”