The national conversation around Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (“DEI”) has shifted dramatically over the last year. Previously a goal in the non-profit and commercial sectors, seemingly overnight DEI has become the basis for adverse actions by government agencies and other backlash. There are no easy solutions to this situation. But understanding the new DEI landscape is a critical first step. Join Lawyers for the Creative Arts for a timely presentation and discussion about DEI in 2026. We’ll cover: How We Got Here: Key moments in the history of DEI’s place in hiring, admissions, and nonprofit. Executive Orders & Guidance: Unraveling the welter of recent federal directives – what they say, and what they don’t say about your programs, missions and activities. Current Risks for Arts Organizations: Understanding specific government powers and their potential impacts on your operations. Topics include anti-DEI enforcement through False Claims Act, IRS 501(c)(3) revocation, subpoena powers, and more. Risk Assessment and Responses: Understanding your options, through review of corporate bylaws and other formulations of policy. Ways to reconcile the current legal landscape with historic artistic missions and plans. Bring your questions, there will be time for Q&A. This program will not be recorded. About the Speaker: Brandon L. Dixon, Seyfarth Brandon is a Partner at Seyfarth in Labor and Employment where he partners with clients to learn their organization in order to develop strategic plans and provide tailored advice in service of their needs and goals. Every organization faces a wide array of people challenges. Labor and employment laws and regulations are as complex and ever-evolving as the people who make up the organizations. Brandon assists clients by understanding their unique needs and goals, and tailors his advice and litigation strategies to meet those needs and goals. Brandon represents and counsels employers on a diverse range of human resources and labor relations topics. His practice focuses on individual and complex employment litigation under various statutes including Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Equal Pay Act, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and the Employee Retirement Income Security Act. He has successfully tried multiple cases before juries in federal court, including matters involving allegations of sexual harassment and race discrimination under Title VII. Brandon also provides practical, timely advice to his clients on an array of day-to-day workplace legal issues. He has a particular emphasis on assisting clients with identifying legal risks and overcoming those obstacles in support of their diversity, equity, and inclusion (“DEI”) efforts and goals. Brandon has also become a go-to resource for pay equity issues, particularly by helping clients understand and navigate a growing number of complex state and local equal pay and pay transparency laws. He also has extensive experience litigating and counseling companies on joint employer issues under the NLRA and FLSA. Brandon’s educational background in human resources has given him insight into a human resources professional’s perspective, and helps him bridge the gap between attorneys and their HR counterparts. Brandon finds Seyfarth attorneys’ knowledge and passion for labor and employment both motivating and rewarding. More at https://www.seyfarth.com/people/brandon-l-dixon.html Ridhima Bhalla, Seyfarth Brandon is an Associate at Seyfarth in Labor and Employment where she assists attorneys with their clients’ employment law matters, ranging from complex class actions to single-plaintiff cases. During her time in law school, Ridhima worked for a nonprofit organization dedicated to assisting victims of domestic violence, including many who were foreign nationals facing immigration issues. In this role, she demonstrated exceptional dedication and empathy, providing critical legal support to individuals in highly vulnerable situations. Additionally, Ridhima’s participation in moot court allowed her to sharpen her advocacy and legal writing skills. Later, as a coach, she enhanced her leadership and mentoring abilities, guiding other law students through legal research and oral arguments. More at https://www.seyfarth.com/people/ridhima-bhalla.html Brandon L. Dixon, Seyfarth Ridhima Bhalla, Seyfarth
