Meltzer Center for Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging
The Meltzer Center for Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging offers rare expertise at the intersection of two fields: diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and the law. A research center at one of the world's most diverse academic institutions, we aim to advance thought leadership on DEI and the law; support the NYU Law community; and share knowledge with external organizations.
What Makes Us Different
- We know the law. At a time of significant legal attacks on DEI programs, we help build legal literacy in the DEI profession and advance DEI solutions that account for emerging legal risks.
- We strive for the universal. Understanding that universal programs are both legally sound and achieve wide support, we focus on DEI frameworks that build a culture of inclusion for people of all identities and backgrounds.
- We combine rigor and practicality. While dedicated to research-backed approaches to DEI, we develop all our ideas through engagements with organizations, including Fortune 500 companies, professional services firms, and leading non-profits.
Advancing DEI Initiative
The Advancing DEI Initiative is a project of the Meltzer Center for Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging, committed to making information on the intersection of law and DEI accessible to supporters of DEI. The website offers resources, including a DEI litigation tracker, to orient users to the DEI legal landscape. The tracker captures lawsuits likely to affect workplace DEI practices.
Risks of Retreat Report
The Meltzer Center collaborated with Catalyst to release a report exploring the talent, financial, legal, and reputational risks of retreating from efforts aimed at advancing fairness in the workplace.
How Equality Wins available to pre-order
Center leaders Kenji Yoshino and David Glasgow have written a book, to be released on February 17, 2026, that reimagines the work of diversity, equity, and inclusion in a divided America. In an era when equality feels imperiled, How Equality Wins provides an urgent and hopeful call to action for anyone committed to creating a fairer society.
Media Highlights
“Trump's looming DEI investigations have corporations on edge”
David Glasgow LLM ’14
USA Today
“Trump halts money for NYC infrastructure projects, says minority contract rules are unconstitutional”
David Glasgow LLM ’14
Gothamist
“Most Employees Support DEI, Revealing Talent Risk From DEI Retreat”
David Glasgow LLM ’14
Forbes