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.

Recent Work

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.

Job opportunity:  DEI Legal Research Project – International Focus 
The Meltzer Center for Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging seeks student research assistants in either the fall or spring semester with expertise& in the laws of any of the following countries: United Kingdom, Denmark, Belgium, France, Spain, Canada, Brazil, India, South Africa, Australia, and Japan. Students will work for academic credit—1 credit (45 hours) or 2 credits (90 hours)—and be assigned to Professor Kenji Yoshino.

Project Overview:
Students will conduct in-depth research on laws, policies, and cultural attitudes affecting workplace diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the relevant jurisdiction. Research may include examining anti-discrimination statutes, enforcement actions by government agencies, policies of major institutions, and other indicators of the country’s overall approach to DEI.

To apply, please send your resume, NYU Law transcript, and a cover email explaining your interest in becoming an RA to Christina Joseph, project director of the Advancing DEI Initiative, at christina.joseph@nyu.edu.

Catalyst + Meltzer Center Report Released June 11, 2025
Risks of retreat: The enduring inclusion imperative
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