Leech Tishman partner Steven D. Irwin recently concluded a 25-year tenure with the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights’ Pennsylvania Advisory Committee, where he has served in various roles, including having served most recently as Chair.
During his tenure, Irwin contributed to numerous reports, including The Rising Use of Artificial Intelligence in K-12 Education, published December 6, 2024. The report examines how AI algorithms are developed and their potential to either reduce or exacerbate existing disparities – or create new ones – in K-12 classrooms based on federally protected classes. The committee also explored potential solutions and recommendations to address identified concerns.
In a statement published by the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights, Irwin said, “The committee’s robust report was bolstered by the broad, incisive testimony that we received, which has allowed us a deeper understanding of the potential of AI to lessen disparities in education as well as the dangers of integrating it into the classroom too quickly. We’re hopeful that our recommendations will be considered by those government bodies in a position to ensure that the power of AI is harnessed in a way that alleviates any threat to the civil rights of our K-12 students.”
In March 2022, Irwin chaired the webinar series Fair Housing Access and Zoning Practices in Pennsylvania. These sessions examined the impact of zoning laws, municipal nuisance laws, crime-free housing ordinances, and related fair housing concerns on disparities based on race, color, disability status, national origin, age, religion, sex, and familial status.
Although his tenure has concluded, Irwin is proud to have supported the commission’s fact-finding, investigative, and information dissemination functions while gaining valuable knowledge and experience.
As a member of Leech Tishman’s Corporate, Labor & Employment and Litigation practice groups, Irwin regularly handles business matters, interacts with government bodies, and advises high-level management in defending against or asserting allegations of fraudulent conduct. He counsels clients on all legal aspects of the employment relationship and labor compliance, with a focus on the financial services sector. Additionally, he helps the firm’s advisory and brokerage clients develop strategies to resolve complex regulatory inquiries and compliance challenges.
ABOUT THE U.S. COMISSION ON CIVIL RIGHTS
The U.S. Commission on Civil Rights, established by the Civil Rights Act of 1957, is the only independent, bipartisan agency charged with advising the President and Congress on civil rights and reporting annually on federal civil rights enforcement. The USCCR’s 56 state and U.S. territory Advisory Committees offer a broad perspective on civil rights concerns at state and local levels. In its 7th decade, USCCR is continuing a legacy of influence in civil rights.