Measuring Diversity in the ADR Field: Some Observations and Challenges Regarding Transparency, Metrics and Empirical Research

This article, which will address some observations and challenges of measuring diversity in the dispute resolution field, grows out of an invitation from Nancy Welsh to give a presentation at Texas A&M University Law School’s conference focusing on transparency, metrics, and empirical research. The theme of the conference provided a reminder not only about the necessity but also the urgency to deepen our thinking regarding diversity and inclusivity among dispute resolution neutrals by giving greater attention to the metrics needed for transparency and a better understanding of the field. What this article will illustrate is that the search for data on diversity related efforts in the dispute resolution field raises more questions than answers.