February 9th 2024.
In recent times, there has been a concerning trend of major corporations and billionaires trying to undermine diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts. This has caused alarm among civil rights, political, and advocacy groups who have come together to fight against these actions.
Some of the notable groups working tirelessly to combat this attack on diversity include the National Urban League, the Congressional Black Caucus, and the Black Economic Alliance. These groups are working behind the scenes to defend the culture and uphold the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Urban League President Marc H. Morial has described these tactics as a "literal slap in the face" and emphasized the need to stand up against the distortion and misrepresentation of what DEI truly means.
The recent actions of billionaires such as Twitter owner Elon Musk and hedge fund manager Bill Ackman have sparked outrage among Black leaders. Musk, in a tweet from December 2023, controversially stated that "DEI must DIE." He went on to criticize DEI initiatives in the airline industry, falsely claiming that diversifying workspaces would compromise safety. This sentiment was echoed by Ackman, who invoked the late Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and suggested that his famous "I Have A Dream" speech would oppose DEI efforts.
Morial acknowledges that there is still much work to be done in the DEI space, despite the progress made through legislation like the Civil Rights Act and equal employment opportunity programs. He emphasizes that while these opportunities may open doors, it is up to individuals to prove themselves through hard work and dedication. And Black people have consistently risen to the challenge when given the chance.
In the fight against these anti-DEI tactics, Morial is not alone. Activist and MSNBC host Al Sharpton has been protesting at Ackman's NYC office every Thursday until changes are made. The Congressional Black Caucus has also taken action by sending letters to Fortune 500 companies that made DEI commitments in 2020 during the height of the Black Lives Matter movement. The letter urges these companies to share data on their progress and reminds them of the positive impact that diversity initiatives have on both their business and the economy.
Furthermore, a coalition of DEI activist groups has warned Fortune 500 companies to expect lawsuits over their discriminatory DEI programs. This follows a similar letter from the Congressional Black Caucus, showing a coordinated effort to hold these companies accountable. The letter has been supported and signed by various organizations, including the U.S. Black Chambers, the Global Black Economic Forum, The National LGBT Chamber of Commerce, and the Women's Business Enterprise National Council.
In conclusion, these organizations and activists are putting pressure on major corporations to uphold their commitments to diversity, equity, and inclusion. By working together, they hope to overcome the baseless attacks on DEI and build a more inclusive and resilient economy for all.
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