Congressional Black Caucus Report Calls for Expansion of Diversity and Inclusion Policies in Corporate America

The Congressional Black Caucus has released a new report advocating for the expansion of diversity and inclusion policies in the workplace to promote economic prosperity and reduce racial wealth inequities. The report, titled “What Good Looks Like: A Corporate Accountability Report on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion,” offers guidelines for corporations on best practices to adopt in advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion policies.

In an interview, Rep. Steven Horsford, chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, highlighted the importance of corporations recommitting to advancing racial justice in the workplace. Following the death of George Floyd, corporations pledged $50 billion to racial equity and strengthening DEI policies, but now face backlash from conservative activists and lawmakers.

The study outlines twelve fields where corporations can focus on expanding DEI, including workplace culture, data disaggregation, talent opportunities, retention rates, pay equity, and procurement policies. The report calls on companies to collaborate legislatively to create laws that hold corporate America accountable and help close the racial wealth gap.

Since the Supreme Court’s ruling overturning affirmative action programs in college admissions, Republican attorneys general have threatened legal action against Fortune 500 corporations over DEI policies. Despite this, the report emphasizes that there is nothing illegal or unconstitutional about corporations advancing DEI policies.

The report urges corporations to take action and hold themselves accountable for their promises to fight alongside the Black community. It emphasizes the need for tangible progress in advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace to create a more just and equitable society.