Statement from Chicago United's President and CEO: Supreme Court Decision
I am at a loss for words regarding the Supreme Court’s decision ruling against affirmative action in college admissions…I had to catch my breath before speaking. But I have been ringing this alarm for months.
A headline from The Washington Post sums it up the best: “Affirmative action ruling puts targets on corporate diversity programs.” Let that sink in…the work we do to create access and equity is being dismantled—full stop.
Taking race into consideration is not taking away a spot from someone else. Full stop. It does not mean the person of color who is a student or employee is not qualified to go to the school they attend or get the job they have. Full stop.
The data shows that companies in the top quartile of racial and ethnic diversity see financial returns above national industry medians. Diverse firms have 2.3 times more cash flow per employee. Companies with high DE&I see a 45% improvement in market share compared to peers. A diverse and inclusive workforce increases a company’s innovation and shareholder value.
It is well past time for the business community to speak up…not just with a statement but to double down with definitive action.
Welcome to
CHICAGO UNITED
Our Mission is to achieve parity in economic opportunity for people of color by advancing multiracial leadership in corporate governance, expanding the talent pipeline for executive-level management, and growing minority businesses.
MEET OUR MEMBERS
MEMBER
BENEFITS
Support, Educate, Connect
CEO Roundtable Series
Confidential, peer-to-peer, host-facilitated forums.
Business Leaders of Color
A program that identifies candidates for corporate Board of Directors’ positions.
Minority Business Partnership including The Five Forward Initiative TM
Chicago area corporations who select five local minority firms and commit to helping them develop and grow.
Inside Inclusion
A research publication that provides a complete review of the status of diversity and inclusion progress in Chicago.
Employee Resource Group Symposium
Best practices from experts on creating models for highly effective resource groups.
Diversity Officer Roundtable Series
Peer-to-peer learning sessions focused on current trends and leading practices.
Corporate Inclusion Institute
A talent development program that drives business performance through inclusion.
MEMBER
BENEFITS
Support, Educate, Connect
Members come to Chicago United for unparalleled, honest, and candid discussions of race and ethnicity in business. Some have earned national accolades for their efforts to promote multiracial leadership by leveraging best-in-class diversity and inclusion practices. Others may be implementing first-time programs and processes. Regardless of where they are on the curve, every member contributes to the environment and learns ways to optimize their businesses through their participation.
