As we transition into a new administration, we remain committed to building a community grounded in shared values that prioritize equity and justice, even in the face of executive orders that directly attack human rights and the values that underlie them.
BIAS IN CODE: ALGORITHM DISCRIMINATION IN FINANCIAL SYSTEMS
This month, Business and Human Rights Weil Legal Fellow, Spencer Wang, whose work focuses on DEI and access to capital writes about the crucial role of investors in addressing AI bias and discrimination in the financial systems—especially in this new administration.
The Weil Legal Innovators (WLI) program engages incoming law school students in addressing some of the most pressing social and legal challenges in our communities today. Each WLI class comprises 10 incoming law school students who plan to attend a J.D. program at one of our law school partners. Innovators defer their first year of law school to work at a partner nonprofit organization for a paid public service fellowship, executing a strategic initiative designed to leverage their passion for justice and commitment to public service, while amplifying the impact of the nonprofits and their important missions.
UPCOMING EVENTS
- Week of April 21, 2025—Workplace Dignity Workshop: The Business and Human Rights department will be hosting a workplace dignity education series in New York City for investors, including their investment teams and portfolio company leadership. Fill out the form here to indicate interest in joining or sponsoring.
- June 9–12, 2025—2025 RFK Compass Summer Investors Conference: Our 2025 flagship conference will convene investment-decision makers—including leading institutional investors and fund managers—for three days of meaningful conversation and connection at the Kennedy Compound and Chatham Bars Inn. Fill out the form here to indicate your interest in joining us next year, or listen to reflections from attendees of this year's conference.?
- October 30, 2025—Investing in Freedom: This one-day event will convene investors, advocates, and thought leaders to explore how the investment community can play a pivotal role in ending mass incarceration. Together, we will examine the systemic risks mass incarceration poses to communities and economies, and develop actionable invest/divest strategies to support decarceration and community well-being. Fill out the form here to indicate interest in joining or sponsoring.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
- The Laken Riley Act is a sweetheart deal for the private prison industry—in an op-ed for The Hill, VP of U.S. Advocacy & Litigation, Anthony Enriquez explains how the bill is a cynical ploy to capitalize on the tragic death of a Georgia nursing student. Highlighting the inhumanity and inefficiency of mandatory immigration detention, he explains that the only people who would benefit from the Laken Riley Act are private prison executives.
- NYC Comptroller Brad Lander will keep pushing for diverse investment managers 'regardless of what happens in Washington'—On Tuesday, December 17, RFK Human Rights President Kerry Kennedy spoke at the 10th anniversary of the FundWomen program, which promotes capital flows to diverse, female-led funds. Hosted by 100 Women in Finance and NYSE CEO Lynn Martin, Kerry spoke with New York City Comptroller Brad Lander about the critical role of diversity in achieving target returns for stakeholders through initiatives like emerging manager programs.?
- #NoExcuse for US Investors: Addressing Gender-Based Violence in the World of Work—As the new administration takes office, institutional investors and asset managers can strengthen their portfolios by proactively addressing gender-based violence and harassment within both their workplaces and investments.
- Our November Edition of Charting the Course—Learn about continued commitment to build a more just, inclusive, and equitable economy.
- Defending Human Rights at Home: VP of US Advocacy and Litigation Anthony Enriquez on the Work Ahead of Us—Learn more about how you can fit into the movement to end mass incarceration in the US.
- Our October Edition of Charting the Course—Catch up on October’s edition with Saru Jayaraman, One Fair Wage President.
- Behind the Headlines: The Urgency of Decarceration in the Fight for Climate Justice—Hurricane Milton left over 28,000 incarcerated people trapped in some of the most flood-prone areas. When natural disasters hit, incarcerated people are left without medical care, food, and water supplies, exposing incarcerated people to risk of serious harm, including death.
FROM OUR NETWORK
- On February 12, 2025 at 11 am ET, the Interfaith Center for Corporate Responsibility and Open MIC will host a webinar highlighting findings from their September 2024 report. Dehumanization, Discrimination and Deskilling: The Impact of Digital Tech on Low-Wage Workers, and investor engagement opportunities to mitigate the risks to contractors working in online content moderation. Register here.
- Omidyar Network recently published "From Access to Worker Rights: Critical Tech Policy Priorities for the New Administration." The article outlines actionable recommendations for ensuring that tech policy prioritizes equity, worker rights, and access. As we face critical decisions shaping the future of technology and society, this piece offers key insights into how the new administration can advance policies that center justice and fairness.
- On Tuesday, December 17, 2024, RFKHR Board Member and Director of the Center for Business and Human Rights at NYU Stern, Michael Posner published his newest book: Conscience Incorporated. Using concrete examples, he offers a roadmap for how businesses can—and need to—take the lead in addressing human rights.
BROUGHT TO YOU BY
The Robert F. Kennedy Business and Human Rights team partners with a global network of over 300 investors, collectively managing $7 trillion in assets, alongside impact-driven companies, to champion human rights and social justice within business operations and investment strategies. Their initiatives cover a range of high-impact areas, including responsible technology, just transitions, equitable access to capital, and the creation of inclusive, sustainable economies.
