Diversity, Inclusion & Equality

As our nation is struggling with diversity, inclusion & equality, I feel compelled to address this of behalf of our company.

Personally, I have struggled with exactly what to say. Ernest Hemingway once said when struggling with what to write, “All you have to do is write one true sentence. Write the truest sentence that you know.” Here are four sentences:

Racial injustices have existed in our country since our founding and they persist today.

People should be treated equally regardless of race, gender, religion, ethnic background, sexual orientation or any other label that one may attach to a group of people.

Our company needs to be more reflective of our society as a whole – this will take a concerted effort moving forward.

Our company will be better when we become more diverse.

Our company does not practice or support discrimination in any manner. We also know that our approach to recruiting and hiring has resulted in our firm not being representative of society. Many organizations have faced similar circumstances and the formula for becoming more diverse and inclusive is similar: 1) acknowledge where you are, 2) make it a priority to become more diverse, 3) recognize that it will take effort (diversity will not happen on its own) and 4) have conviction around making the effort.

We are going to take the necessary steps to become more diverse and inclusive moving forward and we are going to support equal treatment for all in whatever ways we can.

Our Director of Human Resources, Tricia Cooper, is organizing a Diversity & Inclusion Team to develop a plan moving forward. The goal is that our company begins to better reflect our society immediately.

This Friday, June 19th is Juneteenth day. This day represents the last day that the Emancipation Proclamation was enforced in our country. You can read more about this day at the link above. In recognition of this day, our offices will close at 12:00 noon this Friday, June 19th.

We trust that everyone reading this message supports our efforts and the thoughts expressed in this note. Our company will not tolerate discrimination and will always embrace equal treatment for all. 

Glenn