2021 Innovation Issue: Tumultuous year jolts diversity efforts into overdrive
Shaken by protests and social unrest in cities across the country in 2020, employers in particular ramped up diversity commitments within their organizations.
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2021 Innovation Issue: ‘This is the most traction I’ve ever seen’
Tamara Cypress—of Black Onyx Management, Indy Black Businesses Matter and Indy Accomplice—discussed with IBJ the progress that’s been made on equity and inclusion problems and the challenges that still exist.
Milo leaving state job to launch entrepreneurship center for women, minorities
Blair Milo, who in 2017 was named the state’s first secretary of career connections and talent, will step down June 7, Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb announced Friday.
IndyCar courts Black fans, drivers in its push to diversify
Much like NASCAR dealt with its own racial reckoning last year, IndyCar is moving to create a more diverse workforce throughout all levels of a series that has had just two Black drivers race in the Indy 500, its showcase annual event that dates to 1911.
Buttigieg reinstates local hiring program piloted in Obama era
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg on Wednesday brought back a program that aims to aid minority and disadvantaged people by ensuring local hiring for public works construction projects, reversing a decision by the Trump administration.
Biden to order better access to legal services for poor, minorities
President Joe Biden plans to sign a memorandum directing the Department of Justice to restore key functions of the closed Access to Justice Office and to reestablish the White House Legal Aid Interagency Roundtable.
Panel: Diversifying tech requires intentionality
IBJ’s annual Technology Power Panel on May 7 led to a lively discussion—moderated by IBJ reporter Anthony Schoettle—that focused in part on diversity in the tech sector.
Suit challenges priority of federal restaurant aid for women, minorities
A conservative legal outfit claims the prioritization of restaurants and bars owned by women and certain minorities is pushing white men “to the back of the line” for aid for their eateries.
IU Health puts staffers on administrative leave for diversity training following Black doctor’s death
The hospital system’s CEO said Wednesday that no staff members have been terminated in relation to the patient’s care, which was a recommendation of an outside board that reviewed the case.
Indy-area tech community still wrestling with diversity, equity, inclusion
Discussion and debate at Friday’s IBJ Tech Power Panel event focused largely on how companies can do a better job recruiting and hiring diverse employees, as well as the ability of diverse entrepreneurs to raise venture and growth capital from a cadre of investors who largely remain white and male.
Ex-cop Chauvin convicted of murder, manslaughter in George Floyd death
Former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin was found guilty of second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter in the explosive case that triggered worldwide protests and a furious reexamination of racism and policing.
Sikhs in Indianapolis say FedEx shooting makes them feel targeted
Authorities say they don’t yet know, and might never know, the reason 19-year-old suspected shooter Brandon Hole opened fire at his former workplace, but the attack has created unease in the Sikh community.
Alumni give IU positive marks for presidential pick, applaud emphasis on diversity
“The more people we see—women, people of color, people of diverse backgrounds in positions of authority—I think the more it advances society for all of us,” said Dr. Don Brown, an IU alumnus and major donor.
New IU president promises focus on diversity, students and faculty
In her current post as president at Kennesaw State University in Georgia, Pam Whitten appointed a task force to address racial challenges and opportunities on campus and created the Radow Institute for Social Equity to find solutions for dealing with social justice and inequity issues.
Public companies using SEC filings to talk up diversity, but few sharing data
Eli Lilly and Co. included in its proxy statement an intricate graphic breaking down the presence of women and minorities in its overall workforce and in management.
Advocates call on NCAA to act in response to anti-trans sports laws
Conservative lawmakers in at least 28 states have introduced legislation to ban or limit transgender athletes from competing on teams or sports that align with their gender identity.
Target to spend $2 billion with Black-owned companies
The cheap-chic retailer will also add products from more than 500 Black-owned companies across its aisles and help Black vendors expand their sales in big-box retail.
Indianapolis Public Schools struggles to recruit racially diverse staff, review shows
IPS is not alone in the struggle to hire and retain staff of color. School districts in Indianapolis, throughout the state, and nationwide also have labored over trying to recruit teachers and other staff of color.
Players hear ‘a lot of talk’ from NCAA’s Emmert about Title IX, NIL
A trio of men’s basketball players asked NCAA President Mark Emmert to abide by, and enforce, Title IX gender equity rules and to create a waiver that would let college athletes start earning money from use of their names, images and likenesses this year.
Pressure mounts on NCAA as House Dems demand answers over tourney disparities
Lawmakers raised questions about the organization’s role in fueling inequity in college sports, a sign that scrutiny of the Indianapolis-based NCAA is likely to expand beyond this month’s men’s and women’s basketball tournaments.