5 Things / Affirmative Action
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The big, bad news recently has included the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling against race-based college admissions (affirmative action) and the potential ripple effect on corporate diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. I, for one, refuse to despair, in part because of Gen Z. As Amber Cabral wrote in a great post on LinkedIn, “When it comes to inequity, Gen Z isn’t having it.”
Then there’s the business case. I talk to a lot of people at a wide variety of companies, and while there’s some de-investment, many leaders realize how short-sighted that is, and major companies like Salesforce, JP Morgan, Johnson & Johnson, and more have affirmed their commitment to DEI.
Note that my hope comes, in part, from my privilege. Because I’m white, I didn’t experience the systemic racism that’s made affirmative action programs so important for decades now.
So, are those companies just giving lip service? Perhaps. Will there be backsliding? Somewhat. But keep checking in here for the good vibes.
Here Are This Week's Good Vibes:
Duke University Offering Free Tuition For North And South Carolina Families Earning Below $150,000
Duke University will provide full tuition grants to undergraduate students from North Carolina and South Carolina with family incomes of $150,000 or less. Students from these states with family incomes of $65,000 or less will also receive aid for housing, meals, and course materials. This move is significant as it addresses the soaring cost of college education and aims to make higher education more accessible for students from lower-income families in the Carolinas, many of whom are BIPOC.
Estonia Becomes First Central European Country to Allow Same-Sex Marriage
Estonia's parliament passed a law legalizing same-sex marriage, making it the first central European country to do so (and the 33rd in the world). The law goes into effect next year. This represents major progress for LGBTQ+ rights in the region, which has traditionally been more conservative. This matters because marriage equality is a barometer for progress, and reflects changing attitudes and acceptance of diversity in Estonian society. I’m hopeful there will be a ripple effect on neighboring countries.
The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act Is Now in Effect
The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, which provides better protections for pregnant workers in the U.S., is now in effect. This legislation grants pregnant workers the right to "reasonable accommodations" related to pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions. The law ensures that workers can request adjustments or changes at work to support their pregnancy, such as light-duty tasks, more breaks, flexible scheduling, and time off before or after childbirth. It astounds me that this is necessary but this does reflect a significant step towards recognizing and supporting the rights of pregnant workers nationwide.
Sephora Announces Newest Influencers To Support Diverse Voices In Beauty
Sephora has announced the members of this year's Sephora Squad influencer and ambassador program, and it’s a diverse cast. The program received a record number of applications, and the selected influencers represent various races, ethnicities, religions, ages, body types, sexual orientations, and experiences. 70% of those in the program are people of color. Sephora has been a leader in amplifying underrepresented voices in the beauty industry, not just in their marketing, but also in their product mix and continued investment in founders of color. Sephora is one of my favorite companies to follow because it truly walks the talk.
Wimbledon Allows Dark Shorts to Ease Period Leakage Worries
Finally! Wimbledon has introduced a rule allowing women tennis players to wear dark undershorts to alleviate period anxiety. The change in regulations follows protests and has been welcomed by players, who can wear darker clothing in other tournaments. The new rule sparked a broader conversation about menstrual mishaps, and I’m hopeful this will continue to reduce the stigma and anxiety surrounding periods.
Call to Action:
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