How would your credit union answer this question?

What does your credit union do to encourage diversity in its leadership ranks and workforce?

I don’t want to get into a political discussion by asking this question. I’m only asking it because it’s a question your credit union, along with most other businesses, is going to be asked if it hasn’t been asked already. Diversity is back in the news but this time I get the sense that a substantial portion of the public wants to see some results. For example, Amazon is now committed to diversifying its board of directors following an outcry among its employees and shareholders after it rejected a resolution at its annual board meeting on taking steps to increase the diversity of its board. In addition, a major law firm actually had to apologize after sending out a picture of its new class of partners comprised of one white female and white males.

Then there’s the political reality. You actually have a subcommittee of the House Financial Services Committee created to address diversity issues. [CUNA submitted a letter to this committee pointing out that 52% of credit union CEO’s are female.] And don’t forget, Dodd-Frank mandated that financial regulators, including the NCUA create offices of Minority and Women Inclusion. For the past few years it has requested credit unions to voluntarily submit self-assessments of their diversity practices.

 

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