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diversity and inclusion

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Tech Investor And Trump Supporter Marc Andreessen Allegedly Said Universities Will 'Pay The Price' For Promoting DEI

Tech investor Marc Andreessen, co-founder of venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz, warned that universities will “pay the price” for promoting diversity and allegedly discriminating against supporters of President Donald Trump , according to screenshots of chat messages reviewed by The Washington Post. During a May 3, 2025, WhatsApp chat with White House officials and tech leaders, Andreessen reportedly criticized DEI and immigration policies after being invited by moderator Sriram Krishnan, a White House senior policy adviser on AI, to counter a comment about their impact on economic growth . The outlet also noted that Krishnan had created the group chat at the time he was working at Andreessen’s firm. The group chat, formed in 2023 before Trump’s current term, connects investors and experts with diverse political views interested in open AI development. In addition to Andreessen and Krishnan, members include White House AI adviser Dean Ball, Meta’s chief AI scientist Yann...

Jul 15, 2025

Education Department Dismisses Over 3,000 Civil Rights Complaints In 3 Months Under Trump

Between March 11 and June 27, 2025, the Education Department ‘s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) dismissed 3,424 complaints — an unusually high number that has alarmed former officials and advocates amid the Trump administration’s plans for significantly cutting staff. According to POLITICO, court documents state that OCR received 4,833 complaints during that time, dismissing 96 due to insufficient evidence and resolving 290 through settlements, voluntary agreements, or technical assistance. OCR enforces federal civil rights laws in schools and other Education Department-funded institutions nationwide, its website states . Civil rights advocates argue that the Trump administration’s interpretation of civil rights law — such as discrimination based on gender identity, LGBTQ+ category, and race — draws concern due to the mass dismissals and increases the chances of neglecting critical cases. “The nation’s students and schools deserve a robust federal civil rights enforcement office that...

Jul 11, 2025

Shareholders Across 30 Major US Companies Unanimously Reject Anti-DEI Proposals

Despite growing backlash against diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives in the corporate world, shareholder support for these efforts remains strong. Shareholders at 30 of the largest U.S. companies just delivered a powerful counterpunch to the anti-DEI movement. During the 2025 proxy season, every single one of the anti-DEI proposals filed at these corporations’ shareholder meetings was rejected, according to a news release. The companies represent over $13 trillion in market value and include prominent names such as Apple, Costco, Mastercard, Levi Strauss, McDonald’s, Walmart, and Coca-Cola, per Impactivize data. According to the nonprofit, most of the proposals failed by wide margins, with 98% to 99% of votes against cutting DEI initiatives. “Shareholder voting margins send a clear message: Investors understand that diversity is good for business,” Impactivize Founder Nancy Levine Stearns said in the news release. “The overwhelming tallies are significant, corporate...

Jul 10, 2025

Proposed PSLF Rule Could Strip Loan Forgiveness From Public Workers Serving Marginalized Communities

President Donald Trump’s administration is moving to overhaul the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. The proposed changes, according to ABC News, could block debt relief for thousands of public and nonprofit workers, including those who work for organizations supporting immigrant communities, transgender youth, and diversity and inclusion efforts. The Department of Education’s draft rule would allow officials to disqualify entire organizations from PSLF if they’re involved in so-called “illegal activities” the department has defined. Critics argue that the vague language used could become a political tool, particularly against groups focused on equity, identity, or civil rights. “That’s definitely an indicator for me that this is politically motivated and perhaps will be used as a tool for political punishment,” Betsy Mayotte, president of the Institute of Student Loan Advisors and reviewer of the rule, said in an interview with ABC News. What PSLF Was Designed To Do...

Jul 9, 2025

Black Women's Unemployment Rises For Third Straight Month Amid Federal Job Cuts

The unemployment rate for Black women stands at nearly 6%, marking the third consecutive month of high rates among the group — an alarming trend economists see as a warning sign for the broader economy. The 19th, citing Bureau of Labor Statistics data, reported that the unemployment rate for Black women increased from 5.1% in March to 6.1% in April, peaking at 6.2% in May before decreasing slightly to 5.8% in June. In contrast, rates for white and Asian women stayed near 3%, and around 5% for Latinas. Most male subgroups experienced no change, except for Black men, whose rate increased from 5.2% in May to 6.9% in June. Black women lost 38,000 jobs in April, more than any other demographic. Their unemployment increased by 106,000, AFROTECH™ previously reported. This can be troubling, as Black women have the highest labor force participation of any female group, often working in essential sectors such as health care , education, and the federal government. Jasmine Tucker, VP of...

Jul 9, 2025

Why Target’s $300K Donation To A Black Church Group Is Fueling Boycott Backlash

Target is once again under fire — this time not just from consumers but from activists within the Black community. The backlash follows a $300,000 donation Target made to the National Baptist Convention USA Inc. (NBCUSA), as USA Today reports. Target says the gift is part of its ongoing investment in community development, but leaders behind two major boycotts are calling for the funds to be returned. Backlash Over Strategy And Solidarity Minnesota-based civil rights attorney and activist Nekima Levy Armstrong launched a boycott of Target in early 2025. Months later, Pastor Jamal Bryant, senior pastor at New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in Stonecrest, GA, called for a 40-day boycott, and then urged permanent disengagement from the retailer unless it made major changes, as AFROTECH™ previously reported. Now, both leaders say Target’s donation to NBCUSA undermines their push for meaningful corporate accountability. “This $300,000 payment does not heal—it deepens the wound,” wrote...

Jul 9, 2025

AMP, The Streaming Group That Includes Kai Cenat, Duke Dennis, And More, Faces Consumer Backlash After Inking A Deal With Target

Target’s latest collaboration with a popular streaming group is sparking controversy. AMP, one of the top streamer groups in the world, has scored a deal with the major retailer for its unisex personal care brand, according to a press release. The group, which also releases videos on YouTube, includes Kai Cenat, Duke Dennis, Fanum, Agent 00, ChrisNxtDoor, and ImDavisss. They have collectively earned millions of dollars. Cenat alone earned $8.5 million over the past year, which earned him a spot on Forbes’ 2025 Top Creators list , according to the publication. Together, the group leveraged their platforms, which garner 1 billion monthly views, to launch TONE in February 2025. TONE is formulated with natural and clean ingredients and is dermatologist-tested, according to its website. Additionally, it’s now available in Target stores and on Target.com as of July 6. “We really saw a gap in the shelves for a new brand to break through — and for a brand that is fresh and represents who we...

Jul 8, 2025

Despite Trump-Era Pressure, Corporate DEI Rollbacks Are Losing Steam — But What Changed?

After months of political pressure and headlines about companies cutting diversity programs, it looked like corporate America was backing away from diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Some businesses walked back hiring goals or closed departments. Others changed job titles or removed DEI language from their websites altogether. It felt like a full-on retreat. But now, a new study, according to USA Today, shows that corporate DEI rollbacks in 2025 might be slowing down. And the reason goes beyond politics. A Slowdown After The Backlash When former President Donald Trump returned to the White House, his administration quickly went after DEI. One executive order even threatened to pull federal contracts from companies that kept DEI programs in place. That caused a scramble. According to Gravity Research — a group that provides insights on how companies can anticipate risk and respond to political and social pressure — about 80% of DEI-related changes happened right after Trump took...

Jul 8, 2025

Detroit’s Apple Developer Academy Graduates Over 125 Students, Fueling Local Tech Innovation

Recently, more than 125 students graduated from Detroit’s Apple Developer Academy, a one-of-a-kind, free 10-month program launched in 2021 through a partnership between Apple and Michigan State University (MSU), according to a news release shared with AFROTECH™. But the Apple Developer Academy is about more than just coding. It equips Detroiters with real-world skills and the confidence to thrive in app development, business, and today’s ever-evolving tech landscape, per the release. A Pipeline For Real-World Innovation What makes Detroit’s Apple Developer Academy truly unique is its approach. Beyond mastering Swift coding, students dive into AI, UX design, marketing, and project management. The program is also backed by the Gilbert Family Foundation, which helps connect graduates with internships, mentors, and career opportunities across Detroit. “As Detroit continues to emerge as a national hub for technology, the Apple Developer Academy is creating pathways for Detroiters of all...

Jul 8, 2025

Congressional Black Caucus Pressures Target CEO For Tangible Results On DEI Amid Continued Boycott

Target boycott efforts are intensifying as the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) steps up its push for corporate accountability. CBC Chairwoman Rep. Yvette D. Clarke (D-N.Y.) and members of the caucus’ Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Task Force recently met with Target CEO Brian Cornell, according to a press release from the Caucus. The meeting focused on the company’s rollback of DEI commitments, especially those affecting Black-owned businesses. Lawmakers Say Target’s Explanations “Fell Woefully Short” The CBC described the conversation with Cornell as “candid and direct,” but ultimately stated that members were left disappointed. “The Congressional Black Caucus met with the leadership of the Target Corporation on Capitol Hill to directly address deep concerns about the impact of the company’s unconscionable decision to end a number of its diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts,” Clarke said in a lengthy statement in the press release. “Like many of the coalition leaders...

Jul 1, 2025

Jim Ryan Steps Down As University Of Virginia President Amid DEI Controversy

University of Virginia (UVA) President James E. Ryan has informed the school’s governing board that he will resign. His decision follows growing pressure from Department of Justice (DOJ) officials over the university’s diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, The Washington Post reports. The Trump-aligned DOJ reportedly made it clear they expected Ryan to step down, escalating tensions between political leaders and higher education institutions caught in the crossfire of ideological battles over DEI, according to the outlet. Controversy Over The Dissolution Of UVA’s DEI Office In March, UVA’s Board of Visitors, largely appointed by Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin, voted to dismantle the university’s DEI office. This move aligned with federal efforts aimed at removing DEI programs from public institutions while allowing for the reassignment of “permissible” elements within the university. Officials were required to provide a report on compliance within 30 days. Critics...

Jun 30, 2025

McDonald's Faces Boycott Over DEI Rollbacks As Consumer-Led Activism Gains Steam

McDonald’s is the latest major brand in the crosshairs of a growing consumer-led movement protesting companies accused of scaling back diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts. A nationwide boycott of the fast-food giant , launched Tuesday by grassroots group The People’s Union USA, adds to a string of “economic blackouts” the organization has orchestrated since February, USA Today reported. Why Are People Boycotting McDonald’s? The boycott stems from a perception of corporate DEI as performative. The People’s Union USA Founder, John Schwarz, said the protest is about holding corporations accountable as they quietly reduce their DEI commitments under pressure from political and economic factors. Earlier this year, McDonald’s drew public backlash for removing benchmarks related to executive-level and supplier diversity, AFROTECH™ previously reported. While the company insists its programs remain intact, the messaging has shifted. U.S. Chief People Officer Jordann Nunn told USA...

Jun 24, 2025

Over 40 Black Former McDonald's Franchisees Join Forces In Boycott Against The Fast Food Company

A group of Black former M cDonald’s franchisees is joining the call for a boycott of the fast food chain, alleging systemic racial discrimination. Over 40 Black franchisees had filed a class action lawsuit across more than 12 states in January 2023, claiming unfair practices and unequal treatment, according to a press release. “When many of us entered the McDonald’s franchise program, we discovered the corporation would relegate us to only buying stores with lower profits and higher costs,” according to a statement representing the former McDonald’s franchisees. “When many of us tried to buy stores with greater profits, we were denied, and had to watch those more lucrative stores go to white owners. While we struggled to make our stores profitable, we were consistently faced with unreasonable demands that white owners did not face, and we were consistently denied support and financial relief that white owners were routinely offered.” The former store owners allege that issues, as...

Jun 24, 2025

Rep. Kathy Castor Spotlights Community Tech House And Its Goal Of Bridging The Digital Divide In Underserved Communities

Rep. Kathy Castor spotlighted Black-owned businesses in St. Petersburg, VA, on Juneteenth amid ongoing bureaucratic hurdles, such as limited access to capital, systemic bias , barriers to business networks, and discriminatory lending practices. Castor led a bus tour on Thursday, organized with the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA), visiting local businesses, including Community Tech House, Successful Futures Tutoring Services, and Central Station Barbershop and Grooming, according to The St. Pete Catalyst. “We want to spend our Juneteenth out there telling their stories and encouraging our neighbors to support them,” Castor said. When the COVID-19 pandemic struck, exacerbating the digital divide in underserved communities , Lynn Harrell Johnson at Community Tech House repurposed her former salon into a tech hub . She now teaches coding, web development, and digital literacy, offering free laptops to those committed to using them. Johnson has a goal to hire more passionate...

Jun 23, 2025

Watch Now: Walton Isaacson Agency CEO And Founder Aaron Walton Shares How Authenticity Drives Successful Brand Partnerships At AFROTECH™ 2024

Authenticity and research fuel successful brand partnerships — and Aaron Walton recognized this long before it became the norm. At AFROTECH™ 2024 , Walton, CEO and founder of award-winning ad agency Walton Isaacson, joined Shardé Marchewski, Wayfair ‘s Head of Supplier Diversity , for a conversation on how aligning values and culture with the right celebrity can elevate storytelling and impact consumers. The session offered creatives a behind-the-scenes look at major brand collaborations and practical strategies for securing and executing high-impact campaigns. Walton’s brand story began after graduating from Babson College in 1983. With a passion for advertising , he joined the Pepsi-Cola Company as a research analyst, learning how to tell stories with data before being promoted into brand marketing , marking the start of a game-changing career. “The truth is everything that we do now, whether it is an event or some type of communication, starts with looking at what the business...

Jun 23, 2025

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