Resources - Diversity and Your Business
Companies are moving beyond compliance with anti-discriminatory
laws and are now taking on diversity as a core business value.
Their initiative is supported by empirical studies indicating that
supporting diversity is not only the right thing to do, but it also
makes good business sense.
By making a commitment to diversity, you improve your company's
image and reputation. You minimize complaints
and legal liability and it becomes easier for you to
attract and hold on to employees who share this value (SHRM, 2000).
Most importantly, your ability to deliver products and services
will be enhanced with a diverse staff that will reflect the diversity
of your customers.
One MTJC business member contributes to world peace by promoting
diversity through its support of local as well as international
non-profit organizations dedicated to improving the lives of the
workers that grow and supply the products this business sells.
How to Incorporate Diversity Into Your Business
Make diversity a core business value - Create a
statement of equal employment opportunity and a
non-discrimination/harassment policy (see example below). Share
this with employees, customers, investors, and suppliers by posting
it in your office and on your web page.
Actively support and comply with local, state, and federal
non-discrimination statutes - Federal, state, and local
non-discrimination laws apply to race, sex,
religion, color, national origin, sexual orientation, ancestry,
veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, age, disability and
citizenship. These laws prohibit harassment and unequal treatment.
Look for opportunities to do business with companies that value
diversity
Contribute to community organizations and events that promote
diversity - Donate to nonprofits and events or offer products, services
or the use of your facility.
Provide diversity training for all employees -
Prevent discrimination and harassment from occurring in your
workplace by providing diversity training that is updated and given
to new employees at orientation. Hire a diversity training
consultant, purchase a training video, or design and present the
training yourself.
Recruit from a wide pool - Actively recruit qualified
applicants for employment from all cultural sectors including those
excluded and under-represented in the past.
Diversity and marketing - Encourage business with
customers from many cultures through advertising, and multilingual
products/services, and other opportunities.
Diversity Resources
Anti-Discrimination/Harassment Laws:
- City of Santa Cruz Anti-Discrimination Ordinance of 1992
- California Fair Employment and Housing Act of 1980
- California Fair Employment and Housing Commission Rules and Regulations
- Equal Pay Act of 1963
- Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (amended by the Equal Employment Opportunity Act of 1972)
- Executive Order 11246 (amended by Exec. Order 11375 of 1968)
- The Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 (amended in 1978)
- The Rehabilitation Act of 1973
- The Vietnam Veteran's Readjustment Act of 1974
- The Americans With Disabilities Act of 1991
- The Civil Rights Act of 1991
Internet Resources:
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