In the weeks and months ahead, Hearst will expand its efforts around bias awareness and training, internships and other targeted recruiting, mentorships and support for affinity groups — as part of its commitment to a diverse and inclusive workplace.
Steven R. Swartz, president and CEO of Hearst, reiterated to employees in a recent letter that the company's firm commitment to a fairer and more just society is a core principle of Hearst. "This is reflected in our journalism, our civic participation and our philanthropy," he said.
"We also are committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace, but we need to do more to achieve that objective. To that end, we will utilize every available tool."
He also noted that an affinity group started by the company's magazine colleagues, Hearst Black Culture, has begun a fundraising effort to help organizations fighting injustice. Hearst is matching the total contributions of colleagues to this initiative 2 to 1 up to a maximum of $500,000. The company matching funds will be split equally among four organizations that Hearst Black Culture selected: the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, the LGBTQ Freedom Fund, Color of Change and the Equal Justice Initiative. In addition, Hearst is contributing an additional $500,000, which will go to two of the selected groups, the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund and the Equal Justice Initiative.
Swartz also noted that he is co-chair of the Partnership for New York City, a civic engagement group made up of leaders of New York-based companies. That group released an open letter this week to the people of New York signed by almost 200 business leaders pledging to work toward fundamental change.
