NCTA rejects Trump’s ‘no systemic racism’ order
October 12, 2020
NCTA, the Internet & Television Association, has joined technology and advertising organisation to push back on US President Donald Trump’s executive order on “Combating Race and Sex Stereotyping,” saying it should be dropped.
In the September order, Trump called it a “pernicious and false belief” that the country is “an irredeemably racist and sexist country,” and that “some people, simply on account of their race or sex, are oppressors.” The order requires clauses in government contracts preventing diversity training that includes that belief.
Media groups sent a letter to the Office of Management and Budget and the Department of Labor saying that the order “fails to acknowledge the realities of ongoing racial inequality and inequities in America and represents an unwarranted intrusion into private sector efforts to combat systemic racism.”
They pointed out they represent thousands of government contractors and millions of employees who will be affected by the Administration’s attempts to restrict existing diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I) training. “We simply do not agree that there is anything divisive about providing information that encourages our employees to treat all of their colleagues equally and with respect […] That is how we help ensure a secure, productive, and equitable workplace for all Americans.”
In addition to NCTA the ITI, American Association of Advertising Agencies (4A’s), BSA | The Software Alliance, Cybersecurity Coalition, Entertainment Software Association, HR Policy Association, Internet Association, TechNet, and XR Association, signed the letter.