TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (WBRC) – As Alabama prepares for major changes related to diversity, equity and inclusion, Tuscaloosa business leaders and elected leaders spoke out about diversity this week. We gathered at the summit.
The pre-planned event came just weeks after the Alabama Legislature passed a law banning diversity, equity and inclusion programs in state agencies and state funding for these efforts.
The West Alabama Chamber of Commerce's Diversity Business Council (DMC) held its annual Diversity Summit at the Tuscaloosa River Market, with members and guests filling the venue.
DMC Chair Erica Burns feels there is still room for diversity when it comes to business and industry.
“It's really important to know that anything is possible, especially as a business owner to think outside the box. Being an entrepreneur myself, it's really important,” Burns said. . “It’s still important just to have guests, to have different people from Congress to elected officials come and understand diversity, and anything can be done.”
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Two speakers took the stage at the Diversity Summit. One of them was Stacia Robinson, director of the Alabama Office of Minority Affairs, which advocates for women and minorities in health, education, empowerment and business.
“So for the business support category, we aim to be a place where businesses can actually come and see what’s available to them. Try to make sure they are actually included in the opportunities that are there,” Robinson said. “The words 'diversity, equity, and inclusion' are the trigger point. We don't use those words. That's how we deal with it.”
Robinson said her office is exempt from the upcoming Diversity, Equity and Inclusion rollback.
The law goes into effect on October 1st.
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