05.20.16

Scott Statement on Report Confirming Lack of Racial and Gender Diversity in the Tech Industry


WASHINGTON – Education and the Workforce Committee Ranking Member Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (VA-03) issued the following statement after the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission's (EEOC) released its “Diversity in High Tech” report. The EEOC conducted this study at the request of Ranking Member Scott.

“I am pleased that the EEOC conducted this analysis on race and gender representation in the high tech sector nationally, with a special focus on Silicon Valley. I requested this report from the EEOC, because it is the lead federal agency in charge of enforcing laws that ban employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, age, disability, and genetic information.

“The EEOC Report examined the demographic data from high tech companies and confirmed that the sector is overwhelmingly white and male. The report further reveals that almost 50 percent of STEM graduates in the United States are not hired in STEM-related fields and that the U.S. produces more STEM graduates than there are jobs available.

“EEOC’s report also cites a body of research and personal experience of women and people of color in STEM fields signaling that bias obstructs full and equal participation in employment and leads to high attrition rates. The report noted that when a high-tech company instituted a selection process based on anonymity and skills, the call-back rate for interviews for non-white candidates increased from 20-60 percent.

“I commend the agency for its comprehensive examination. I also renew my call for the EEOC to use its statutory authority to conduct a field hearing and analysis of the race and gender representation in the computer and informational technical field in Silicon Valley.

“Also, because many of the top-75 ranked Silicon Valley high tech firms had at least one federal contract in 2014, I am reiterating my request to the Office of Federal Contract and Compliance Programs (OFCCP) to use its authority to conduct compliance evaluations and audits of Silicon Valley’s computer and informational technology companies. Executive Order 11246 requires the OFCCP to ensure that federal contractors and subcontractors take affirmative action to provide equal opportunity for employment. In light of the EEOC’s report, the OFCCP should reconsider its denial of my previous request.

“The EEOC Report underscores the need for the federal government to increase its commitment to the enforcement of laws regarding equity and inclusion in the workplace. In Congress, I will request Chairman Kline to convene hearings on the EEOC’s findings to ascertain whether federal enforcement agencies have sufficient tools to enforce the Civil Rights Act and Executive Order 11246. Finally, I will ask the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights to conduct a comprehensive investigation regarding the role of the federal government in addressing the lack of racial and gender diversity in the tech industry.”

 

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