It will now be easier for employees to file reverse discrimination lawsuits. This stems from an initial lawsuit filed by Marlean Ames in 2020. As AFROTECH™ previously told you, she had been working at an Ohio government agency managing juvenile corrections until her position was given to a gay man the year before she filed her claim. Ames, a heterosexual white woman, also mentioned a promotion was given to another individual who was lesbian, a person she claims was less qualified. At the time, those from majority backgrounds — such as white, heterosexual, or male individuals — were required to present more evidence than minority individuals s howing proof of discrimination in the workplace. “Title VII aims to eradicate all discrimination in the workplace. But the background circumstances rule doesn’t do that, doesn’t eradicate discrimination,” Ames’ lawyer Xiao Wang told Reuters. “It instructs courts to practice it by sorting individuals into majority and minority groups based on...

Amazon has updated its company policy and a section of its website that provides employment information, removing language that ensures protection for Black and LGBTQ+ employees. In late December 2024, the company removed statements supporting and advocating for transgender rights protections as well as expressing “solidarity” with Black employees and customers, according to The Washington Post. Amazon also removed language supporting laws to address misconduct and racial bias in policing, initiatives to protect and expand voting rights , and efforts to promote better health and educational opportunities for Black people. The sections titled “Equity for Black People” and “LGBTQ+ Rights” no longer exist in the company’s policy, along with all references to the term “transgender.” The “Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion” section now states that “inequitable treatment of anyone — including Black people, LGBTQ+ people, Asians, women, and others — is unacceptable.” A page once titled...

In the fast-paced world of technology, where innovation is a driving force for change, ServiceNow emerges as a beacon of leadership. Vanessa Smith, President of ServiceNow.org, shares her insights into her journey and the organization’s commitment to making a positive impact on nonprofit organizations, the transformative power of technology, the role of digital experience, and the importance of inclusivity in the tech industry. A Change Catalyst: Vanessa Smith’s Tech Odyssey Smith’s journey with ServiceNow began in September 2020, a time marked by the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. She was drawn to ServiceNow by three key elements: the readiness for change, the remarkable capabilities of the NOW platform , and the chance to work again with influential tech leader Bill McDermott . With over 25-years of experience in tech and a family deeply rooted in the industry, Smith’s unique perspective and passion for social impact fuel her role as President of ServiceNow.org . Smith’s family...

On March 22, 2022, AfroTech reported that Aliko Dangote added even more to his overall $14 billion net worth by opening a fertilizer plant. The plant — located just outside of Nigeria’s capital city of Lagos — comes in the wake of the rising tensions between Russia and the Ukraine, which threatens to cut of the world’s supply of fertilizer. Because Russia supplies approximately 20 percent of the world’s fertilizer, any loss in the supply chain can result in famine and destitution for the population. And this is something that Aliko Dangote says he hopes to avoid with his new fertilizer plant. “People are begging us to sell [to them],” he said to CNN. “We are very choosy who we sell this product to. We are loading a ship going to US, Brazil, Mexico, India… The EU are trying to buy from us.” More than just being the richest Black man in the world, then, Dangote is someone who is worried about the greater good of his people. Proving that not all billionaires are Marvel supervillains...

A Texas telecom company just lost a $70 million federal discrimination lawsuit. Atlanta Black Star reports that Glow Networks Inc. and its parent company, CSS Corp, exposed nine Black employees — and one white employee who advocated on behalf of his Black co-workers — to what can only be summarized as a hostile work environment tinged with more than a bit of racism. And based on the facts of the case, that’s the height of understatement. “Court documents reveal there were originally fourteen members in the group suing Glow Networks, Inc., alleging that they had ‘both tangible actions, such as terminations and denials of promotions, and on the alleged creation of a hostile work environment,'” reports the outlet. Initially, fourteen employees brought the federal discrimination suit against the telecom company. However, only ten employees ultimately were awarded damages — the other four’s claims were dismissed by the court. For Yarbrough, though, it was the principle of the matter. “We...

Uber and Visa have linked up to support small businesses as the new year continues to unfold. The company has announced its Grants For Growth program which will provide small businesses in 10 U.S. cities with $1 million in funding, according to a press release. The program will be led by Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) with a focus on restaurant recovery and entrepreneurship. “We know that this year has been trying for many and that independently-owned businesses continue to face significant business challenges,” said Sarfraz Maredia, VP of the US and Canada Delivery at Uber in an official press release. “Uber and Visa are committed to supporting SMBs, especially through unexpected events, when they may need us most.”

In efforts to “diversify” the workroom, some companies are hiding behind the gaze of inclusion in hopes of finding a token to enhance their agendas. Joseph B. Hill, a Black Chief Diversity Officer with over 20 years of experience, accepted a new position to serve at Memorial Hermann Health System in the city of Houston as the Vice President, Chief Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Officer. To prepare for a relocation and help Hill find the right home, a real estate agent contracted by Memorial Hermann was hired. Hill noted red flags from the agent as he recalled “unconscious racial bias” being exhibited from the white realtor such as bringing light to a Black-owned clothing store and commenting, “One of those stores over there is owned by a rapper; I don’t know those guys.” Hill also recalled the agent presenting a public golf course as “someplace where you would play,” to wittingly imply he was not welcomed at a private club. Hill, uncomfortable due to the microaggressions, presented...

Yesterday, Dreamscape announced an incoming interactive experience for fans to embark on galactic missions and relive the Hollywood blockbuster “Men In Black.” Dreamscape and Sony Pictures Virtual Reality will re-imagine the comedic sci-fi film with “Men In Black: First Assignment,” on Friday, Oct. 1, 2021, in Los Angeles-based Westfield Century City shopping center. “Location-based VR is an important part of Sony Pictures Virtual Reality’s strategy to grow our brands and expand them to new audiences,” said Jake Zim, Senior Vice President of Virtual Reality for Sony Pictures Entertainment in a press release. “Working with Dreamscape provides us with the unique opportunity to transport people into the immersive world of Men In Black and bring the magic of the franchise to longtime fans and new audiences alike.” Dreamscape announced “Men In Black: First Assignment” will allow six attendees per round to partake in an exhilarating adventure where they will face and defeat incoming...