A bipartisan resolution introduced by U.S. Sens. Rob Portman (R-OH) and Tim Scott (R-SC) would encourage voluntary hiring practices that ensure qualified minorities and underrepresented groups are considered for senior-level positions.
The resolution “encourages each corporate, academic and social entity, regardless of size of field of operation,” to voluntarily develop and institute hiring practices that ensure candidates from underrepresented populations are always considered when selecting business vendors or filling leadership positions.
The resolution is modeled after the National Football League’s “Rooney Rule” and Black Entertainment Television founder Robert L. Johnson’s “RLJ Rule,” which have taken similar steps to encourage diversity in leadership positions.
“Racial discrimination in hiring is unacceptable,” Portman said. “It’s morally wrong and it’s bad business. Employers should give a fair shot to anyone who is qualified and capable to do the job because it’s the right thing to do and because we all benefit when the talents and skills of racial and ethnic minorities are given the opportunity to flourish.”
Scott said it’s known that Americans from every neighborhood and background have the ability to achieve great things.
“When we are hiring in my office, I have made it a priority to ensure our applicant pool is open to as diverse a group of people as possible,” Scott said. “We have seen recent reports regarding the shortage of diverse leaders in both Senate staffing and executive-level staffing across the country, and I believe this resolution is a way to voluntarily tackle that issue.”