In response to the ongoing legal attacks on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs and organizations, Congresswoman Maxine Waters (D-CA), the top Democrat on the House Financial Services Committee, convened a Women’s History Month roundtable alongside Committee Democrats, including Representatives Emanuel Cleaver (D-MO), Joyce Beatty (D-OH), Sylvia Garcia (D-TX), and Nikema Williams (D-GA). The roundtable featured Fearless Fund—the nation’s first venture capital firm founded by women of color that invests exclusively in companies owned by women of color — which has been directly impacted by lawsuits; civil rights experts Laura Murphy and Dariely Rodriguez; and renowned social justice advocate Angela Rye. 

Committee Democrats and panelists discussed the impact these recent attacks have had on vulnerable communities, particularly women and persons of color in the financial services space and explored the tools needed to combat these efforts and protect DEI. Under the leadership of Ranking Member Waters, Committee Democrats have been at the forefront, advocating and fighting to ensure greater diversity in the financial services workforce, board room, and beyond.

The roundtable participants discussed several important issues and explored potential solutions to combat efforts to weaken DEI, including:

• Congressional authority to uphold racial equity initiatives;
   
  
• Conducting internal audits to assess diversity and inclusion;
   
  
• The legal framework surrounding diverse hiring practices;
   
  
• And more.
  

Watch the full roundtable HERE.