Reps. Gregory W. Meeks and Barbara Lee Introduce the Diversify Tech Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Reps. Gregory W. Meeks (NY-05) and Barbara Lee (CA-12) introduced the Diversify Tech Act which calls for the creation of a task force within the U.S. Department of Commerce. The newly created task force would promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) within the tech industry. 

“The Diversify Tech Act creates a task force to provide clear guidance on how the tech workforce can meet DEIA goals,” said Rep. Meeks. “It’s vital that we continue to make the tech industry more accessible and provide opportunities for people of color who have historically been excluded. Diversity is key to driving innovation and ensuring that products and services incorporate a wide range of perspectives. This is one of many ways we can work to eliminate the long-standing barriers within the tech sector that have stymied the participation of underrepresented minorities on new technological advancements and innovation.”

“I am concerned about the low rate of DEIA representation in the tech sector, yet while representing a disproportionate portion of industry layoffs,” said Rep. Lee. “About 83.3% of tech executives are white and 73.3% are men – diversity, equity, and inclusion in technology is essential in this fast-paced and growing industry in order to reduce the digital divide. People of color have been shut out from the tech industry far too long. The Diversify Tech Act would create a task force within the Department of Commerce to oversee and promote Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility in the Tech industry to ensure there is a robust and diverse pipeline of talent, as well as an industry that is ready and willing to help tech employees of color thrive.”

The task force is responsible for submitting a public report to the President and Congress that details the best practices for DEIA initiatives and evaluates how emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) can be used to promote DEIA in the tech workforce. The task force also promotes minority-owned startups in the tech field by developing outreach programs to inform them of grant opportunities.

Reps. Meeks and Lee are the lead co-sponsors of this bill.

To see the full bill, click HERE. 

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