Diversity and Inclusion Working Group

April 1, 2021

As an organization devoted to compliance and an ethical business environment, SCCE & HCCA believes in the value of every human life and the fair and respectful treatment of all people as well as compliance with the rule of law. We firmly believe these principles are not mutually exclusive. In fact, both are necessary.

Yet, time and again we see events that seem to pit one against the other. Rather than having civil discussions, we see escalating conflict. As a Minnesota-based organization, SCCE & HCCA witnessed firsthand the unrest stemming from the killing of George Floyd, a Black man, during an arrest by police. Some of our employees were directly affected, while others felt the strong emotions that accompanied the daily developments. It was also a reminder that we should be doing more than making statements; we should be taking action to do our part in making things better.

In June 2020, SCCE & HCCA established a Diversity & Inclusion Working Group made up of veteran compliance and ethics professionals, including members from our board of directors: Odell Guyton, cofounder of SCCE, past president, and longtime board member; and Walter Johnson, second vice president. This group has been discussing the role of the compliance and ethics profession, and therefore the role of this organization, in the ongoing battle for improved workplace environments in relation to race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, and all other aspects of diversity and inclusion.

I couldn’t be happier with the progress this group has made and with the ideas they have provided.

Issues associated with diversity and inclusion are not confined to the human resources department. There are many complex issues, both legal and ethical, that organizations must address to create an open and vibrant workplace, and those issues cross many departments, including the compliance and ethics function.

Diversity in the workplace produces many benefits. I’m not an expert in any of the fields that can explain why this is, so I won’t try, but I know from experience that diverse teams always seem to be more creative in solving problems and generating valuable ideas. This has been the most apparent benefit to me.

Organizations shouldn’t commit to diversity and inclusion because it’s popular or to win someone’s approval. Do it for the right reasons, of which there are many.

View articles published from the Diversity & Inclusion Working Group in April 2021 edition of Compliance & Ethic Professional and Compliance Today magazines on COSMOS.
April 2021 Compliance & Ethics Professional: Diversity-and-Inclusion-Start with Us
April 2021 Compliance Today: Thriving American Workplace Tips for African Americans and Their Allies

Gerry Zack, CEO SCCE & HCCA