Workplaces Value DEI

New Hampshire Businesses for Social Responsibility stands in opposition to language of House Bill 544, An Act Relative to the propagation of divisive concepts, which is now amended to the budget in HB 2.  Our vision, New Hampshire will thrive when we engage the power of business and our people to build a sustainable and prosperous state for all, inspires us to stand together to achieve our best.  The ambiguous language of HB 544 included in the budget amendment may appear to be supportive of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), but its intent is to restrict businesses that contract with the state and organizations receiving funding from the state, from offering DEI training to employees as they deem appropriate.

We know that diversity and inclusion build workplace cultures that thrive because of the innovative ideas and supportive environment that are built on inclusion.  We invite businesses, nonprofits and educational institutions around the state to sign onto this letter and raise your voice in support of open and honest exploration of racism and sexism, and in opposition to the restrictions within HB 544's language and its inclusion in the House Budget.

An Open Letter Opposing the Language of House Bill 544 to:

State Representatives

State Senators

Governor Christopher T. Sununu

New Hampshire businesses have been challenged on many levels throughout the pandemic, but the resiliency, loyalty and creativity of our employees have been the critical factors in our ability to survive.   We believe that if enacted HB 544, An Act Relative to the propagation of divisive concepts, will have a chilling impact on our workplaces and on the business climate in New Hampshire, and we raise our voices in opposition to it.  Our experience has shown that:

• Diverse and inclusive work environments support innovative thinking and problem solving.  We value the opportunities that arise from different perspectives and open-minded inquiry.  The success of New Hampshire businesses depends on the ability to attract diverse generational, gender and racial employee groups at all levels within our organizations, and we must constantly work to create an environment that makes all employees feel empowered in their roles. 

• Our businesses, large and small, have seen that inclusive work environments dramatically increase employee retention, which directly impacts our financial bottom line.  Inclusive work environments must be fostered, including enabling open and honest discussions about racism and sexism, implicit bias and how we can eliminate structural racism.

• As a geographically small state, we constantly compete with neighboring states to attract the best talent.  Creating the image that New Hampshire is regressive and intolerant puts us at an economic disadvantage.

• We value each of our employees and their diverse backgrounds.  We strive to foster an environment that lifts the human spirit and helps individuals to achieve their fullest potential within our workplaces and our communities.  This bill would diminish our ability to do so.

House Bill 544 is antithetical to all of these principles.  The now-rescinded federal executive order that this bill seems to emulate was rightly opposed by business groups including the US Chamber of Commerce. HB 544 would not only harm the ability of New Hampshire businesses to be competitive, it would severely harm the state's image as business-friendly, since it stifles the ability of organizations who do business with the state to foster diverse workforces as they see fit.

It is important to explore, inquire and learn from our past as we move to the future.  We cannot shy away from Diversity, Equity and Inclusion training.  It is critical to our understanding and ability to build strong workplaces.

We believe that New Hampshire is poised to thrive as we emerge from the pandemic.  HB 544's language will stymy the brand image of our businesses as well as the state's innovative spirit and economic opportunities.  We believe that HB 544 disadvantages our businesses and tarnishes New Hampshire’s future.

We strongly urge you, our elected representatives, to protect the state, its people, and its businesses from this dangerous and damaging legislation.

Bolded text indicates >100 employees