Binghamton University signs workplace diversity and inclusion commitment

Binghamton University has joined a growing coalition pledging to advance diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Only one month after 175 CEOs came together to launch the CEO Action for Diversity & Inclusion, more than 100 additional CEOs have taken the pledge, committing themselves — and the organizations they lead — to advance workplace diversity and inclusion.

By signing this commitment, Binghamton pledges to take action to cultivate a workplace where diverse perspectives and experiences are welcomed and respected, and where employees feel encouraged to discuss diversity and inclusion.

“Binghamton University is dedicated to promoting an inclusive working environment through programs and services that engage individuals across campus, said Harvey Stenger, Binghamton University president. “We must continue to communicate with each other.

“I am proud that Binghamton is cultivating a work environment where employees can openly address challenges, present opportunities and share various perspectives.”

PricewaterhouseCoopers (PWC) has led the way in bringing the coalition together. Matthew Singer ’96, PwC financial services partner, said that the coalition has pledged to take action on three common commitments: to continue to cultivate workplaces that support open dialogue about diversity and inclusion, to implement and expand unconscious bias education and to share best known — as well as unsuccessful — actions with each other and with the business community so businesses can learn from each other.

Singer is also PwC’s firm relationship partner with Binghamton University. “We look forward to exploring opportunities where we can partner on diversity initiatives being driven on campus,” he said. “Our recruiting team is readily available to discuss the commitment and how we can work together to continue to advance workplace diversity and inclusion.”

The collective of more than 290 signatories has already shared almost 250 best-known actions, exchanging tangible learning opportunities and creating collaborative conversations via the initiative’s unified hub, CEOAction.com. Continuing this momentum, the signatories will convene at a summit in November to discuss longer-term growth strategies that will advance the agenda.

According to organizers, those joining the pledge are taking a step toward effecting positive change. A diverse and inclusive workforce facilitates community, but also drives innovation and creativity. A recent study by Forbes found that 85 percent of executives surveyed reported that diversity is a key component to fostering innovation.