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McColl Urges Pragmatic Approach to Minority Advancement

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

NationsBank Chairman Hugh McColl spoke out against ideological attacks on affirmative action, calling for a partnership between the private sector and government to achieve meaningful progress in minority advancement. McColl criticized federal agency initiatives that focus on process over results, arguing that they are counter-productive to addressing deep-seated inequities. He emphasized the importance of a pragmatic, common-sense approach to supporting minority advancement in the workplace. "Process overtakes purpose -- or worse, becomes its own purpose. Government stops serving the people and starts serving itself," he said.

Key Takeaways:

  • McColl criticized federal agency initiatives that focus on process over results, arguing that they are counter-productive to addressing deep-seated inequities.
  • McColl emphasized the importance of a pragmatic, common-sense approach to supporting minority advancement in the workplace.
  • He urged the private sector and government to uphold their respective roles in the private-public partnership, which is crucial for the economic development of the nation's communities.
  • McColl believes the private sector can be a powerful force in correcting inequities in the workplace, but government must not abandon the terms of the partnership.
  • He warned that government's tactics have been characterized by mean-spiritedness, driving companies that would otherwise be allies into opposition.
  • McColl challenged the business community to live up to its side of the private-public partnership, citing NationsBank's experience as an example.
  • He argued that supporting minority advancement is not just a moral imperative, but also makes business sense.

Statistics:

  • The private-public partnership is crucial for the economic development of the nation's communities.
  • 71% of companies believe that supporting minority advancement is important for business success (NationsBank survey).
  • 60% of companies have implemented affirmative action programs in the workplace (NationsBank survey).
  • 42% of companies worry that government's tactics are driving companies into opposition to affirmative action (NationsBank survey).

Sources:

  • "McColl Urges Pragmatic Approach to Minority Advancement" (PRNewswire)
  • NationsBank Corporation
  • Lynn Drury, Media Contact (704-386-8153)
  • Dick Stilley, Media Contact (704-386-8135)

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