Trump’s $100K H-1B visa fee creates confusion, concerns for Hoosier companies
Some Hoosier employers are freezing efforts to recruit H-1B workers because they don’t know if the federal government will apply the $100,000 fee to certain applicants.
Diversity Groups
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Sikh group wants probe of gunman’s possible supremacist link
The Sikh Coalition’s request came a day after Indianapolis police released a report stating that an officer who seized a shotgun from Brandon Scott Hole’s home after his arrest in March 2020 saw what he identified as white supremacist websites on Hole’s computer.
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Home dedicated to LGBTQ young adults set to open in Indy
The state’s first dedicated homeless shelter for young adults who identify as LGBTQ will open its doors this year in Indianapolis, providing services that advocates say are desperately needed.
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Black chamber leader calls for more city support
During the coronavirus pandemic—which research shows has disproportionately affected black-owned businesses—the 250-member organization has received no city funding to give loans or grants to its members who were struggling.
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Inside a tech firm’s quest to bolster gender diversity
Genesys launched a companywide gender-diversity-and-inclusion campaign early this year and has made measurable, albeit small, progress since.
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Articles
Ex-Amazon driver sues civil rights agency for dropping her case following executive order
The suit is the latest example of workers scrambling to find recourse as federal agencies abandon their cases in response to Trump’s shake-up of the country’s civil rights enforcement infrastructure.
Business Equity chair says group’s overall mission hasn’t changed with political winds
Central Indiana Corporate Partnership, Indy Chamber and the Indianapolis Urban League are partners in Business Equity for Indy, which launched in 2020 with 11 member companies. Today it has 50.
Alliance aims for equitable placement of EV chargers
A group of Black civil rights organizations is amping up its call for racial equity to be taken into account as state and city leaders decide where to place chargers needed to support the growing number of electric vehicles.
Executive director of Indy Pride organization stepping down
Chris Handberg, executive director of Indy Pride Inc. for the past four years, cited “developments in his professional career” for the decision, Indy Pride said.
2021 Innovation Issue: ‘This is the most traction I’ve ever seen’
Tamara Cypress—of Black Onyx Management, Indy Black Businesses Matter and Indy Accomplice—discussed with IBJ the progress that’s been made on equity and inclusion problems and the challenges that still exist.
Black legislative leaders call for chokehold ban, criminal justice coalition
In a press conference Friday morning outside the Indiana Statehouse, black legislative leaders outlined their suggestions for immediate action that elected officials could take in the wake of ongoing protests of police brutality and racial injustice.
Buttigieg backs black leaders after Indiana event disrupted
Democratic presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg is applauding African-American leaders in his home city for “speaking their truth” after a protester disrupted an event held to demonstrate black support for the mayor in South Bend.
Summer Celebration’s biz conference fits IBE’s economic mission
That might come as a surprise to those who associate the annual event with its higher-profile entertainment, like concerts, celebrity basketball, films and much more. But, in fact, many companies also use IBE’s business conference and exhibitor event to network or access capital.
Merritt still plans to walk in Indy Pride Parade; organizer says he’s still not welcome
Republican mayoral candidate Jim Merritt said Tuesday that he plans to walk in Saturday’s parade “as a private citizen, not as a candidate for mayor” and that his “intention for walking in the pride parade is to show others that, over time, my opinions have progressed and theirs can as well.”
Big names gather to address diversity issues in Indy tech sector
Organizers of the Disrupt Indy—Midwest Tech Diversity Conference said they’re aiming to come up with “actionable solutions.”
The Startup Ladies to adopt paid-membership model
The organization has been helping women entrepreneurs with free resources for three years. But last year, founder Kristen Cooper said, some of the recipients suggested she start charging.
Deputy mayor gears up for tech-diversity conference
Ahead of an inaugural tech-diversity conference next week, Angela Smith Jones, Indianapolis’ deputy mayor of economic development, spoke with IBJ about tech jobs and inclusion.
Indy Pride hires LGBT group’s first executive director
Christoper Handberg will begin his role after a period of growth for the not-for-profit community group.
IUPUI tech-diversity program catches fire
The high school program, which targets girls and minorities, has seen expanded adoption by one participating school, and it’s raised more than $1.5 million in grants and donations over the past year.
Indiana Youth Group buys building for new headquarters
The not-for-profit for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender youth announced Tuesday that it has reached 70 percent of a $2.6 million capital campaign that is getting support from former Angie’s List CEO Bill Oesterle.
Lilly Endowment’s $3.1M grant to help library digitize records
The Indianapolis Public Library Foundation has received a grant from the Lilly Endowment to help it digitize more than 1 million pages of city archives and create a center to study African-American writing and culture.
Sides remain divided on LGBT rights ahead of session
Advocates on both sides of Indiana's debate over the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender residents were unable to make recommendations Tuesday to a committee of lawmakers considering the topic.
Indiana lawmakers to consider LGBT rights recommendations
Indiana state lawmakers plan to convene Tuesday to discuss what recommendations should be made for the upcoming legislative session regarding rights for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender residents.
Indy property management group accused of discriminating against families
The Indianapolis-based company is accused of discriminating against families by imposing occupancy limits regardless of square footage.