Talli Koppel, IntelBy Talli Koppel, Director Global Talent Acquisition Growth and Corporate Groups, Intel
As an Oregonian, I am proud that Oregon State Senator, Jeff Merkley, reintroduced the #EqualityAct. The Equality Act was initially introduced in Congress in 1974. It's terrible that nearly 30-years later, we're still fighting for this critical legislation. This legislation reflects the views of the majority of Americans. In 2019, the Public Religion Research Institute conducted a nationwide survey revealing that nearly seven in ten (69%) Americans favor laws that would protect lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people from discrimination in the job market, public accommodations, and housing.
I believe social equity is having equal respect for all people, regardless of where they live, what they look like, who they believe in, or whom they love. I'm proud to work for a company that shares these beliefs and values. By advancing social equity, Intel will become a better place to work, a more competitive business, and a more dynamic leader in our industry, communities, and society. As a commitment to drive economic equity, Intel is investing in LGBT+ owned businesses as part of our Supplier Diversity Program. Intel is also a founding corporate member of the National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce and has achieved 100% on the HRC Corporate Equality Index for 16 years. These commitments align with our Global Equity Policy Principles and Global Human Rights Principles and are part of our effort to be the most responsible and inclusive company.
Intel is devoted to diversity and inclusion as a central element of our business strategy. We are continually working to advance these values because they drive growth, innovation, retention, and industry leadership. We believe that being inclusive is critical to ensuring we have the right talent. This principle allows individuals to bring their talents in what they do and who they are into a welcoming workplace. The data tells us that fostering inclusion matters and supporting equity for LGBT+ communities is especially important for a growing percentage of our workforce.
Intel's strong support for legislation like the Equality Act aligns with our values and the data. This legislation is good for protecting our nation's values and communities, and it's good for business and innovation. It is past time to amend our civil rights laws to include protections based on sexual orientation and gender identity. I am a fully OUT leader at Intel; it's because of our ongoing commitment in this space that I feel I can be and that I can thrive in my career.