For Immediate Release: Wednesday, June 22, 2022
Contact: Raviya Ismail, rismail@diversegreen.org, 202-400-1592
Defenders of Wildlife Scrutinized Again for “Nightmare” Work Culture
Washington, D.C. — Defenders of Wildlife has been profiled for its “nightmare” workplace environment that has cultivated a “culture of fear” according to a new Politico news article. This is not the first time the national conservation organization has come under fire for its staff policies. Last year Defenders of Wildlife was publicly rebuked for its treatment of staff of color. Green 2.0 Executive Director Andrés Jimenez issued the following statement:
“Defenders of Wildlife once again is in the spotlight for its pattern of creating a toxic work culture grounded in fear and uncertainty,” Jimenez said. “This is a cycle stemming from top leadership that has created these dynamics. The environmental sector will not be able to do the hard work collectively if organizations are unable to make needed and necessary structural changes internally. Defenders not only must reevaluate their workplace culture, but organizational leaders must look meaningfully at their diversity and inclusion policies as well. If this apathy continues, the headlines won’t stop.”
Green 2.0 is a 501(c)3 independent campaign working to increase racial and ethnic diversity among environmental organizations. Green 2.0 believes in a powerful, winning environmental movement grounded in equity and inclusion. Follow Green 2.0. on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram.